Atlanta is often described as the city in the woods. In essence, the trees have been granted rights to survive and observe the lives of those residing in the city. Productive people and surviving trees coexist in an environment dominated and dictated by man.
But in Jamaica, it seems nature is not content with observation like the magnolias of Georgia. The palms of Kingston cannot tolerate meekness or silence. They earnestly beg every person to bow and believe in a divine God who brings genuine hope.
For God created these 200ft palms that are large and magnificent. They are wild and exclamatory. They demonstrate truth for the people crossing their path within Hope Gardens.
They’ve been created to proclaim Psalm 92 all of their days.
Yes! Look how you’ve made all your lovers to flourish like palm trees, each one growing in victory, standing with strength.
You’ve transplanted them into your heavenly courtyard, where they are thriving before you. For in your presence they will still overflow and be anointed. Even in their old age they will stay fresh, bearing luscious fruit and abiding faithfully.
Listen to them! With pleasure they still proclaim:
“You’re so good! You’re my beautiful strength! You’ve never made a mistake with me.”
Psalm 92:12-15
I have been unable able to deny the beauty of Jamaica and how it reveals the majesty of God. Seeking the untouched corners of the world apart from the man-made certainly reveals His glory. But how much more encouraging when paired with the Word. Palms that look like nothing I’ve ever seen, still only a window into a greater truth revealed by the scriptures.
They’re not just large, but victorious and strong. As I am also in Christ.
They’re not just thriving, but anointed and overflowing from His precious and unending Presence. As I am also in Christ.
They’re not just bearing fruit, but refreshed, full of faith and bearing fruit that is exceptionally pleasing to God. As I am in Christ.
They’re not just full of praise. But shouting without reserve! “God is good! God is my strength in the most beautiful way. I am not a mistake, but a Child of God!”
As I am in Christ.
“And this hope is not a disappointing fantasy, because now we can experience the endless love of God cascading into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who lives in us! For when the time was right, the Anointed One came and died to demonstrate his love for sinners who were entirely helpless, weak and powerless to save themselves.”
Romans 5:5-6
And so, this experience at Hope Gardens, transported me to one more place. I imagine the crowds on Palm Sunday. Upon hearing of Jesus, bringing palms as a representation of the hope found only in Him.
In my heart, I take these newfound palms. I know them now to be ten times the size. I bring them forth for Jesus who is, yet again, bigger than I could ever imagine. And so I echo their equally passionate shouts, declaring in celebration:
“Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Blessed is the King of Israel!”
John 12:13
Peace of Jamaica 