THE SCRUFFY EAGLET

"...neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand."  John 10:28

      During prayer time after our home group meeting one evening, several of the women had gathered in one room to pray for each another.  Between prayers for Jean  and Bea I started to say something. At that moment, Angie, with a menacing look on her face, reached over and put her hand over my mouth.  I was taken aback and could not quite believe she had been so rude to me.  I was crushed and could not even protest.  I feeling of rejection and shame came over me and I wanted to run away from that place.  I couldn't understand why Angie would do such a thing.

      I returned home deeply hurt, wondering if I should ever go back to the home group meetings.  It was a particularly difficult period in my life and I was very vulnerable.

      Before going to sleep I pleaded, "Oh God, please come and comfort me.   I feel as though I've been beaten up by someone I thought was my friend."

      The next morning when I woke up I had a vision of a tiny wounded baby bird.  It's black and gray feathers were all rumpled in disarray.  It's fragile body was shaking in fear and I whispered, "What a pitiful sight--the poor scruffy little bird!" Then I noticed that this little creature was nestled in some large, gently cupped hands.

      Smiling, I whispered, "Oh Lord, is this a sign from You in answer to my prayer?"  I knew I was that wounded little bird--safe in God's gentle hands.  A peace settled over me like a warm blanket and I felt safe.  I didn't have to fear; I could trust God to comfort me whenever things got too overwhelming.

      The following Sunday before church service began, Angie came over to me and apologized.  I forgave her and we hugged each other, friends once again.

      A few months later, I was seated aboard an airplane returning from a glorious ministry trip to Australia, where I had prayed for many hurting women.  As I closed my eyes to rest, I had another vision of that same little feathered bird which looked every bit like a baby eagle.  Those same gentle hands picked up this scrawny rumpled bird and hugged it to His bosom.

      "Oh God," I whispered, "Are You showing me that You are pleased with me, a wounded person going out to comfort other hurting people?"  Sitting in the semi-darkness a hush seemed to settle over the airplane.  I smiled happily and prayed, "Thank You, God!  You are so good to me."

      These days my feathers don't get rumpled so easily.  I guess that's a sign I'm making progress.  But I must confess, there are moments when I let people overwhelm me with their action or words.

      Then I recall the vision of the scruffy little eaglet nestled safely in God's gently cupped hands and my fears melt away.  I praise God for His never-ending love!