Set Apart

This is the scenery from my kitchen eating nook. A cluster of Black-eyed Susans sitting on the far side of our patio wall. As the green foliage began to emerge earlier this summer, I looked forward to the blooms. To my surprise, amidst all the yellow and black, a pretty Purple Coneflower unfurled.

There are no other Echinacea planted nearby; the closest is some 20 yards away. Last summer’s blooms didn’t include this unexpected visitor. Every morning, as I survey the yard over a cup of tea, my gaze lingers on this sight. I try to make sense of it, waxing philosophical. 

It’s been a bit of an encouragement to me, honestly. This brave Coneflower wears her purple with bravado amongst her bright yellow-orange peers. Perhaps I want to stand in solidarity with her, as one of just a few friends whose gray hair stands out against a backdrop of colored tresses. Even more, I reflect on how difficult it can be as a Christian to not conform to the world’s standards, bowing our theology and doctrine to the way of the culture — all under the guise of being ‘relevant.’

This little Coneflower stands proud, growing on her own stalk amongst the Susans, rooted beneath the layers of mulch and drinking of the soil’s nourishment. May we, too, dig deep into our faith so that we might stand tall, stretching heavenward and directing the gaze of onlookers to our King.

I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.
— John 17:14 ESV

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.
— Romans 1:16 ESV

Can you think of a way to be ‘set apart’ for the Lord today? How does this purple beauty encourage you?

Posted in Faith, Growth, Perseverence, Sanctification and tagged ,

2 Comments

  1. Steph on August 1, 2013 at 4:50 pm

    You will be surprised at how it will multiply and your blessings multiply too! Paramount sub had the same thing, coneflower has grown and multiplied and is muchbigger, and I am always so blessed by that neighborhood, with friends and family gatherings, like the one comeing up on Aug 6, where my beloved Mamaw and Uncle Mark will be here for, see…..BLESSINGS!!



  2. Susan Stilwell on August 2, 2013 at 11:07 am

    Love that shot, Kirsten. It reminds me to be “IN the world, but not OF the world.” Easier said than done sometimes, but always worth the effort.