The Parable of the Herb

THE PARABLE OF THE HERB

In my neighborhood there is a small plant that grows in obscure places when left on it’s own. So hearty is this humble plant that it can sprout out from between cement slabs on the sidewalk in the heat of summer. It gets trampled underfoot but that does not discourage this little plant from making it’s bid for the sunshine. It does not require much water and many would take it for a weed.

So powerful is this substance that it has been used with success in treating migraine headaches, insomnia, intestinal parasites, eczema, and anxiety. It is an anti-inflammatory, a blood thinner, an anti spasmodic, a mouthwash, and a sedative.

It also competes with the weeds of the field under non-hospitable circumstances. Yet mother’s through out the ages have given this tea to their colicy babies. Often the only comestible that addicts are given during detox is this tea. It calms their nerves, relieves their muscle spasms, and induces sleep. Cancer patients are relieved of  the painful mouth sores that come as a result of their chemo treatments.

“So what is this little miracle herb?” you may ask.

It is chamomile, common chamomile.

Every time I see a scraggly little bit of the herb breaking through the cracks in the sidewalk my heart sings.

Why? Because it prophesies to me that hardship has meaning, and that in my hardship I have the potential to be much like this rugged little plant. I can bring peace, truth and healing. I can calm those who are distraught and I can serve others who are suffering.

There is something about harsh environments that have the potential to produce sweetness and power. My prayer is that I can live into that sweetness and power.

Jesus said, “You are the light of the world.”

Gandhi said, “Be the change you want to see.

Deborah says, “Be the Chamomile! Allow your struggle and your pain to make you even sweeter still.”

Thanks for reading. See you next time!