Let's Get in Victory Formation

I apologize up front. I can’t help myself. I must report again on my early morning daily walks in my community that has many water features. My walks seem to open my heart to a greater appreciation for God and His handiwork – the skies, the wildlife, the people passing by. How can I possibly say that when we live in this day and age of so much anger, protests, civil unrest, a pandemic, the greatest unemployment rate in history, and now it’s hurricane season! Dear Lord, have mercy!

But, I'm assured because no matter what, I think to myself, what a wonderful world. Wildlife has no idea the troubles we are seeing. They are at ease, basking in just being and enjoying the beauty around them. This blog came from yesterday's walk. I saw what looked like a geese wildlife habitat. They just glide along, care-free. I picked up some of their molten feathers. The only negative about them is their absolute lack of decorum – pooping all over our walking trails that requires expert navigations skills to maneuver around it all. Ugh!

Then, a flock of geese in V-formation reminded me of 2010 when my sweetheart was about to have a major surgery the next day, I called on my two walking/praying buddies. We declared victory as we took seven laps around the hospital (like Joshua and his troops marched around the walls of Jericho). It was hot in Tulsa -- a heat index of 105 degrees, but a cool breeze with the fragrance of flowers from around the hospital, enveloped us as we started our "march". We began our 7th victory lap. This time, we walked by Ron's room and gave him the "V" is for victory hand sign. We turned the corner and heard "honk, honk, honk". It was a perfect "V" formation of geese flying above us.

That victory walk, and mindset, gave us the faith we needed for the next day. We knew our faith journey was guided by the One Who loves us most, desires to bless us with good things, and Who promises He will never leave us or forsake us.

And, I believe that same victory is for all who know they aren't defined by what's going on in this earth. They are defined by trusting in God's ways being the best ways, and that seals the deal EVERY TIME. Our victory rests in our faith and complete assurance that God is still in control no matter what it looks like around us. So, like those geese – let’s get into our victory formation and spread our wings and fly above the storms!

1 Corinthians 15:57 - "But thanks be to God, Who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."

"Let EVERYTHING That Has Breath Praise the Lord!" Psalm 150:6

No wonder animals of every kind inhabit this earth. God's "human beings" choirs of praise are just not enough to offer adequate praise. Surely God embedded in each of his creatures -- the ability to be PRAISERS.

Though I’m in a sweet spot of isolation to be head over heels, wrapped all up in audacious time with the Lord, I’m still able to observe out my windows the daily lives being lived out by my two youngest grandsons. Knowing Nana is not to be disturbed during these 4 weeks of solitude, it was too much for Brennan to bear when he came to my door and said, “Nana, I just have to get a hug.” And younger brother, Bryson, wanted me to see his new buddies that were added to the mix of animals at the Wuerch’s animal kingdom. Now two new miniature donkeys live here too. This sweet boy has a natural affinity to God’s creatures. His tender heart is open to caring and providing for one and all.....daily.

Early in the morning, I ventured out for a morning walk and I noticed that the goats were on one side of the fence and the gate was closed to the other side which housed the new donkeys. We know that first day is important to integrate into their new culture, void of “issues” that could arise from possessive goats, who, by the way, predate all the animals here and know this is their domain. At any given time of the day, you’ll see folks at the outside fence feeding the goats and letting their little children pet them. It really does remind you of Animal Kingdom.

But the concern was for naught because a day later, the gates were opened and the goats and donkeys were living together in one accord – each sharing their grassy delicacies.

I could easily segue here to talk about coming together as one to live life respecting each others’ differences and celebrating each others commonalities, but instead, I will use this post as a reminder that God created us AND creatures for His divine purposes. The most of which is to offer Him praise and honor. Before there were humans, there were living breathing creatures to praise the Lord. And then he created man, and God saw that it was good because now all living beings could join in anthems of praise to their creator. And, if those creatures don’t do their jobs well of praising…..He even declared that the rocks would cry out in praise to Him. (Luke 19:40)

Maybe we shouldn’t discredit the insect, the sparrow, the walrus or the rhino. They are here because there just isn’t enough praise being offered up to our God. Perhaps the next time we see a flock of geese or a herd of cattle, we just might imagine them as choirs of praise to our God who is worthy of all praise. "Praise the Lord, you from the earth, you creatures of the sea and all you depths, living creatures and livestock, insects and flying birds..." Psalm 148:7,10

God put animals on the planet and gave them a mandate as well. Part of the human calling is to help them fulfill this mandate in a way that enables them to reach their full potential in creation. They not only enrich our lives, they point to the creator of all things. Animals are not only worthy of our respect. They deserve it.

"Some Pharisees from the crowd told him, 'Teacher, get your disciples under control!' But He said, 'If they kept quiet, the stones would do it for them, shouting praise.'" (Luke 19:37-40). Stones not needed -- Animal Kingdom and Human Kingdom are shouting our praises!