We have a tool that is lovingly called 'The Man-Eater.' This tool, much like the emotional and spiritual struggles we face, can be overwhelming and seem insurmountable. It's a metaphor for the comprehensive approach we take in our counseling services, which combines a chainsaw, bush hog, and weed-whacker on steroids. It's quite a tool and can take down acres of brush and small trees. We live on part of our family's historic farm that has not been farmed or cleared for decades. With enough effort, this tool can remove years of undergrowth and overgrowth, much like the effort needed to overcome our struggles.

After clearing away 50+ years of vegetation down the hill behind the old horse barn, this spring brought a delightful surprise- a flowering tree. The sight of the tree's limbs in full bloom was a joyous revelation, a testament to the beauty that can be uncovered with perseverance. Despite all the years of visiting the homeplace and even after moving here, the tree had remained concealed behind a screen of undergrowth and wild blackberry bushes. It only emerged after we cleared away the scrub growth. Guided by the blooming limbs, we continued to clear the remaining foliage, leading us to discover not one but two peach trees, a symbol of the unexpected blessings that await us when we clear away the overgrowth of our struggles.

The trees were in full bloom, and the ground around them was scattered with peach pits, evidence of years of productivity. However, the trees stood tall despite the damage, their trunks considerably firm. This resilience, the ability to stand tall even after facing significant challenges, made us wonder what could have caused the tops of these mighty trees to be torn from their supporting trunks. It's a reminder that even in the face of adversity, we can stand firm and continue to bear fruit.

The most minor vines grew from the ground and wrapped around the limbs. The individual vines were no more significant than kitchen twine. With the least effort, the vines were pulled from the trees. However, these little green strings had reached the mighty tree, wrapping around the limbs and grasping to reach the treetops drawn by the desire to get the sunlight. At the top, the vines, individually still only the diameter of a thread, robbed the trees of much-needed sunlight and crumbled the treetops. Their weight twisted, split, and severely damaged the otherwise healthy trees.

Do you know if there is a reason to tell you this? Yes, to ask the question, how often do we let small vines grow in our hearts, thinking they are not that important? These vines, which can be unforgiveness, bitterness, or unhealed wounds, may initially seem insignificant. It is just a negligible hurt; it is no big deal. But without realizing it, the tiny wound we just ignore continues to grow. We overlook it because we are much bigger than it is. And, look, we are still blooming and growing; we are still producing fruit. This vine is multiplying, creating more vines, entangling around through what we think is our healthy lives. We may not see the pending destruction — until it is too late. But by recognizing and addressing these small issues early, we can prevent them from growing into destructive forces in our lives.

The good news is that God gives us tools to help overcome these destructive vines. His word is replete with help in dealing with deadly vines that creep into our daily lives.

Christian counseling is based on integrating the advice given to us in the Bible with modern counseling techniques. During counseling, you'll find support to remove the vines (often called hurts, hang-ups, and harmful habits) that entangle our lives. This support includes personalized counseling sessions, group therapy, and access to resources that combine biblical wisdom and professional counseling. If you want to know more about Discovery Counseling, a Christian counseling service that provides these tools and support to help you overcome these destructive vines, please call us.

Don’t hesitate to find a Biblical Counselor near you.

This content is accurate and true to the best of the authors' knowledge. It is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.

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© 2025 Cheryl Gowin and Dennis Gowin