Randy Woodley Knihy

What does it mean to become rooted in the land? How can we become better relatives to our greatest teacher, the Earth? Becoming Rooted invites us to live out a deeply spiritual relationship with the whole community of creation and with Creator.Through meditations and ideas for reflection and action, Randy Woodley, an activist, author, scholar, and Cherokee descendant, recognized by the Keetoowah Band, guides us on a one-hundred-day journey to reconnect with the Earth. Woodley invites us to come away from the American dream--otherwise known as an Indigenous nightmare--and get in touch with the water, land, plants, and creatures around us, with the people who lived on that land for thousands of years prior to Europeans' arrival, and with ourselves. In walking toward the harmony way, we honor balance, wholeness, and connection.Creation is always teaching us. Our task is to look, and to listen, and to live well. She is teaching us now.

A Cherokee teacher, missiologist, and historian encourages us to reject the many problematic aspects of the Western worldview and to convert to a worldview that is closer to that of both Indigenous traditions and Jesus.

The story revolves around Grandmother Oak, an ancient tree that survives a forest clearing, feeling isolated as new, self-absorbed trees emerge around her. As she shares her rich history and deep-rooted wisdom, she inspires the younger trees to appreciate their own value and connection to the land. Through themes of friendship, resilience, and the importance of heritage, the narrative highlights the transformative power of storytelling and community, leading to hope and healing for both Grandmother Oak and her newfound companions.

Focusing on acceptance and individuality, this installment of the Harmony Tree Series follows Sage, a boy with unique gifts who finds his place in society. Unlike many tribal societies that celebrate differences, Sage's journey highlights the importance of embracing one's uniqueness. The narrative serves as an encouragement for neurodivergent children and their families while promoting cultural sensitivity among peers. Additionally, ecological themes are woven throughout the story, echoing the series' commitment to animal species preservation.