Root System
They shall be like a tree planted by water, sending out its roots by the stream. It shall not fear when heat comes, and its leaves shall stay green; in the year of drought it is not anxious, and it does not cease to bear fruit. – Jeremiah 17:8 (NRSV)
I read these words and can’t help but think of the literal trees still standing in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria. La Ceiba stripped of her bark, yet standing firm, roots spread wide and long. Deep. So deep.
I re-read Jeremiah’s affirmation and think of the people, four years after Maria, still living under blue tarp roofs yet boldly holding on to their roots, their culture, their business and their land as vulture capitalists, gentrifiers and greedy corporations ravage the island.
I feel the prophet’s message and I reflect on my own roots:
Root System
deep, broad, wide
there before me
here, connecting, life-source
even when I don’t acknowledge it
planted firmly
even when I feel alone
Root System
deep, broad, wide
doing its work
its part
grounding
nourishing
strengthening
harboring
Root System
deep, broad, wide
sprouting boldly from the earth
reaching fragrantly towards the sky
beautifully displaying a deep essence
Root System
deep, broad, wide
emitting grace and wisdom
granting me permission to, as Martha Graham said,
“respond to this world with queer divine dissatisfaction”
to present my truth unapologetically
to imagine with my Creator and my Ancestors
to declare with the earth, the sky, the sun and the water
the astounding possibility
of knowing love
Root System
deep, broad, wide
expansive
accessible
available
come—listen to what it has to say:
You are beloved.
Prayer
Thank you, God, for a rooting us in your love. Amen.
About the AuthorMarilyn Pagán-Banks (she/her/ella) is a queer womanist freedom fighter gratefully (though not always gracefully) serving as executive director of A Just Harvest, Senior Pastor at San Lucas UCC, and adjunct professor at McCormick Theological Seminary. She is a joyful contributor to The Words of Her Mouth.