Birds of Paradise
My sister’s absolute favourite flower - and that inspired me to take this picture (on February 10th) that you see here. The plant was sitting just outside our apartment block in Umhlanga Rocks, that we stayed at that time. I took it for her, but now a little over a week later I sit and stare at this image and feel so many inspired emotions and thoughts about it’s unique and dynamic beauty, strength and the character it has. And how much of that I see in myself, and the people around me. Including my amazing sister…
It tells a beautiful story - and it feels like it’s giving clues about life, the world, about the past, future and the right now. It’s trying to show you where you should be going, where your hope should be, what you should be expecting for your life and what is possible when you live outside your comfort zone, without fear of judgement, acceptance, or fear of failure..
This is one of my favourite verses in the bible:
1 John 4: 18
“There is no fear in love; instead, perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. So the one who fears has not reached perfection in love.”
How perfect does God’s love show in this flower??
It has reached the ultimate perfection because it lives and blooms in LOVE.
“The Flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of them all.” - Disney’s Mulan
What fascinates me more is that, especially in South Africa, you will find these plants everywhere - they are very tough plants. You won’t easily just break off one of it’s flowers, except if you are cutting them intentionally - then you will bring big scissors or a sharp knife. But every flower you find, will be different from the one next to it. So every flower has it’s own character, so much beauty. I see that in people too…
So, today I encourage you to take a look at this picture, contemplate on the flower for a few minutes, and write down what you feel in your heart. I know that God will put the right words in your heart. Just trust in Him.
You are welcome to share your findings with me, I would love to hear what you got!
Much love and blessings
Larissa x
