The Humble Hammerhead Viroid

Hammerhead viroids rely on a 15-molecule structure called the ribozyme to finalize copies of themselves. If a transcription error affects certain parts of the ribozyme, further replication is impossible.

By counting non-replicating viroids in each generation, the researchers calculated that replication produces roughly one mutation for every 400 pieces of RNA.

Such rates produce plenty of haywire copies, a dilemma solved by evolution in two ways: viroids are small, and endowed with prodigious powers of replication.

Their tiny genome means viroids inherit one mistake at a time. And they make so many copies of themselves that it doesn’t matter when some are nonviable. Others will succeed — and perhaps improve on the original.

I'm so impressed by this humble little viroid. We can learn so much about persistence and perseverance from this tiny "insignificant" creature.

It doesn't matter how many mistakes we've inherited or even have made. Don't let all these flaws stop me from going forth and fulfilling my calling. Don't let our flaws stop us from loving God and loving people. Press on, don't ever ever give up, no matter how many flaws we have. Because one day, one of our offspring will succeed - and perhaps improve on the original.

Have we made mistakes so bad that we thought we could never get up again?
Have we bad or abusive parents who failed to care for us?
Or parents who provided physically for us, but did nothing for our spirits or emotions?
Or have we bad shepherds who abandoned us in our hour of helplessness, or even worse, abused us?

Shall we therefore remain bitter, and refuse to love God anymore, to stop bearing fruit for Him who is the Vine, the Good Shepherd?

Or shall we learn from the lesson God wants us to learn from the little virus that could? It just kept replicatin'.

Isn't it so true of discipleship? Of doing something great for God? Don't ever give up, no matter how many mistakes you may have inherited and/or have made. Just keep a pure heart before God, and press on. Forget what lies behind. Press on forward. Go forth and multiple. No matter how meek, how weak you are in the eyes of the world.



For one day, the meek shall inherit the earth. =)

For one day, the meek shall inherit the earth. =)

For one day, the meek shall inherit the earth. =)
For one day, the meek shall inherit the earth. =)

For one day, the meek shall inherit the earth. =)
For one day, the meek shall inherit the earth. =)
For one day, the meek shall inherit the earth. =)

For one day, the meek shall inherit the earth. =)
For one day, the meek shall inherit the earth. =)
For one day, the meek shall inherit the earth. =)
For one day, the meek shall inherit the earth. =)
For one day, the meek shall inherit the earth. =)

For one day, the meek shall inherit the earth. =)
For one day, the meek shall inherit the earth. =)
For one day, the meek shall inherit the earth. =)
For one day, the meek shall inherit the earth. =)
For one day, the meek shall inherit the earth. =)
For one day, the meek shall inherit the earth. =)
For one day, the meek shall inherit the earth. =)
For one day, the meek shall inherit the earth. =)

For one day, the meek shall inherit the earth. =)
For one day, the meek shall inherit the earth. =)
For one day, the meek shall inherit the earth. =)
For one day, the meek shall inherit the earth. =)
For one day, the meek shall inherit the earth. =)
For one day, the meek shall inherit the earth. =)
For one day, the meek shall inherit the earth. =)
For one day, the meek shall inherit the earth. =)
For one day, the meek shall inherit the earth. =)
For one day, the meek shall inherit the earth. =)
For one day, the meek shall inherit the earth. =)
For one day, the meek shall inherit the earth. =)
For one day, the meek shall inherit the earth. =)

For one day, the meek shall inherit the earth. =)
For one day, the meek shall inherit the earth. =)
For one day, the meek shall inherit the earth. =)
For one day, the meek shall inherit the earth. =)
For one day, the meek shall inherit the earth. =)
For one day, the meek shall inherit the earth. =)
For one day, the meek shall inherit the earth. =)
For one day, the meek shall inherit the earth. =)
For one day, the meek shall inherit the earth. =)
For one day, the meek shall inherit the earth. =)
For one day, the meek shall inherit the earth. =)
For one day, the meek shall inherit the earth. =)
For one day, the meek shall inherit the earth. =)
For one day, the meek shall inherit the earth. =)
For one day, the meek shall inherit the earth. =)
For one day, the meek shall inherit the earth. =)
For one day, the meek shall inherit the earth. =)
For one day, the meek shall inherit the earth. =)
For one day, the meek shall inherit the earth. =)
For one day, the meek shall inherit the earth. =)
For one day, the meek shall inherit the earth. =)

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World without end, amen. :)