Photo and story by Tina Kramer
A silver rose forcefully pushes forward to the front of my memory, demanding my attention.
The image is so strong and persistent.
Where have I seen it before?
Perhaps on a necklace? No.
Maybe on a barrette? No.
Searching through the closets of my past, I am left in the dark as to where this memory fits into my story.
Days pass, and still the silver rose persists on the screen of my thoughts. So often does it come to mind, as if Someone is trying to communicate an important message to me.
One morning while resting in bed, listening to my playlist, I ponder the various places of my past. I am standing in kitchen after kitchen, feverishly searching for the silver rose.
Kitchen after kitchen,
Drawer after drawer,
Searching until at last a form comes into view.
A silver spoon, and on the spoon is a SILVER ROSE!
Yes, of course! How could I forget my aunt Barb’s silverware set? After my father’s death in 1980, my aunt raised me along with her other four children. I must have set the table with that silverware hundreds of times. But why has God brought this memory to mind?
Weeks later while flipping the pages of my baby book, I see a curious card. On the card is the phrase: “Mighty like a Rose.” This phrase seems so unusual and odd to be on a card for a baby. As I research this phrase, I discover this detail: “’Mighty Lak’ a Rose” is a 1901 song with lyrics by Frank Lebby Stanton . . .. The lyrics are written in an approximation of an African American accent as a “dialect song,’ and the title thus means ‘mighty like a rose.’ It was often sung as a lullaby”.1
Roses do not appear very mighty to me. Why would someone attribute the word “mighty” to a rose?
“Roses have long symbolized hope and resilience, embodying the strength and beauty that arise from adversity. This symbolism is deeply rooted in their ability to thrive in various environments, enduring harsh conditions while maintaining their elegance. The rose’s ability to bloom even in challenging circumstances serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience inherent in nature and humanity alike. This connection to hope and perseverance makes roses an ideal gift for encouraging and uplifting those facing difficult times.
Throughout history, roses have been associated with stories of endurance and triumph. In literature and folklore, they often represent the victory of good over evil, the persistence of love in the face of challenges, and the renewal that follows hardship. This symbolism resonates with people across cultures, providing comfort and inspiration during times of uncertainty and change”.2
By the way, guess who sent this card to my mother Irene back in 1971? My aunt Barb! Who knew that 53 years later that card would be such a blessing to me!
Love you, Barb. You are such a treasure!
Prayer
Thank you, God, for this reminder to help me continue to persevere and bloom in the midst of hard times!
“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him” (James 1:12).
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mighty_Lak%27_a_Rose#:~:text=%22Mighty%20Lak%27%20a%20Rose%22%20is%20a%201901,title%20thus%20means%20%22mighty%20like%20a%20rose%22. ↩︎
- https://www.bloomsybox.com/blog/posts/the-history-and-symbolism-of-roses-why-they-re-the-perfect-gift ↩︎
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