James 1:21

Rank Growth (2014) (18" x 14")

collage on canvas board

In this passage James describes quite a different garden through his imagery: "Therefore rid yourself of all sordidness and rank growth of wickedness, and welcome with meekness the implanted word that has the power to save your souls." (NRSV)

My wife and I have learned from sad experience that a plot of land must first be thoroughly weeded before introducing new plants. Otherwise, the weeds will grow up around them and be difficult to remove by spraying or digging up without also damaging the desirable growth.