The Bible is sprinkled with animals used for unique purpose: a serpent tempted, a donkey warned, bulls and goats were sacrificed, a dove became a messenger, a colt served as transportation, lions compared to the devil, an eagle symbolized power and strength, and sheep were compared to man.
Here’s a modern-day sweet story of a horse that showed human-like compassion.
My friend Patty writes:
Daddy entered my room, smiled, and lifted a shining saddle in the air. “Do you like it?”
He knew a gift for my four-legged friend, Scout, delighted my 10-year-old heart.
I giggled as he bounced the empty saddle on the bed, mimicking a bucking horse.
“Scout will love this,” I said to myself as I carried the treasure the next day.
I entered the barn and found Scout in the back stall, hiding in a shadowed corner. As soon as I drew close, I quickened my steps. The soft dirt pressed under my feet. And the smell of wet hay filled the barn.
But eagerness filled my heart. “Hey boy,” I said, “look what I have for you!” I swung the saddle up and positioned it on his back. I took a step back and observed his reaction. His wiry legs seemed stronger. He held his head higher and turned from side to side with pride. The colors of the saddle accented his shiny, dark brown hide.
No longer a scrawny, skinny, and scared horse; he was now a strong, radiant warrior ready to defend and conquer in any battle.
And soon, Scout became my warrior, defender, and my confidant. Together we rode over and over across familiar paths. He grew to know me better than I knew myself.
And as we bonded, the passing years faded some of the radiance of that new saddle, but our relationship continued to smooth and deepen just like its beautiful leather. Even at seventeen, I shared my fears and joy only with Scout. No one else listened as he did.
Scout grazed peacefully, sun rays stroked his hide and a soft breeze lifted his mane, What a profound contrast to my world. It shook violently in a whirlwind of emotions. The ophthalmologist announced, “There is no cure for this retinal disease.”
I sank in the chair, hoping he would offer some words of hope, but he followed his diagnosis with more dark news instead. “I’m afraid it will eventually take her sight. It’s only a matter of time.” He spoke to Daddy while I listened in horror.
We rode home in silence. Daddy offered his loving comments, but this time none of them drew a smile from me.
Instead, each passing day brought painful evidence of my diminishing peripheral vision. The retinal condition dimmed the light around me and darkened my world
As my eyesight diminished, so did my desire to enjoy the activities I had loved before.
“Do you need any help picking out your clothes?” Daddy asked in a soft voice one day.
“No, I can do it myself!” I shouted back, unfairly venting my frustration at him. After he quietly walked out, I threw my clothes down, flung myself on the bed, and sobbed. I could no longer distinguish colors or shapes. Coordinating my clothes, a task I used to perform with ease, was now impossible.
“Anytime you need to go anywhere, just let us know,” friends offered. “You know we’re here for you.”
In spite of their support, no one knew the turmoil that shook inside.
But in the midst of that storm, I shared my fear, anguish, and frustration with Scout. When I cried into his neck, he nickered softly and nuzzled my shoulder with his velvet nose.
I sensed his tenderness when I offered up my deepest pain and desperate longing as my life sank into a dark tunnel. I’ll be here for you. I’ll be your eyes, he seemed to say.
Unable to direct his path, I couldn’t guide him around dangerous obstacles. But I trusted him. And he proved more than capable, not only at carrying me around physical dangers, but also at easing me through my sadness.
His protective nature emerged against anyone or anything that threatened to harm me. No one else seemed to know how to take away the sting of living a sightless life.
With each ride he gave me joy, helping me forget my heart’s burdens for a while.
When my friends made plans to see a movie, they added, “You can go too if you want.”
“No, that’s okay, I’ll just go home,” I spoke.
Holding back hot tears, I made my way across the grass, following the sounds coming from the barn. With careful steps, I found the stall where my loyal friend waited and hugged his muscular neck, feeling the warmth of his body.
Scout stood still, listening to my sobbing whispers. He understood more than just my words. With a long sigh, I stroked his face with palms wet from my tears. He seemed to cry with me, You’re not alone, I’m hurting too.
Day after day, he listened like no one else. Until the time I left for college. The trunk of the car was packed with my belongings. And my heart was filled with a blend of excitement but also a bit of fear about the unknown.
I turned toward daddy at the driver’s seat. “Can we go by the fence so I can say good-bye to Scout?”
