Speaker, Life Coach, Teacher
The Crooked Tree and the Gift of Support

The Crooked Tree and the Gift of Support

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There’s something about a crooked tree that captures my heart.

It doesn’t grow straight or tall in the way we expect. It twists and bends, shaped by storms, harsh winds, difficult seasons, and the weight of time. Yet somehow, it still stands. Strong. Rooted. Alive. Often more beautiful because of the very things that tried to break it.

Isn’t that so much like us?

Life has a way of shaping us—through loss, disappointment, illness, broken relationships, and quiet struggles no one else sees. And yet, by God’s grace, we are still standing. Still growing. Still reaching toward the light.

“The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon.”
— Psalm 92:12

Even when we feel crooked, God is still at work.

The First Tree That Taught Me a Lesson

As I reflect over all the Christmas trees Hank and I have shared during our 57 years together… my favorite was our very first tree.

It wasn’t full or perfectly shaped. It leaned. It was a little crooked. But it taught me a valuable lesson I’ve carried with me ever since.

That first tree represented new beginnings, hope, and trust. We didn’t have much, but we had each other—and we had faith. It wasn’t about appearances; it was about love, gratitude, and learning to see beauty through God’s eyes.

And here’s what made it special:
We didn’t change the crooked tree—we supported it.

We used a fishing line to help it stand. The line was invisible, but the support was real. You couldn’t see what was holding it up, but without that quiet support, it wouldn’t have stood as strong.

“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.”
— Zechariah 4:10

That tree taught me that support doesn’t have to be seen to make a difference.

This Season, Who Needs a Fishing Line?

I recently heard the phrase be a fishing line for someone else, and it brought me right back to that first Christmas tree.

A fishing line doesn’t draw attention to itself. It doesn’t force change. It simply offers steady, gentle support—holding someone up when they feel like they might fall.

As we enter this season, it’s important to remember that while Christmas is a joyful time for many, it can also be a deeply sad and lonely time for others. Empty chairs. Silent phones. Memories that ache. Grief that feels heavier when the world around us is celebrating.

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
— Galatians 6:2

Take notice of the people around you. Who seems quieter than usual? Who might need a phone call, a handwritten card, a warm invitation, or simply someone to listen?

Sometimes being a fishing line is simply showing up—without trying to fix, change, or straighten what God is still shaping.

Seeing Through God’s Eyes

Jesus was always aware of the people others overlooked—the lonely, the brokenhearted, the ones standing on the edges of the crowd.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
— Psalm 34:18

When we slow down and truly see people, God often places us in their lives for a reason—not to repair them, but to remind them they are loved.

Your quiet presence may be the invisible line holding someone steady.
Your kindness may be the support they didn’t know how to ask for.

The Crooked Tree Still Gives Shade

The beauty of the crooked tree is this: even with its bends and scars, it still provides shade. It still offers shelter. It still stands as a testament to resilience and grace.

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”
— Hebrews 10:24

You don’t have to be perfect to support someone else.
You simply have to be willing.

This season, ask yourself:

  • Who might need quiet support?
  • Who doesn’t need fixing—but encouragement?
  • How can I be an invisible fishing line of hope?

Slow down.
 Look around.
 Someone is leaning.

Gentle Reflection:

As you move through this season, who might God be placing in your path that needs quiet support—not to be fixed, but to be gently held?

A Christmas Blessing

As we celebrate this holy season, may we remember that love is the greatest gift we can give—especially the kind that is unseen.

Wishing you a beautiful Christmas, and a New Year filled with joy, good health, renewed hope, and God’s gentle blessings.

Blessings,
 Marie

16 Comments

  1. Luisa
    Reply

    I remember a very difficult time in my life where I needed encouragement. You did that for me in so many ways… I still remember those special cards that I received every month. Thank you my special friend

  5. Joyce Hemingway
    Reply

    Marie,
    So beautifully written and very true. Thank you for your friendship and sharing this. I would also love to share with the widows group at my church.
    Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and Hank. In the airport on my way to NJ to see the kids.

  7. MaryAlice Davis
    Reply

    Marie, I absolutely love this!!! With your permission. May I share it on Facebook and then individually with the widows from the widows group? It is so important for our personal healing to be reaching out to others. Thank you for your wise words. You are always an encouragement to me. ❤️🙏

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