Draft imported from the site — repurpose as a standalone post. Justin's voice, keep as first person.

I lived on the West Coast of the United States for most of my life, but it wasn't until 2017 that I visited Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park.

Signs throughout the park share interesting facts about the forest and other points of historical interest. Of all of the things I read that day, there was one paragraph that made a lasting memory.

You would imagine that these huge trees had deep roots that held them up, right?

But they don't.

These giant trees have relatively shallow roots that stretch out over 100 feet from their trunk and intertwine with the roots of the other trees.

They survive together.

Many men like to believe that if they are strong enough on their own they will grow and thrive.

I believe the opposite. I believe true strength is found in healthy interdependence on others.

When the winds blow and flood waters rise in life, we give ourselves the best shot of thriving through the storm when we grow together.