Flower or Weed? Do You Really Know?

     Earlier this spring, I planted some seed for a “moon flower” in a medium size pot. Admittedly, I overplanted knowing that the seeds were harvested several years ago in 2002. It seemed a little doubtful, but, I planted them anyway with some hope they would sprout. To my excitement a small plant pushed through the soil and I assumed it was from my seed. So, over the coming weeks, I watered it and fed it as it grew. My expectations grew as the plant grew.

    My curiosity began to grow as the plant did not take on the characteristics of what I remembered of the moon plant from years ago. Had I been fooled? The stalk had a deep red or purplish tint. The leaves did not become variegated as I remembered the moon plant. Yes, there are many types of moon plants or datura as they are known. However, this plant was not developing as I had seen moon plants in years past. Finally, as I was driving out of the driveway, I noticed a tall plant in a flower bed similar to the plant in my pot. That plant was a weed! The plant in my pot was a weed! For weeks, I had been taking care of a weed! What a realization! I had watered and fed this plant and not known it was a weed. What is the real name? I am not sure. However, it is not a moon plant or datura that I expected.  

      Here is what I grew…

     Here is a picture of what I expected…

   My interest in gardening had begun years ago. I had for the most part, been able to grow and cultivate flowers and vegetables. But, to realize that I had grown and taken care of a weed – for weeks was a little shocking and humbling, to say the least.      

     Has this ever happened to anyone else? Have you expected one thing and received another? This mistaken identity reminded me that sometimes things don’t turn out like you expect them or hope they will be. Seeds do get mixed into potting soil and plants sprout in unexpected places. Events can and do turn the direction of a person’s life and their lives can go in a completely different direction.

     As in many areas, we get surprises in life. When I joined the church in Greenville, SC in 1992, I had no idea how things would change and new practices and doctrines would “spring up” in places of life, totally unexpected. The growing relationship between the leaders of that church and Jane and Sam Whaley of Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) in Spindale, NC would change the lives of many as the years passed. Certainly, the relationship between the churches was watered and fertilized with the many hours spent on the road traveling to NC and back, time in meetings of several types and even staying in the homes of WOFF members during week long seminars. The expectations of a “higher place in God” were preached over and over and the goal was continually moved forward as more and more rules were added in order to “walk with God”.   

    As other former members have confirmed, the journey of WOFF members was full of fears and many surprises. The “harvest” that has been produced from the years at WOFF is like none that would have been expected. The “fruit” of the resulting family divisions changed the course of many lives. For some the flower became a weed. For others at WOFF, their “plant” has not been identified- yet.  

    Please, consume the information on this site responsibly. The author is not a licensed mental health professional and encourages those that need professional help to seek it. The intent of the material is to inform and be a resource. Be sure to tell every member that you know at WOFF about this blog. There are readers at WOFF. Comments are invited from all readers, including present or former members. Polls are not scientific and no private information is gathered.

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      (Please, take time to read the Terms of Use for this personal blog. As mentioned, the information about WOFF is from my memories and recollections as perfect as that may be or not be. ) Scripture references are Amplified Version unless otherwise noted. (Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation ) This is post number 151.