So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. Colossians 2:6–7

This Sunday, November 15, 2026, my son Ryan will preach his first sermon. As his mother, I’m looking forward to hearing what he has to share. Even before he steps into the pulpit, I find myself thinking about the people God has placed along his path and the quiet ways they’ve helped him reach this moment.

Recently, I was listening to a podcast about coast redwoods. When you look up at one of these trees, the first thing you notice is how high it reaches. What stayed with me was what happens beneath the surface. A redwood’s roots are relatively shallow, but they spread wide and can intertwine with the roots of nearby trees. Those connections help steady a tree that towers above the forest floor.

That made me think about my own life. There are things my mother told me that still come back to me at just the right time. I can still remember the impression a teacher left on me and the encouragement a mentor offered when I needed it. What may have seemed small to them meant a great deal to me. Some of those words took on even more meaning years later, when I found myself in a position to encourage someone else.

I think that’s how much of our growth happens. A family member prays for us, a teacher sees something in us, or a friend reminds us of what we already know but have a hard time believing that day. Colossians 2:6–7 reminds us to be rooted and built up in Christ. When I look back, I can see how often God used the people around me to help me grow in the faith I was learning to live out for myself.

Ryan, as you prepare to preach your first sermon, I want you to know how proud I am of you. My prayer is that through every season of ministry, you’ll stay rooted in Christ and make room for the people He sends to walk alongside you. As you grow, may your words and the way you live help steady someone who is learning to trust God with their next step. I love you, son.

This week, take a moment to think about someone whose prayers or encouragement helped you stand. Then ask yourself who you can pray for or encourage today. A word that feels small to you may be something they draw strength from years from now.