We recently had cousins visit us in Central California from the East Coast. We decided to take them for a day trip to one of our favorite spots — Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. They call this intersection of two national parks the “land of the giants,” characterized by magnificent mountains, frolicking foothills, expansive canyons, caves and caverns, and the world’s largest trees.

I love taking visitors to see the sequoia groves because these trees always preach a sermon about community and resilience.

The scent in the air always serves as the first signal we have arrived in the forest sanctuary. Despite the chill outside, I rolled down the window so we could drink in the delicious aroma. A trove of tree trunks rose up around us forming a stately corridor. As we drove along the undulating highway into the park, we headed for Grant Grove where a large cluster of sequoia trees cover 90-some acres of mixed-conifer forest. Giant sequoias only grow between 4,000 and 8,000 feet elevation in the western Sierra Nevada mountain range of California. 

We pulled into the parking lot and began to stroll around the loop of the Grant Tree Trail. The sequoias were easy to spot among the other foliage. These massive trees with their ruddy trunks are like arrows pointing toward heaven. 

Giant sequoias are survivors. They weather harsh winters and steamy summers, and can even withstand fires. Their reddish bark, which can grow up to three feet thick, helps to protect them from fire damage. 

As we made our way toward the main attraction of the trail, the General Grant tree, we couldn’t help but notice the giant burn scar on her trunk on one side. Some fierce fires can still penetrate the bark. The General Grant tree has the largest diameter of any tree — a whopping 40.3 feet across — and she’s still standing, despite evidence of enduring fires. 

The General Grant tree provides a visual example of what the prophet Isaiah describes when he talks about God’s redeeming power and presence through life’s fires:

“When you pass through the waters,
    I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
    they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
    you will not be burned;
    the flames will not set you ablaze.”
(Isaiah 43:2 NIV)

As I gazed at the tree’s massive trunk, I wondered about how she survived such a destructive fire and still remains grounded today.

The secret to survival lies below the surface. The sequoia root system makes them unique. They don’t have a main taproot like other trees. Instead, these giants only root to 12 to 14 feet deep even at maturity. Their root system is relatively shallow, considering many trees stand at 300 feet tall and weigh nearly 2 million pounds. Their roots are widespread, extending up to an acre around them.

Years ago, I watched a TED talk by scientist Suzanne Simard who explained that trees connect and talk to each other through their roots and fungal threads that travel underground. Her research revealed that trees care for each other by exchanging carbon, sharing vital nutrients, and delivering water. They work in community to overcome challenges. I like to imagine the complex network of roots like the trees holding hands underground.

Apparently, there are mother trees, which are the oldest trees in a grove. Through back-and-forth communication, they share about dangerous situations, help prepare for inclement weather, and signal the presence of harmful insects. I learned when mother trees are dying, they send messages through their roots to other trees and even share their last nutrients with young seedlings.

The trees with intertwining roots provide a beautiful inspiration to us all about what flourishing together really looks like. God designed the trees, like us, to communicate, nurture, and encourage each other. We are invited to care for each other in times of need and grief. We are called to invest in the next generation. 

In his book, The Hidden Life of Trees, Peter Wohlleben writes, “A tree is not a forest. On its own a tree cannot establish consistent local climate. It is at the mercy of wind and weather. But together, many trees create an ecosystem…”

Resilience grows in community. The trees need each other, and so do we. Despite our differences or the distance between us, we are all interdependent. 

Isaiah later provides a vision of what it looks like for all Creation to live in harmony and praise God together:

“You will live in joy and peace.
    The mountains and hills will burst into song,
    and the trees of the field will clap their hands!
Where once there were thorns, cypress trees will grow.
    Where nettles grew, myrtles will sprout up.
These events will bring great honor to the Lord’s name;
    they will be an everlasting sign of his power and love.”
(Isaiah 55:12-13 NLT)

Friend, these days may feel heavy and hard. Storms rage, fires burn, and we must face life’s challenges. God did not design us to stand isolated and alone. He created us to be part of a forest, an ecosystem, a community of diverse people who lift each other up, who provide necessary nutrients and water.

May we be like the trees — messaging, mothering, and making space for the next generation to become rooted. 

The sequoias lead the way: pointing toward heaven, surviving life’s fires, and flourishing together in community.

Dorina helps people feast on the glory of God through her weekly Glorygram and daily encouragement on Instagram.

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