Rooted.
Writing this week’s blog felt harder than usual.
Normally, I look back over the previous week and let something rise to the surface—sometimes my feelings, sometimes memories from my past, sometimes a lesson God has been gently teaching me. But this week? I felt like I had nothing. Total writer’s block. Every time I sat down to write, it felt forced, like I was pulling random thoughts out of thin air. I rewrote three different blogs, trying to find the one that resonated with my soul—and hopefully with yours too.
Then, I realized what was missing.
Our church just started a new series in the book of Colossians called Rooted. We’ve only just begun, so I don’t yet know everything this series will cover, but I do know this: the word rooted immediately hit home.
I talk often on our podcast about growing up in a Southern Baptist church. Church wasn’t optional—it was life. Two services on Sundays, Sunday school, Bible study on Wednesdays, choir practice, visiting other churches… it felt nonstop. As a child, I didn’t understand it. If I’m being honest, I was annoyed.
Now, as an adult, it makes for great storytelling—especially when talking with others who grew up the same way. But more than that, I see something deeper. I see roots.
Going to church week after week rooted something in me long before I even understood what a relationship with Christ truly meant. Those roots were planted by my mom and dad. They raised me to be rooted in Christ, even when I didn’t fully grasp it, and I am so thankful for that foundation.
As I’ve grown older, those roots have only gone deeper.
I’m thankful that each year my relationship with God matures, stretches, and strengthens. I’m excited to learn just how deep my relationship with Him can truly go. I already see such a difference when I look at my 38-year-old self compared to my 28-year-old self. I’ve always loved God. I’ve always gone to Him for strength. But now, I can honestly say my faith feels less selfish.
In this season, I want my branches to reach outward.
I want my root system to continue growing deeper, anchoring me firmly in Christ—but I also want my branches to extend and reach those around me. I want others to experience a deep, life-giving relationship with Him too.
I want what God has done in me to overflow into the lives of others.
So, even though this week started with confusion, silence, and a whole lot of rewriting, I’m grateful. I’m grateful that church happened Sunday. I’m grateful for this new series. I’m grateful that God met me right where I was—blank page and all—and reminded me where I’m rooted.
As we walk through this series together, I’m excited to learn more about who God is and what He has for us. I’m excited to discover just how deep my roots truly go. And my hope is that as I learn, I’ll be able to share those insights with you—that maybe, along the way, something here helps strengthen your roots too.
God's Love and Mine,
Carrie
