You Are a Tree: And Other Metaphors to Nourish Life, Thought, and Prayer

You Are a Tree by Joy Marie Clarkson invites readers to reflect on the powerful metaphors that shape our lives, faith, and understanding of the world. Drawing inspiration from Psalm 1:3—"That person is like a tree planted by streams of water"—Clarkson explores how we often describe ourselves as trees: deeply rooted, thriving in good seasons, and withering in times of struggle. In an age obsessed with efficiency, where we often compare ourselves to machines, Clarkson brings us back to the more forgiving, organic metaphors of nature. She weaves together meditations, poetry, Scripture, and Christian tradition to encourage readers to embrace the richness of life’s experiences through the language we use. By reexamining these metaphors, the book uncovers fresh perspectives on wisdom, change, sadness, and love, nurturing a sense of wonder and gratitude. Praised as "extraordinarily creative" by David Zahl, You Are a Tree offers a beautifully written guide to seeing life more deeply, understan