Roots....What a powerful weekend. Here in the USA Eastern Territory we just returned from 4 days away to recoup and be revived in our spirits. What I have walked away with has come from someone "outside" of the Army. I was challenged by Pastor Jim Cymbala of the Brooklyn Tabernacle on Friday evening. He spoke to us about remembering from where we've come...as the church, as Christians, and as The Salvation Army. What resonated in my head and heart? He said...(paraphrasing) a tree or plant cannot produce anything different than the roots. If you have an apple tree, you can't expect it to produce oranges. If you have a rose bush...don't expect to get daisies. So, as we look at this in light of the last 2 posts...what would define our roots? Are we attempting to be something we were not raised up to be? Do we still march on claiming Victory....or do we claim compromise when it works? Do we stand in our differences to the world or try to not make waves by maintaining the status quo? Why do we need others who are outside of the ranks to point out the beauty of our heritage and roots: what we at times shy away from today? What do you think?