Daddy parked the car alongside the fence. Moments later, Scout put his head through the car window beside me. As I hugged his neck, I felt his tears on my cheek. My own tears mingled with his just like they had done so many times before. We never needed words to express our quiet love.
Similar to the beautiful saddle I had once placed on his scrawny back, he placed a shining glow of compassion and love on my broken world. Our hearts were forever braided together in a rope of unconditional love. He became my eyes, allowing me to see what sighted people could not. Even when I was unable to express my darkest feelings, he read my heart, sensed my pain, and now, he seemed to cry my tears.
God’s comfort comes in many ways, through His Word, through friends and often He uses His creation to speak to our aching heart, our lonely moments and soothes our sadness with quiet comfort. You can learn more about the healing power of pets in our lives here. https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2018/02/power-pets
Father, thank You for Your love so intense that You would use all forms to dry our tears.
Will you be open to what God might use to turn your sadness into a smile?
Janet
It’s my joy to have you as part of my inspirational family. Please feel free to share today’s post with others.
Let’s Stay in Touch
You and I are only a click away. Hop on over to this CONTACT FORM. Once there you can leave your prayer request, make a comment, ask a question, or invite me to speak to your group.
I also invite you to visit my WEBSITE. You’ll find more inspirational blogs along with my story, books, and videos. You’ll also learn the passion and mission of JC Empowerment ministries.
How to pray so God will answer.
Janet Perez Eckles
11/22/2024
The perfect guide to peace.
Janet Perez Eckles
11/8/2024
An urgent call for today’s turmoil.
Janet Perez Eckles
10/26/2024
What to do when life becomes too much.
Janet Perez Eckles
10/25/2024
What to do when our world shakes.
Janet Perez Eckles
10/11/2024
He’ll calm your storm.
Janet Perez Eckles
10/9/2024
No eyesight, no limbs, but enjoying the fullness of life.
Janet Perez Eckles
9/27/2024
What to do when feeling trapped.
Janet Perez Eckles
9/13/2024
The sure way to find direction in life.
Janet Perez Eckles
8/30/2024
What to do while we wait for the answer.
Janet Perez Eckles
8/16/2024
Five reasons why you must never be discouraged.
Janet Perez Eckles
8/2/2024
How the 4th of July reminds us that we can have freedom from worry.
Janet Perez Eckles
7/19/2024
Is this what you're missing?
Janet Perez Eckles
6/21/2024
When my problems are too deep.
Janet Perez Eckles
6/7/2024
What does God say about immigration?
Janet Perez Eckles
6/2/2024
When will God heal me?
Janet Perez Eckles
5/24/2024
Your secret to become the best mom.
Janet Perez Eckles
5/10/2024
A free event to empower you.
Janet Perez Eckles
4/24/2024
How to prepare for the end times.
Janet Perez Eckles
4/12/2024
How do I know I'll go to heaven?
Janet Perez Eckles
3/22/2024
Six choices that make you a victor.
Janet Perez Eckles
3/8/2024
A surprise is tucked inside.
Janet Perez Eckles
2/27/2024
How long before the heartache stops?
Janet Perez Eckles
2/23/2024
Does God see my loneliness?
Janet Perez Eckles
2/9/2024
When bad situations turn to victory.
Janet Perez Eckles
1/27/2024
5 ways you can have a victorious new year.
Janet Perez Eckles
1/5/2024
Good news in the midst of fear and loneliness.
Janet Perez Eckles
12/22/2023
What to do when facing a war.
Janet Perez Eckles
12/8/2023
The secret to a real celebration of Christ.
Janet Perez Eckles
12/6/2023
A Message of Appreciation
Janet Perez Eckles
11/24/2023
What is the purpose for my life?
Janet Perez Eckles
11/10/2023
Happy birthday to...me!
Janet Perez Eckles
10/27/2023
Three lies that can rob your security.
Janet Perez Eckles
10/13/2023
This is how you overcome stress, sadness, and worry.
Janet Perez Eckles
9/29/2023
Avoid pitfalls and pain with these three steps.
Janet Perez Eckles
9/15/2023
What kind of prayers does God really answer?
Janet Perez Eckles
9/1/2023
How to calm your emotional turmoil.
Janet Perez Eckles
8/18/2023
Five promises to live free from fear.
