Russian Olive
On remaining steadfast when everything tries to change you
Russian Olive gets a rather bad rap out here in Eastern Washington.
It’s an aggressive colonizer, it’s very prickly, and it tends to dominate the riparian areas, out-competing native trees and shrubs. Farmers don’t like it because it’s both drought and spray-resistant, as well as potentially being a ‘water hog.’ When your climate is arid, and you’re trying to grow crops or grass for livestock, it can be frustrating when invasive plants begin taking over, and resist management!
In many ways, I find the Russian Olive to exemplify the Apostle Paul’s call to resist being conformed to the world:
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
(Romans 12:12)
As Christians, we come under immense pressure — Jesus even warned us that we would suffer persecution just as He did (John 15:20) — and it’s only gotten more intense in recent years. It seems that everything in the world is desperately trying to throw us off course, keep us from speaking up, corrupt our morals, and drag us into blind agreement with the works of the enemy. Everything, from music to movies, from politics to even our professions, seems to challenge and erode the very values we hold to.
Our challenge, as Believers in a rapidly darkening world, is to hold fast.
Hold fast to what is right and true and Good.
Hold fast to our faith.
Hold fast to Jesus.
And… resist.
Much like how the Russian Olive resists being sprayed with noxious chemicals, or cut down with chainsaws, or ripped out of the ground, or otherwise ‘managed.’ The Russian Olive just keeps growing, keeps spreading, and keeps blooming in just the way it was designed to, thank-you-very-much.
It is beautiful and fragrant in the summer with it’s soft yellow blooms and silvery-blue leaves.
In the end, being who we are called to be is worth it, and is very, very beautiful.
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. From now on there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but to all who crave His appearing.
(2 Timothy 4:7-8)
“Russian Olive,” 5x7 inches; watercolor
$135 USD