I have always thought that the lotus flower is beautiful and somehow mysterious. Not until recently did I learn the dark and harrowing life they live. See, a lotus flower can only grow in the right soil but it’s not what one would think. Most flowers have to have well balanced, properly fertilized soil. A lotus seed sprouts against all odds in the murkiest, funkiest, contaminated mush for soil. Once the seed has sprouted, it has to battle its way through other roots, trash, rocks, and barriers only to emerge into murky fish filled swamp water. Then they press on towards the bright surface while prayerfully avoiding being someone’s lunch. After waging war to the surface, the lotus bud opens slowly, cautiously, easing out one petal at a time until the sun’s rays hit every single petal of this unblemished blossom. Even though the lotus had to fight for every inch, the flower itself emerges unscathed and perfect, boldly presenting itself to the world.

This is our journey, too. We land in the muck, courageously sprout and (sometimes reluctantly) fight our way to the dawn. But like the lotus, if we just keep easing our way through the barriers and past the predators, we will always blossom proudly on the surface where others will witness our glory and the success of our journey. We will stand unscathed for all to see and for many to follow after. We are a prize, blossoming to show the way for others behind us and we greet those who went before us.

Press forward, seek the light, and blossom boldly my friends.

Sarah Deats

Sarah Deats is the Hope Inc. Stories Inspiration Engineer. Her goals are to make a connection with everyone that she can while building community, spreading hope, and sparking change. She believes that while life may not be easy, it is never lived alone.