Janet Perez Eckles
8/4/2023
This is the way to a rich life.
Janet Perez Eckles
7/21/2023
Saying goodbye.
Janet Perez Eckles
7/4/2023
It's a hot summer, but timely inspiration is so cool!
Janet Perez Eckles
7/3/2023
Is that blind woman dancing?
Janet Perez Eckles
7/2/2023
Free...For You!
Janet Perez Eckles
7/1/2023
No eyesight, no limbs, but enjoying the fullness of life.
Janet Perez Eckles
6/30/2023
The best way to celebrate our Father...our Heavenly Father.
Janet Perez Eckles
6/16/2023
Your joy is closer than you think.
Janet Perez Eckles
6/9/2023
Five reasons why loneliness cannot enter your heart.
Janet Perez Eckles
5/26/2023
Five weapons for mothers to overcome stress.
Janet Perez Eckles
5/12/2023
Three steps to contentment during chaos.
Janet Perez Eckles
5/5/2023
This is what you need to remove to have a happier and peaceful life.
Janet Perez Eckles
4/21/2023
Because the tomb is empty, your loneliness, fear, and anxiety can end.
Janet Perez Eckles
4/7/2023
Your pet might be speaking the love that no human can.
Janet Perez Eckles
3/31/2023
3 ways to know if God will find you strong and committed or find you lukewarm instead.
Janet Perez Eckles
3/17/2023
Three questions to determine how prepared you are to face life's troubles.
Janet Perez Eckles
3/3/2023
Three ways to prepare for the end times.
Janet Perez Eckles
2/17/2023
Overcoming Loneliness on Valentine's Day
Janet Perez Eckles
2/14/2023
Something just for you.
Janet Perez Eckles
2/10/2023
Four decisions to turn anxiety to peace.
Janet Perez Eckles
2/3/2023
God is with us...always!
Janet Perez Eckles
1/27/2023
12 questions to determine the success of your new year.
Janet Perez Eckles
1/20/2023
Five steps to keep depression out.
Janet Perez Eckles
1/6/2023
This is where you find comfort this Christmas.
Janet Perez Eckles
12/23/2022
This is how stress turns to peace this Christmas.
Janet Perez Eckles
12/18/2022
How to end your worry.
Janet Perez Eckles
12/5/2022
Big Announcement ... Read On
Janet Perez Eckles
11/19/2022
How to get rid of loneliness.
Janet Perez Eckles
9/2/2022
How to get rid of anxiety.
Janet Perez Eckles
8/12/2022
Your battle belongs to the Lord.
Janet Perez Eckles
7/29/2022
The only connection you need to feel safe and secure.
Janet Perez Eckles
7/15/2022
10 steps to help you never, never fear
Janent Perez Eckles
4/1/2022
How to overcome this hot summer of loneliness
Janent Perez Eckles
8/21/2020
How to see God’s way out of our troubles
Janent Perez Eckles
7/10/2020
With these four promises, we can dare to expect a brand new, beautiful, tomorrow
Janent Perez Eckles
6/19/2020
When God Meets our Greatest Needs
Janent Perez Eckles
4/24/2020
Trust in the Real Source
Janent Perez Eckles
4/10/2020
6 ways to know God is watching your anxious moments
Janent Perez Eckles
3/7/2020
12 ways to transform your life
Janent Perez Eckles
1/17/2020
Avoid these three traps when facing impossibilities.
Janent Perez Eckles
12/20/2019
Consider these three steps before getting angry.
Janent Perez Eckles
11/8/2019
Three steps to have your prayers answered.
Janent Perez Eckles
11/1/2019
The secret to live a happy life.
Janent Perez Eckles
10/4/2019
Three secrets of a real winner.
Janent Perez Eckles
9/6/2019
So, what’s another disaster?
Janent Perez Eckles
8/2/2019
One thing you need to remove in order to live with confidence.
Janent Perez Eckles
6/7/2019
What to do when life becomes too much.
Janent Perez Eckles
2/22/2019
Five questions to see if you’re a people pleaser.
Janet Perez Eckles
11/23/2018
How to achieve the best of life.
Janent Perez Eckles
11/9/2018
I need encouragement.
Janent Perez Eckles
11/9/2018
6 Steps to Bring Back Peace
Janent Perez Eckles
6/8/2018