Dry, brittle, and dehydrated are the branches of the Rose of Jericho. To the unknowing eye, it looks like a curled up dead plant in the dry season. Like just another organism that failed to exist. Yet, the unknowing eye is wrong. 
The symbolism of this flower is resilience
I speak about resilience a great deal. This is because I’m constantly reminded that it is a quality that is needed for my survival. Coasting in life is easy when things are happening according to planned. We don’t question our survival. We bloom. Happy with our water, soil, and glorious sunlight. But when we feel like we’ve lost control of our situation, which is something we’re really never in control of in the first place, we tend to question our survival.
What about when the rainfalls are too heavy, and your soil is saturated with water. Your roots can’t take in anymore. Or strong winds knock you over, uproot you, and you’re tumbling to an unknown place. What happens if you end up in the desert? Blown around by hot air and sand. Drained by the sun. Scorched and in desiccation. 
The unforetold circumstances of life can and will topple us. They will push us to our absolute limits. However, there is one act in life of which we always maintain control. That is the decision to quit or fight through.
In this garden of life, I choose to be a Rose of Jericho. A flower than can withstand being buried by desert sands for decades. And when the dunes blow away and unearth this plant, it rides the winds in hopes of reaching a desert oasis or feeling the desert rain. Then it can once again bloom and spread its seeds to create more resilient life. I know my trials are not over and there are more obstacles ahead, but I am thankful for finding the desert rain. I am happy that while I ventured through a dry patch in my life I was able to see that love from the people around me was my true oasis. Not a mirage or a hallucination. Real love from real people. Now, it is time that I usher in new resilient life. 
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AuthorFaith Underwood Archives
January 2023
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