The Sequoia National Park in California has some Sequoia trees that are over 300 feet tall – the size of a 30-story building. The Sequoia trees have relatively shallow root systems for as tall as they are. This is why you don’t see many Sequoias standing alone; they stand in groves. The roots of Sequoia trees entwine and together the added support prevents winds from uprooting any one tree. Separate and standing apart from the rest, a Sequoia wouldn’t last very long – with its shallow roots, it would fall prey to the harsh winds which blow against the Sierra Mountains.

We can learn a lot from these trees. We might look strong, we may seem independent, but any thinking person knows he/she simply can’t survive apart from the body of family, or being independent of his/her work colleagues. When bitter winds of adversity blow, we need the support of each other. We are engineered so that we require the intertwining of genuine give-and-take friendship. When the storms of devilish opposition began howling around us ask for help.

Think of great people who have sought help and support in the midst of their trials.Abraham Lincoln comes to mind. Throughout the adversity he faced of failed senate bids, failed businesses, he sought help. If one of the greatest U.S. statesmen seeks help and guidance in times of trial, then how much more do we need our brothers and sisters in hard times!

Encourage one another and build each other up, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Who is timid? Who is the friend who is weak? Create a “Sequoia grove” around that individual today. Think of creative ways you can help intertwine your good ‘root system’ to help your neighbour or co-worker who needs support.