"Strong Enough to Bend"

Our trees have finally lost their leaves. It is rare here to have leaves on the trees till November. We had unusually warm weather in September and when the frosts finally came the leaves froze and did not have a chance to change color. That, in itself is not unusual as it often happens when the frosts come early at the end of August or in September. But this year summer started late and then so of course did fall. After a few windy days the branches on the trees are visible again.

I took some pictures of our crab apple tree, this is the best one.

I used to feel sad for this tree that has had all but the biggest branches curved and turned eastward by our fierce westerly winds. Now I see its strength and flexibiltity. There is a country song called "Strong Enough to Bend". It is about a relationship between a man and a woman, but could be about siblings and friends as well, and compromise.

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." Ephesians 4:29-32

(The video of Tanya Tucker singing "Strong Enough to Bend" is down below if you're are interested. Turn off the playlist at the bottom of the blog before clicking on the video.)

"Strong Enough To Bend"

There's a tree out in the back yard,
That never has been broken by the wind.
And the reason it's still standing
It was strong enough to bend.

For years we have stayed together,
As lovers and as friends.
What we have will last forever
If we're strong enough to bend.

When you say somethin' that you can't take back,
A big wind blows and you hear a crack.
When you say "Hey, well, I might be wrong,"
You can sway with the wind till the storm is gone.

Like a tree
Out in the back yard,
That never has been broken by the wind.
Our love
Will last forever,
If we're strong enough to bend.

When you start thinkin' that you know it all,
A big wind blows and a branch will fall.
When you say "Hey, this job takes two,"
We can sway with the wind till the skies turn blue.

Like the tree
Out in the back yard,
That never has been broken by the wind.
Our love
will last forever,
If we're strong enough to bend.
Our love
will last forever,
If we're strong enough to bend.

by Tanya Tucker

Here is the 1988 Tanya Tucker video. Her father is in this video and her boy friend at that time who apparently left her one day when it all became too much. I guess he wasn't strong enough to bend.