Together

Every year, about this same time, if you watch the treetops you'll see an amazing thing.  It begins happening in the spring and sometimes goes into early summer.  Every year I know it's surely coming and every year I find myself fascinated, amazed, cheering yet again.

Sheri, what in the world are you going on about?

It's the Power of Together!

You must be watching for it but if you are, you'll witness this phenomenon repeating itself again and again.  I'm talking about the way birds work together to protect their young.  

I've seen it thousands of times and I bet you have, too.  A large, hungry bird swoops in to snatch eggs or even babies from the nest of smaller birds.  But he almost always gets something more than he bargained for.....Fierce Togetherness! 

You see, those smaller parents aren't willing to give up their young without a fight!  I've seen them attack a bird many times their size in order to beat back the threatening predator.  They screech and peck at the monster trying to steal their prized possessions.  

And they attack in tandem.  First the male then the female then the male again. Swirling, diving, pecking, clawing using every resource at their disposal to drive away the thief.

The unsuspecting enemy is first startled then confused.  It seems there's no getting away.  Where did all these other birds come from?  

There aren't other birds.  It's just the power of two working in perfect harmony with a laser sharp focus - "Get the Enemy AWAY from our Young!"  It's a dangerous approach; the smaller birds flinging themselves again and again at the giant bird.  But their offspring are worth the risk!

Besides, he is working alone and they are working TOGETHER!  

I've never seen one of the larger birds swoop back toward the nest. Usually,  it beats a path for the clearest way of escape.  It goes in search of an easier lunch at some nest less diligently defended.

You see, the enemy (in this case) is simply fighting with hunger.  The defenders are fighting with Heart.  They have more at stake and are therefore not afraid to fight with fierce abandon.

I watched a video just yesterday of two birds attacking a grown man standing on a bridge.  He unwittingly walked too close to the nest and they went after him again and again with no apparent concern for their own safety.

AMAZING!

There is a scripture that explains this fascinating practice: 

      "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor;

          If either of them falls down, one can help the other up."  

                   (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10)

 How wonderful it would be if we humans would adopt the principle of TOGETHER!  

• Fighting together for our children!
• Standing together for our marriages!
• Applauding together for our extended families!
• Cheering together for those who choose right!
• Praying together for our nations and world!

"Two are better than one...."

It seems our world today champions the individual more and more.  "You did it all on your own!"  "You took the prize!"  "I sure did!  Look at ME!"

But the wisdom of the ages says, "Don't go life alone.  It's better to face the struggles together with another.  Then if you fall down (or even lose heart),  there's someone to help." 

You may see some giant ominously approaching on the horizon.  Don't despair!  Grab a friend, hit your knees and attack TOGETHER in prayer.  

Maybe your thought is, "That's a great concept, Sheri.  But I literally have no one who can fight with me."

Then may I encourage you to find a scripture addressing your particular battle point and begin reading it aloud every time you are concerned.  Who better to fight with you than the Creator of the Universe?

Every time we pray His words (scripture), we're declaring that we stand with Him.  God stood with David against Goliath; with Moses against Pharaoh; with Esther against her enemy, Haman.  The list goes on but you get the idea.

Scripture describes our Heavenly Father as a friend who sticks closer than a brother.  I know that to be true from personal experience.    

You may have to be fierce in your approach but remember your objective.  Some of you are battling for your children, some for your marriage,  others for health issues or work concerns.  Keep fighting! Don't forget for a minute that your prayers are creating confusion for the enemy you face.  

And as you employ the tactic of "together," the promise is, "[together] you have a good return for your labor." 

Believing with you today.  Push back that enemy......TOGETHER!