The Ancient Secret That Gave Eagles Flight

A long, long time ago, on a far away and distant shore

Lived a group of eagles, who had forgotten how to soar.

These eagles were easy to find, for they never soared in the sky,

But, hung around chickens and turkeys, and other birds that didn’t fly.

As a matter of fact if you didn’t look close you would easily have thought

Since these eagles couldn’t soar, then eagles they were not.

For its true you never see eagles, hopping like chickens on the ground

No, they were meant to soar, yes in the sky is where they’re found

But these eagles had been grounded far too many days and nights

That none of them knew the old and ancient secret that gave eagles flight

These eagles were ruled by a lion, one that was cruel to the core.

Some thought him to be evil, yes one to be abhorred.

Though its true many liked him not, nobody would ever say,

For fear of his wrath it was better just the think, yet never ever to say.

But the lion wasn’t alone, for he had a very dear old pal

A chameleon who was slick, and who was always on the prowl.

Together they worked hard to keep every eagle on the ground

For they knew what could happen if that ancient secret was ever found

Yes, these two knew the truth, that when eagles learn to soar

It means that those eagles can never be controlled anymore.

Since, the lion and chameleon, loved power and control

Making sure those eagles never flew was their biggest goal.

So they tried with all their might and their plan worked great

Till, one day something changed, yep, some call it fate

It was as if the very One who created those eagles to fly

Reminded them who they were, and that they belonged in the sky

Still the lion and chameleon demanded it was not true

But the eagles could no longer be tricked, for now they knew

Then the lion and chameleon came together and agreed

No eagle shall ever fly, or there will be trouble yes indeed.

The eagles couldn’t take it anymore, so the decided they would leave

They would find a place where they’d fly, at least that’s what they believed

The journey it was long and many eagles died along the way

But just for a chance to fly it was worth it all, every one of them would say

Could these eagles ever learn to fly? Its a question only time would tell

Each of them believed they could, but there was still the chance they’d fail

They felt freed from the chameleon, but the lion still held on tight

He sent those whom he trusted to make certain not one eagle took flight

This was not what they expected, not at all what they had planned

The eagles thought by now they would be soaring high above the land

All the eagles grew more impatient with every passing day

For an eagle was born to soar, so they just had to find a way

All the eagles got together and they drew up a mighty plan

They would fight the mean old lion, draw their line in the sand

The lion didn’t like it at all, and he let out an awesome roar

But the truth is a lion is no match for eagles who are learning how to soar.

The lion lost his grip, and with his reign no more intact

The eagles drew one step closer, and were never going back

No more lion, no chameleon, no more of their deceitful lies.

Now with nothing holding them back, surely they could fly

Though they sensed a kind of freedom, they had never sensed before

Still the secret they did not have, the one that made eagles soar.

To discover this ancient secret, there went out an important call

To gather eagles from near and far, the wisest ones of all.

Together they reasoned, thought, and talked ‘bout this thing called flight

Some thought one thing, some disagreed, each thought himself right

No one budging, made things hard, and caused a long delay

Then, like a bolt of lightning, one wise old eagle stood to say

“Is it true that it was our Creator that created us to fly?

Then, why would we exclude Him now, can anyone tell me why?”

Having listened to this wise old eagle, all the eagles said a prayer

Together with their Creator, they worked with the greatest of care.

And when they were done, they were sure the secret had been found

That old and ancient secret, that would get eagles off the ground.

The secret was quite simple, but sometimes it’s just hard to see

With all the powers that want control, and all those lies and deceit

The secret that gives eagles flight is they just need to know they can

Then they need the room to soar, no boundaries from a ruler’s hands

Together with these truths, is one last and important thing

In order to fly and soar real high, eagles need wind beneath their wings.

Those wisest of all eagles gave every eagle this secret to flight

And immediately some of those eagles soared to the highest of heights

Still there were some eagles who never, ever wanted to soar

I know it makes no sense, that they would stay grounded as before

Years went by and some eagles flew high, yes higher and higher still

While others chose the ground and went only as high as the highest hill

There were problems along the way, but no matter what they faced

These eagles just kept soaring, and no others kept up their pace

As a matter of fact, I speak the truth, when others needed a helping hand

It was the eagles who had learned to soar, who helped those distant lands.

It’s true, ask any eagle, and I’m sure each of them would agree

There’s no better place for eagles, than where they can soar and be free

But along the way some things did change, not much but a little tiny bit

Not enough for eagles to worry much, or to make them throw a fit.

