I was moved by Rebecca Janzen’s article, “Healing from the ground up,” in the Nov. ’24 issue of The Christian Century. In it she reviews a new book called The Understory: An Invitation to Rootedness and Resilience from the Forest Floor.

In The Understory the author, Lore Ferguson Wilbert, moves back and forth between personal insights and descriptions of the forest, much like people might share their thoughts as they walk along a trail.

I recall many such beautiful, conversational hikes around Tuolumne Meadows above Yosemite, and in other cherished state and national parks. Once I’ve gotten away from busy, human-filled places, my distinctiveness moves into deep connection with the rest of God’s creation.

This includes the forest’s “understory:” the leaves, moss, lichens, and other hidden organisms beneath our feet. Science now shows that these nearly invisible creatures help structure all that forms the pungent majesty of the forest that grows above them.

Another theme in The Understory also resonates with me, and perhaps with many of us. When people work to restore physically deforested areas, the trees grow back relatively easily, but the intricate understory takes more time. The same is true with broken relationships.

I’m especially aware of this difference in healing time, as right now I’m researching a book about forgiveness. After occasions of great harm, not all relationships are reparable. But some are, with conscious, continued care for all who are involved.

From Janzen’s review, it looks as if The Understory could be helpful for many of us as we ponder our own lives and work to restore the rich, living network which keeps us walking forward.

Your partner in faith,

Betsy Schwarzentraub