The Riven Tree
by
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Once upon a warm autumn day, a small brown acorn lay in the shade of a giant oak. Surrounded by her brothers and sisters and listening to the song of the wind, the little acorn was content to nestle in the comfort of her mother's freshly fallen leaves.
Looking up, she knew that as long as she could see her mother's tall trunk and strong branches, all would be well.
Gazing at her mother’s leaves dancing in the breeze, Acorn saw a squirrel look down at her. His eyes fixed on her as he jumped from branch to branch, then raced down her mother’s trunk.
He scampered over to her and sat on his haunches. Acorn held her breath. She had seen squirrels take some of her brothers and sisters away, but, she knew not where. She wanted to stay right where she was, sheltered in her mother’s freshly fallen leaves.
As she lay in squirrel’s shade, Acorn shook with fear. The creature’s beady eyes darted back and forth. Then he scooped her up, set her firmly between his teeth, and raced away. Acorn bumped up and down as squirrel carried her further and further away from all she loved. She pushed and wriggled, but, she could not break free. With all her strength, she willed herself to return to the safety of her mother, but all in vain.
When squirrel raced into an open meadow, everything in Acorn cried, “No, no, no!”
Finally squirrel’s footsteps slowed, then stopped. Acorn shivered, Where has squirrel taken me?
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About the Book
A young oak tree dreams of growing tall and straight and beautiful. When violence shatters her dreams, her path is hopelessly altered. Attempting to hide her imperfections, she labors to produce the most beautiful leaves. Year follows year until, one day, her strength is gone. On that day, she asks God the questions she has been too ashamed to voice. Oak’s story provides insight into the effects of trauma. While not specific to a religion or philosophy, The Riven Tree seeks to answer the heart’s deepest question: “What does God think of me?” Like Oak in this story, author Robby Kautz’ life was altered by violence. Unspoken questions haunted her until a message from God brought healing. The Riven Tree shares this message with readers whose lives have been altered by trauma. Reminiscent of The Giving Tree, this illustrated book offers redemption and hope for wounded hearts. “The Riven Tree is a masterpiece! Acorn’s journey mirrors so many who have endured abuse and trauma. Robby Kautz elegantly weaves her inspired tale – every word is intentional, every sentence paints a picture, and every page tells a thousand stories. My prayer is that survivors of all ages, all ethnicities, all social-standings, and all religions will find hope and healing in this beautiful book.” Lori Wilkerson Stewart, Author, Promises for Prodigals, and Managing Producer, Christian Broadcasting Network “The Riven Tree is a beautifully written allegorical tale that sensitively conveys the emotions and questions experienced by anyone who has had their life torn by trauma. Having lived it herself, Robby Kautz is able to put to words this often unspoken and isolating journey. For those who have traveled this path, The Riven Tree will encourage you toward hope and a deep sense that you are worthy, loved, and beautiful. As a trauma therapist, I’m delighted to have such a relatable resource to help my clients process their experience. I will be recommending it wholeheartedly!” Laura Taggart, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and Author, Making Love Last: Divorce-Proofing Your Young Marriage
About the Author
Robby Kautz is a freelance author and women’s speaker. A former interpreter for the Deaf and high school teacher, Robby is married, has two grown children, and lives in Eagle, Idaho.