Along there came a donkey who had the grandest of ideas

And with him came an elephant whose ideas where different than his.

Now, neither caused big problems for each loved to watch eagles fly

They just wanted to insure nothing brought down eagles from the sky

The eagles trusted the two new comers, and everything it seemed was fine

Until, the donkeys and the elephants began to get a little out of line

Not all of them, but some it seems, wanted to cage the soaring bird

But the cage was very large, so hardly any eagles said a word

The cage grew small as time passed by, and no one knew just why

Was it because of those who didn’t soar, who wanted no other eagle to fly?

Or, was it something else, was it about power and control

Every eagle hoped it was not true, and to this hope they would hold.

But with every passing year, the cage grew smaller still

And the eagles started thinking, and asking, “What’s the deal?”

By this time is was too late for the cage had grown so small

It had grown so small that no eagle could fly, now they could only crawl.

Puzzled, amazed, and stunned, all the eagles hopped around.

“How did we get to this place, where eagles can’t get off the ground?”

But as the eagles took a good look around, they began to see so clear

For an eagle’s eye can see so much that for other’s just doesn’t appear

It was not your normal donkey or even elephant to blame

For among these two were a few who were not at all what they claimed.

Snakes, and lions, and chameleons and a couple scorpions too

I know it’s hard to fathom, but every eagle now knew this was true.

Their plan was masterful, and slowly they took control

Until every eagle was grounded, and well within their hold.

The eagles screamed and wailed but very few would lend an ear

The mighty eagle was doomed, at least that’s what they feared

True it is a tragedy, it is one of grandest size

But never count an eagle out, for eagles know how to rise.

The truth is any eagle can fly, as long as they understand

The old and ancient secret, that makes eagles soar high above the land.

The one about knowing that you can, with no boundaries high or low

And with wind beneath your wings, yes, this is what every eagle needs to know.

And just like that old lion and that chameleon from years and years before

No creature large or even small, is a match for eagles who know how to soar

copyright 2010 Tim Stone

Hope

Easter is just around the corner. While the world will be distracted by bunnies and colored eggs, for a Believer this time of year is so much more than that. Its about hope. Its about a few days 2000 years ago when those who followed Christ were shrouded in uncertainty, and captivated by a heaviness which would eventually be drowned out by an event that would serve to once again fill their lives with hope.

The disciples are often looked down upon when it comes to how they reacted when Jesus was arrested. They all jumped ship. It was every man for himself. Each one of them ran for their lives and abandoned this friend who they believed to be the "One" sent from God. Yet, I'm not sure if the sandals were on my feet, if I would have acted any different. I would like to think that I would have gone down with Him. I would love to imagine that while He was being beaten that He would glance over at me and smile as I too were there with Him undergoing the same inhumane torture. However, the truth remains that I feel a bit more like Peter than I do a sacrificial martyr.

I can't fathom the emotions of His followers watching all this play out. Sure, He had told them time and time again about this very moment, but as they took it all in it appears none of it made any sense. This "One" sent from God had been arrested and was to be beaten and brutally killed. Their Hero, their Messiah, the One who had come to save them appeared unable to save Himself. And then, when it was all over and He had breathed His last breath I can only imagine the sinking feeling in their hearts as all hope seemed lost.

Have you ever wondered what their conversations were like in the hours and days immediately following this horrific event? Was there any of them full of hope trying to encourage the others? Or, were they all puzzled and confused by it all? Perhaps, if you would have been there, you would have tried to remind everyone about everything He as said about this event. I'm thinking had it been me, that disillusionment might cloud everything. I'm just being real as I look back at my life and those moments when I've been hammered with circumstances that flooded my mind with questions. Most of the time the uncertainty and disillusionment of the moment blind me to the promises that I know He's spoken. I'm thinking like Peter, I might just pick my net back up and head out fishing.

For three days those followers of Christ were left in that state. Not knowing, not understanding, not certain of anything anymore. Then all of a sudden in runs the women who had just visited the tomb only to find it abandoned. Now, picture yourself in that moment. What emotions are you faced with? If you're still sitting around feeling defeated and playing that part of a victim perhaps you're filled with thoughts that someone has stolen the body. Or, maybe just maybe, your heart starts to pump a little faster and the adrenaline begins to pump through your veins as you think maybe just maybe He has risen just like He said. Running to the tomb your mind is a whirlwind of thoughts and imaginations and when you get there its just as the women proclaimed. Now, imagine seeing Him. Not, dead but alive.

