Author Darlene J. Conard

Roses are not just flowers; they are symbols of beauty and grace, captivating the hearts of many with their enchanting allure. Their elegance often distracts us from the sharp, hook-shaped thorns that line their sturdy stems. Each gentle caress of those velvety petals is a risk, a chance taken in the pursuit of beauty. In many ways, roses epitomize life’s duality—a double-edged sword, if you will.

My grandmother had an immense appreciation for roses, transforming her yard into a vibrant tapestry of colors and fragrances. I often found my fingers drawn to their soft petals, unable to resist their charm. But the allure came with a price; my innocent touches turned into painful lessons, leaving my fingers a bloody mess from the thorns that guarded such beauty. I quickly learned the vital lesson: admire from a distance, for the beauty of roses can lead to unexpected pain.

Years ago, I stumbled upon a song titled “The Rose,” penned by Amanda McBroom and brought to life by Bette Midler. I watched a breathtaking orchestra perform this haunting melody on YouTube, yet something in me recoiled. Perhaps it was the bittersweet truth that love, like roses, can be both beautiful and painful. It struck me that everything has its boundaries and hidden perils.

Some believe that becoming a Christian equates to walking through a bed of roses, blissfully untouched by life’s trials. However, this perspective often reveals itself as a mere illusion, viewed from a safe distance. True understanding only comes from engaging with that bed of roses, where one learns that it’s not the idyllic paradise imagined. As scripture reminds us, God’s word is a double-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12). Life’s rain—both the showers of joy and the storms of hardship—falls on both the just and the unjust alike; yet we will not bleed alone.The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob promises to reveal Himself to us, walking through the trials hand in hand (Matthew 5:45).

In the heart of this metaphor lies Jesus, the Rose of Sharon, who bore the weight of thorns yet remains unblemished by them. He experienced the sharp pain of the crown of thorns, a testament to His love for us. This is the Rose we can—or rather, should—adorn with our deepest affections.

“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, since ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy” (1 Peter 4:12-13 KJV). KJV

Feel free to forward it to anyone you wish.  My mission is to encourage everyone to follow our Lord Jesus Christ with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength. ©Darlene J. Conard Vision Ministries 2024.   This may not be republished or used without the author’s written consent. The photograph is AI-generated. Darlene J. Conard is also affiliated with Glory Carrier Ministries.

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