Prescribed burning is an ecological tactic to stimulate plant growth through controlled burns that clear debris and dead foliage. The roots remain intact stimulating growth that is fresh, vital, and healthy. In our hymn “Spirit of Life” Carolyn McDade writes one of my favorite lines – “Roots hold me close, wings set me free.” The balance of these two poles is the basis of our American faith.

It can be difficult to ask for help, especially if we ask in places with roots attached to old growth – family, religion, culture. Yet when we need strength and resilience, these are the places we turn, or at least wish we could turn. How do we create a fire that removes overgrowth but keeps our roots in tact?

Come Sunday, prepared to burn for the sake of vitality.