Do you cry? Do you laugh? Do you shout? Do you run to Him? Are you numb? Are you overwhelmed and your emotions take over? Perhaps its all of these and more, at least I'm pretty sure that's my reaction. My Friend, my Hero, my Savior is alive! Hopelessness has given way to an unbelievable, unimaginable hope.

As I sit here thinking, that's just it. I mean, coming back to 2011 that truth hasn't changed. It's as real today as that very moment 2000 years ago. My Friend, my Hero, my Savior is alive! He's alive! That empty tomb speaks hope to me today just like it did to those who followed Him back then. Hope that makes me take on life today. Hope that makes me confident that whatever hammers me today can't overshadow the truth that my Redeemer lives. Hope that whatever is going on in the world around me pales in comparison to knowing that my Savior is on the throne and forever will be. Hope that the sin in my life past, present, and future was carried to the cross and the punishment for it all was laid on Him. Hope that forgiveness has been granted to me, mercy has protected me, and grace has saved me. Hope that who I was, is no longer who I am, and who I am is now completely the result of Him in me. Hope that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Hope that in all things He causes me to triumph. Hope that even in death I win. Hope that freedom reigns in my life. Hope that one day I will see the One who has showered my life with this very hope.

And the world is distracted by bunnies and colored eggs. What a shame when there is so much more. Hope, that's what this season is about. It's about an empty tomb that screams hope to whatever you're up against and wherever you are in life. It's not just a religious holiday, its a celebration about the One who Was, and Is, and IS to come. Nope, this weekend isn't about a bunny, it's about a Lamb and a Lion. It's about the Lamb who was slain and lives again. It's about the Lion who's return is moving closer with each passing day. As far as I'm concerned the world can have their Easter and I'll take the empty tomb and the hope it speaks to me!

An Awesome Place To Live

Worry....it happens during those moments when we have more confidence in an unfavorable outcome than we do in a favorable one. It occurs when we have little or no control over a situation and the outcome is completely out of our hands. Worry leads to stress which in turn can lead to some major physical problems.

So, why do we do it? Why do we sit around wringing our hands worrying about those things we can do nothing to fix? It's as if something inside of us just takes over doesn't it? We can't fix it, remedy it, or control it so everything in us tells us to worry. Of course, our worrying always fixes the problem. Yeah, right. Truth is, it never does. Worrying never fixes anything.

Think of all those moments when you've sat around worrying about something and the end result proved that you had nothing to worry about in the first place. Or, how about those moments when you've worried about something that turned out just as bad as you expected. Honestly, did the worrying help? Of course, it didn't. Here's my point, there are things in life we can do nothing about. Now, all you faith people don't shut me out here. I'm talking about those times when we've prayed, we've believed, we've quoted scripture, and done everything else we can possibly do in order to affect a situation or circumstance. Once you are there, there is nothing else you can physically do.

So, we worry. We panic. We get all stressed out. We sit around wringing our hands hoping things somehow, someway turn out better than we anticipate. It is only when we get to a place in our life when we truly trust God that worry is no longer our default state of being. It is only when we really trust that He's got our best interest in mind, or that we have total confidence in God's ability to be in control. Yeah, we know He's God, but our problem is sometimes we're not really sure He's up to the God role. At least, our actions say that.

When we can lay our head on our pillow at night with the confidence that God's at the helm and because of that all is well, that's faith. No, I didn't say that all is well with the world around us, just the fact that God is the one that's sitting on the throne. He's the one in charge. When we know that, I mean really know that, our actions and reactions take on a much different look. When we know, not just hope, that He's working in our life, righting the wrongs, fixing what's broke, and preparing us for what's ahead, it affords a confidence that we could have no other way.

Faith isn't quoting scripture or claiming something through the power of positive thinking. It's knowing. It's not a formula or a ritual. It's the point where my hope has given way to a confidence so sure that it no longer requires me to hope. It's the point at which the thing I hoped for, I know I have even though I've not actually touched it, smelled it, tasted it, or seen it. As a result, my life becomes a reflection of that confident knowing. Do you think a person who knows acts different than a person who hopes and wishes? Absolutely!

