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| When a Sparrow Falls |
| AS I ENTERED THE SUPERMARKET, I noticed the bottom pane of the outer glass door was missing. While I shopped, a young sparrow must have noticed it too and hopped through the open window, only to find itself trapped in a glass cage. In a desparate bid for freedom, the sparrow had flown again nd again into those invisable walls. Exhausted, it was now sitting dangerously close to the feet of i ncoming shoppers. The sparrow's beak was open as it panted for breath. It apperared so small, so confused, so vulnerable. Setting aside my bag of groceries, I reached down to pick up the little bird. Surprisingly, it offered no resistance, but willingly yielded to the "nest" made by my cupped hands. I carried the young sparrow out to the edge of the parking lot. As it nestled in my hands, its beady black eyes became clearer. The tiny beak no longer gaped open. Maybe I should hold it up higher so it can feel the prevailing wind. As I did so, the sparrow hooked its tiny feet around my index finger and perched there for just a moment to gain its balance. Then it lifted its wings and flew safely off into the sky. There are days when I feel as confused and vulnerable as that little sparrow. Perhaps I have walked into a situtation in which I feel trapped, and despite trying again and again to free myself, there seems to be no escape. Only as I yield to God's benevolent hands does He help me catch my balance. Released into the updraft of His prevailing Spirit, I thank Him that He not only sees me fall, He helps me fly again. |
| Picture taken by Greg Lasley. |
| Article orginally written by Alma Barkman |