Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: Worship (04/02/26)
-
TITLE: Like A Dandelion | Previous Challenge Entry
By Laurie Bahlke
04/09/26 -
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES
The Doomsday Clock, a visual of how close the world is to its end, debuted in 1947. In 1953, there were two minutes left on the clock as it neared midnight. At that time, the U.S. and the Soviet Union had begun to test hydrogen bombs. In January of 2026, the clock has been set at 85 seconds to midnight.
The Doomsday clock represents the likelihood of a human-made global catastrophe. In other words, it’s the point where irrevocable harm comes to humanity. The three largest contributing factors include nuclear warfare, climate change, and advances in artificial intelligence.
I have often wondered if the Lion's Tooth flower could escape such a catastrophe. The answer, it seems, is yes. Dandelions can withstand significantly higher levels of radiation than humans, and just as they have for over 3,000 years, they are likely to survive.
Did you catch it? A dandelion. The Lion’s Tooth flower, which is most commonly called a dandelion or a weed, has the resilience and purpose to bring forth beauty and change in even the most challenging situations.
The Lord of heaven and earth created the dandelion seed, which can be carried in the wind for miles. It also secretes latex, which can be turned into rubber and is an ingredient in root beer. The ethylene gas that it emits helps fruit to ripen and can be safely consumed by wildlife and humans. A dandelion’s impact on the world is significant, even though we may not realize it.
Jesus left us with words and a promise for the challenging times we are in: “Peace, I leave with you, my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid. (John 14:27 NIV).
Doomsday clocks, the world news, violence in the streets, litter on the roads, poverty, and children who are victimized are all reminders of how desperate the world is. The words of Jesus remind us, though, to look for peace not in the things of this world, but in Him, our Savior.
As believers in Christ, our impact on the world can be significant, one small act of faith at a time. We can pay homage to God, which shows our gratitude. We can worship our Creator who made heaven and earth and sent his Son for us, so that we have the promise of eternal life.
The act of worship doesn’t only occur in churches or during religious ceremonies. It is there during the ordinary, sometimes mundane moments, and also in the extraordinary. Picking up litter from roads and highways or breathing in the smell of the sunshine and wind on your face when hanging clothes on a line may be ordinary, but in these moments, we offer a piece of ourselves in gratitude to our Heavenly Father. Worship allows us to see beyond the ordinary. It is present when protecting a child from danger and predators, and there when a small hug melts you. Quiet reverence is present when we comfort the grieving and find the lost.
Let us worship by holding the hand and heart of another in recovery, whether it be physical, emotional, or spiritual. Shout praises in the morning, when the sun warms the earth, and a canopy of trees hangs overhead. With quiet surrender, listen to the rain, the sound of laughter, frogs croaking in the early spring, and to the heart that beats in the early and later, in the final days of life, because these things change us-- stirring up reminders of all that God has provided.
The Bible tells us that, “to everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1 NIV).
It is true, our days are numbered. The Doomsday clock isn’t God’s timeline, however, and living in the dark creates desperation. Instead, I say live like the dandelion: resilient, with purpose, and with a cheerful face that looks up towards the Son. Let your acts of worship reflect our Creator in your journey of life, and remember, small acts of faith, like seeds in the wind, can have a profound impact.
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
Accept Jesus as Your Lord and Savior Right Now - CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
This exert from your story:
"A dandelion. The Lion’s Tooth flower, which is most commonly called a dandelion or a weed, has the resilience and purpose to bring forth beauty and change in even the most challenging situations."
This story really touched my heart as I thought about the beauty and purpose God brought about through His son Jesus Christ