God longs for us to trust Him. He so desperately wants us to know that He's trustworthy and faithful. He wants us to live in such a way that our lifestyle screams all is well because God is on the throne even when what we see is telling us different. The truth is, this world around us and how our 5 physical senses navigate through it, can be a constant challenge for our faith. The main problem is that we are so acquainted with this world and the way it works. What is necessary for us is to become more acquainted with God and how He works. When we determine to do that is when our faith and confidence in Him begins to grow. Its a journey. Its a process of learning to trust and believe God. The final destination is a sweet one though. Its a place void of worry, and fear. Its a place of perfect peace, and complete confidence in One more capable than any other. Its a place of rest and relaxation. It's a place called faith and believe me when I say, you've got to go there some day. It really is an awesome place to live!

Of Squirrels And Men

I'm not sure why, but last night while I was laying in bed, I was recalling an event that happened a few years ago. So, I figure I'll just run with that today. I don't remember exactly how long ago, but I know it was several years back, while I was playing golf one day. I would love to say that I am great at golf, but that would be more than an exaggeration. It would actually be a complete lie. Anyways, I was playing alone this particular day and actually managed to hit the green on a par 3 and was thrilled with the idea that I was walking up to the green carrying only my putter. You every-once-in-a-while golfers no exactly what I mean. As I'm approaching the green, on the other side of the green I see a squirrel, which of course is not out of the ordinary, but this one was a bit different.

Generally, squirrels run away from you, right? Not this one. This one actually starts running toward me. Naturally, I thought that was a bit odd, but as he continued to approach me I began to think perhaps he's more than just a bit odd. Perhaps, he was a card carrying member of squirrels with rabies or something. Needless to say I was getting a bit nervous. I stepped a little to the right and cocked my putter and took up a posture that said, "come, near me and I'll kill you!" The squirrel never deviated from his course and never broke stride. He ran directly over the ground that I had just vacated and continued running in a straight line until he got to a tree and simply scaled the tree as only a squirrel can do.

After my heart slowed down a bit and the adrenaline rush was over, I continued with my round of golf, no doubt missing my birdie putt. I don't really remember the putt, but I had to have missed it, because as poor as I am at golf, trust me if it was a birdie, I would remember it.

Back to last night. As I lay there recalling this event in my mind, I started thinking about how focused that squirrel was on where he was headed. I'm not sure what was in that tree, perhaps its nest, or little baby squirrels, or a hidden stash of acorns. The fact is there were trees all around, but for some reason, this was the only tree this squirrel was interested in. And even though this 5' 11" 200 and none-of-your-business pounds guy stood directly between him and the tree, this squirrel was determined to get there. He wasn't rabid, he was just focused and determined.

We've all been in situations like that. We have something we've set our eyes on. Something we long for. Perhaps it's a dream that God has birthed in us. A creative, inspired dream that God planted deep inside of us and we see it clearly up ahead. Maybe its a miracle of healing you've had your faith set on or a loved one you've been praying for God to reach. It could be any number of things we've set our heart on but, in between us and it, is some kind of major hurdle. Something that takes our eyes off of the goal, and therefore causes us to lose focus and get off track. If we are not careful, it can cause the dream to die.

But, if its a God dream, we need to be willing to face the hurdle head on. Keeping our eyes on where we are headed and the One who's called us to get there. Like the squirrel on that golf course that day, we need to stop at nothing to reach the place that we long for. We need to determine that whatever stands in the way is going to either move or we'll climb it, hurdle it, overcome it, go over it, go under it, or go around it. Scripture tells us that for the joy that was set before him, Jesus endured the cross. The cross represented a hurdle for Him in the process of purchasing our salvation. The joy that he kept his eyes on was you and I living the kind of life he created us to live. The cross stood between him and that goal, but thank God he refused to back down. Thank God, he rolled up and sleeves and took that cross head-on, keeping his eyes on you and I.

What is it in your life that you set out to do, but somewhere along the way the enemy got you sidetracked? What dreams have you backed down from because the enemy placed something in the way that intimidated you? God has a word for you today. "Dream again." "Hope again." "Go for it, and let nothing stop you."

I'm not sure what would have happened that day had I not moved aside. Perhaps, the squirrel would have deviated his course or backed down altogether. But then again, I may have come home with evidence that I had been in a fight with a determined squirrel. I don't know about you, but I think, we need to learn how to send the enemy home looking like he's tangled with a believer who is resolute, determined, and full of fight.