Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 NIV
I am immersed in a giant sculpture crafted from sticks–willow tree saplings, to be precise. Cleared from places of crowding and overgrowth for this project, they look like they can relax now, just stretch out and flow together in this space. I lean in close, skimming my hands along the sculpture’s surface, slowly taking in the details. Each young tree bends and weaves around the others to become part of a stronger unit than it was on its own. As they are joined together, a sturdy creation forms…
Exploring STICKWORK
Patrick Dougherty’s STICKWORK sculptures remind me of the forts my childhood friends and I built in the thick woods behind our homes, but on a much more sophisticated and sizable scale. Sculptures like his are what childhood dreams are made of! If I could have built and played in a “fort” like this, I would have never wanted to go home for dinner.
The STICKWORK piece I saw is at the Naples Botanical Garden in Florida and is called Sea Change. To me, this name reflects the sculpture’s enormous wave-like appearance and the changes always occuring between wind and water. You might see something completely different and recall memories from your own life. That is the beauty of art, right?!
I visited the sculpture several times, viewing it while under construction, as well as at night during the Botanical Garden’s holiday light show display (which was really beautiful). After my visits, I spent some time learning about Dougherty’s work on his website and in his book.
There are many interesting facts about Dougherty’s art, but one part of his process really intrigued me–he relies on community volunteers to help him sculpt his designs.
Sea Change, for instance, was crafted by a team of nearly 100 volunteers over the course of three weeks. Some participants were art students and professors who appreciated the opportunity to learn from a sculptor in person. Others, with less formal artistic training, simply arrived curious and eager to experience this one-of-a-kind adventure.
Minimal instructions are given before the volunteers dive into this massive undertaking. Dougherty prefers a hands-on approach for coaching his team. He works alongside them, demonstrating and motivating, as they immerse themselves the craft of drawing and shaping graceful lines with sticks.
Stronger Together
I imagine the STICKWORK team members received a sense of satisfaction from working together and supporting each other while also bettering themselves and their community. I can relate to that, and you probably do too. Instinctively, we feel a pull to help those around us and to create something meaningful in the process.
Experiencing life together, not alone, is the way God desires us to live. He created us for friendship with each other and with himself.
In Ecclesiastes 4:12, Solomon says, “a cord with three strands is not quickly broken” to show how God’s people are stronger together than they are as individuals. Marriage ceremonies sometimes use this verse along with a braided cord to illustrate unity between husband, wife, and God. But, Solomon’s wisdom is not solely for married couples. Applying the words to other relationships will help us remember why we need devoted companions beside us all through life.
Consider Companionship
In the Bible, God provides many examples of what real companionship should look like. Consider these: Abraham and Lot, David and Jonathan, Elijah and Elisha, and Ruth and Naomi.
God also gives us wisdom about relationships in Ecclesiastes through Solomon, as well as in Proverbs and other books of the Bible.
He sent Jesus to be our ultimate role model for friendship, and then the Holy Spirit to be our guiding companion throughout life.
Most of all, God instilled in each of us an inner desire to connect with others and with him.
Visualize a cord of three strands…
Let one strand represent yourself, one represent a faith-filled friend(s), and one represent God. Braid them together to form a cord or rope. Do you see how each strand wraps around the others? Each one always stays in contact with the other two. Joined together, they hold strong whenever a force tries pulling them apart. This is the type of steadfast and resilient companionship God wants for us. That, my friends, is something to pray about.
Press on in faith! ~Jamie
Join Us Together, Lord, like a Cord of Three Strands
Join us together, Lord,
like a cord of three strands.
Weave friends for companionship
into your good plans.
Togetherness started at Creation,
in the beginning,
through the Trinity.
Then, Adam and Eve mirrored this image,
as you made them for community.
And, if we look, we will see,
you made fellowship a common theme:
Aaron helped Moses speak,
Ruth was loyal to Naomi,
Jesus’ disciples shared his story, and
Paul and Timothy lived for God’s glory…
“We’re better together,”
these stories and more have shown.
God designed people for teamwork,
not to take on life alone.
So, join us together, Lord,
these words we pray.
Send friends who walk in faith
and share our joys along the way.
Join us together, Lord,
when life takes unexpected turns.
Send friends who find silver linings,
seek solutions, and ease concerns.
Join us together, Lord,
when sin tempts and renders us weak.
Send friends who understand vulnerabilities
to keep watch over our words and deeds.
Join us together, Lord,
to help our gifts and talents grow.
Send friends to encourage and refine us
in assignments you graciously bestow.
Yes, join us together, Lord!
Make your love known!
Send us out as friends,
let us be invitations of hope
to a world so in need of
a warm “Welcome Home!”
Amen.
by Jamie Trunnel ©2022, ascripturedlife.com
Additional Bible Verses About Togetherness
Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. Ephesians 4:3 NLT
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV
As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17 NIV
Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice. Proverbs 27:9 NIV
One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24 NIV
How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! Psalm 133:1 NIV
I have other sheep, too, that are not in this sheepfold. I must bring them also. They will listen to my voice, and there will be one flock with one shepherd. John 10:16 NLT
Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Romans 12:10 NIV
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:8-10 NIV
My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. John 15:12-13 NIV
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity. Proverbs 17:17 NIV
Do to others as you would have them do to you. Luke 6:31 NIV
Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise. Proverbs 19:20 NIV
The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray. Proverbs 12:26 NIV
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Colossians 3:12-14 NIV
Inspiring Resources
Patrick Dougherty’s website: http://www.stickwork.net
Naples Botanical Garden STICKWORK exhibit page: https://www.naplesgarden.org/calendar/stickwork/
Dougherty, P. (2010). Stickwork. Princeton Architectural Press. –on Amazon
Why is a Cord of Three Strands Not Easily Broken? Crosswalk.com
Meaning of a Cord of Three Strands: ConnectUsFund.org
What does the Bible say about Togetherness? GotQuestions.org
What does the Bible say about Teamwork? GotQuestions.org
Related Posts
Encourage and Build Each Other Up
Battles, Trust, and Holding Up
Among the Broken Shells: a poem to pray for others
Some clowns showed me how to “BE the church”
Love on Ordinary Days
Judged instead of Loved
Praying God Protects Who We Love
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Hi Jamie!
Aunt Shirley and I are reading poems today! We thought we would check out your website. We feel blessed to read your work today. Reading your poems always helps keep us positive and hopeful.
Have a Blessed Easter,
Shirley and Julie
Dear Julie, Your note has brightened my day right up! I’m so glad you and Aunt Shirley are enjoying the poems. I’m grateful for you both! Happy Easter blessings! Looking forward to visiting you in May!
I loved your last blog post, and the same is true of this one. You put such thought and care into your writings with your photos, poems, carefully chosen and illustrative words, scripture tie-ins, and making it “real” for all of your readers. Thanks for being an ever-important and cherished faith-filled friend and strand in my life. You bring strength, comfort and joy, always at the right times!