The Story of the Fire Lily

There's an event that happens after a wildfire has ravaged the forests, burning everything that lies in its path along the way, known as conversion. 

Conversion is what happens after the fire. After everything that once was living and breathing in the lush environment is completely gone. Conversion is the vegetation that grows back after the fire. It's the new wilderness community. This community is different than the community before it. It has to be. The fire burned everything away in order to make room for this new life to grow. 

This same thing happens in marriage when we are betrayed by our partner. The details might be different for each of us but the effect is the same. 

The life we once knew burns to the ground. Everything that once was is suddenly different and unrecognizable. The good, the beautiful, and even the prickly weeds are suddenly gone. The damage is complete, and the effects of the fire are absolute. This change is permanent. 

What happens next to the forest is referred to as an "ecological succession". This is the natural process where the land heals and recovers from the devastation the fire brought. This stage is painful and hard. And on the outside looks like nothing but smoldering ashes. But this stage is absolutely necessary for healing.

When you have experienced betrayal from your intimate partner you must go through your own wasteland in order to find recovery and healing. It too is often painful and hard. The devastation of the life you once knew can become consuming. On the outside, it can look like there is no hope to be found.  

But what we often fail to recognize amid this devastation is that there is also new life blossoming before our eyes.

The Fire Lily is born from the ashes and destruction of a forest fire. 

She can only bloom when the old community has been burned to the ground. She is able to do this because she is stronger than she realizes and determined to flower. Only after the fire burns the landscape can the beautiful red-orange flower emerge. 

You can emerge from the fires in your life too. You can bloom after betrayal.