Roots Grow in the Dark: Strength You Don't See Yet
FEBRUARY Mini-Series: Roots of New Strength
🌿 Roots Grow in the Dark: Strength You Don’t See Yet
“He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season.” — Psalm 1:3
There is a quiet miracle happening beneath the soil while winter sits heavily.
Long before flowers bloom… before leaves stretch toward the sun… before anyone notices change at all… roots are growing. Deep. Steady. Hidden. I look outside at our barren, brown landscape and wonder when it will be green again. When the cornfield across the road stands tall, when its husks rustle in the breeze, I experience the growth that God creates.
🌱 Growth Begins Where We Cannot See
Children understand this better than we think.
When a child plants a seed, they don’t see anything at first. The dirt looks the same. Nothing seems to be happening. But underneath, something important is taking place. Tiny roots are reaching downward, searching for water, finding strength, anchoring the plant so one day it can grow tall and strong.
Hearts grow this way too.
Sometimes children feel sad, worried, or unsure. Sometimes they are healing from loss, fear, or big changes they cannot fully explain. On the outside, it may look like nothing is changing. No big smiles yet. No bright “blooms.” Just quiet days. Waiting.
But inside? Roots are growing.
Every time a child talks about their feelings…
Every time they whisper a prayer…
Every time they feel safe, loved, and held…
Strength is growing where no one can see it yet.
God does some of His most beautiful work in the dark places.
Just like roots grow underground, courage grows in tender hearts. Faith grows in small prayers. Hope grows in tiny moments, such as a gentle hug, a kind word, a peaceful night’s sleep, a flicker of light after a hard day.
And one day, slowly, suddenly, something new begins to bloom.
A smile comes easier.
Laughter returns.
Peace settles in.
The roots were growing all along.
Hearts often grow the same way: quietly, gently, and unseen.
🌱 Truths for Children
If you cannot see hope yet, it does not mean it isn’t growing. God is working in your heart, even in quiet and hidden ways.
💛 Simple Reflection for Children (Ages 4–10)
You might ask a child:
What do roots do for a plant?
Can you see roots when they grow?
What helps you feel strong inside?
When do you feel safe with God?
🎨 Drawing Idea
Invite children to draw a big flower above the ground… and strong roots underneath. In the roots, they can draw or write:
Love
Prayer
Family
God
Hope
Kindness
Safe places
People who care for them
Explain to the child that these are the roots helping your heart grow strong.
“God is with you wherever you go.” — Joshua 1:9 (simplified)
👉 For Parents and Caregivers:
Growth may be quiet, but your steady love, listening ear, and safe presence are helping roots grow stronger each day.
Next week, we will explore how strong roots help new courage grow.
📚 More Hope-Filled Resources, Just for You
Check out my website at https://marygracejohnsonauthor.com and download the “Seven Affirmations of Hope” for free.
I also have two collaborative books available on Amazon:
Hope for the Holidays: Stories and Traditions for a Peaceful Season (2024) and the new 365-day devotional, A Year of Hope (2025).
🔜 To be released this spring!
And the Sun Came Up: A True Story of Grief and Hope, my picture book
An accompanying hope activity journal, Sunlight for the Soul: A Hope Journal for Kids Walking Through Sadness (ages 4-10)
🎉 I will be looking for launch team members to participate in this book release where there will be giveaways, behind-the-scenes updates, and early access to the book!
