Edward Finds His Voice:
Lessons from the Coop
And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Mark 16:15 (ESV)
My chicken herding friend has shared another story of her little flock. I enjoy her stories and often I see that animals whether domestic, farm or wild, can teach us something if we are willing to humble ourselves to recognize it.
This week is a story about a little chick named Edward. What a distinguished name for a little fuzzy chick but I have no doubt he will grow into it.
When you first purchase chicks you do not know if they are male or female. They are just fuzzy loud peeping tiny birds. As they grow their individual characteristics begin to emerge. Fuzz becomes feathers and their colors begin to change. Recently, Edward has begun to form a comb on his head. In addition to his emerging comb, Edward has been loosening up his voice in preparation for his barn yard crow. The first couple of vocalizations were, well I guess you could say it was a bit weak. However, after each little raspy cough, Edward would strut about proud of himself. Every day, Edward practiced his crow, and every day this little guy made progress. A couple of mornings ago, Edward hopped up on top of the water dispenser, thrust out is chest, opened his beak, and let out a perfect albeit small crow.
Edward has found his voice!!
Little Edward at only a few weeks old is aware of his role in the coop. He soon will be the protector of the flock and his voice will be heard in the yard and beyond. You also have a role and a voice in the world. Often, we feel that as Christians we should be quiet and wait for someone to ask us to speak. We worry we will offend someone. Some of us may be afraid to speak because we fear the backlash and ridicule that we may receive if we share Christ. If you wait for this world to invite you to share your voice, you will be waiting for a long time. If you wait for someone to ask about Jesus’ love, you may never share it. Like Edward, you need to confidently use your voice. Accept the role that you have been born to fulfill. Without your voice, many in your sphere of influence may never hear that Jesus loves them and seeks to have a relationship with them. I understand your fear and I grapple with it each time I publish a Seed. However, I fear the cost of silence more.
Assume your role as a voice for Christ.
Mustard Seeds, Modern Parables 