Who's Calling Me Chicken?

     Have you ever been called a chicken in a teasing or sarcastic way because you were hesitant to take a risk? It's a little milder than being called a coward, but it is such a misused expression. I never learned how misused until recently when Big Daddy came to live with us.
     Big Daddy is an absolutely gorgeous black and gold rooster. Emory got the urge to raise a few chickens to help with some of our food expenses, so he built a little portable chicken house on wheels, and added a covered pen, then purchased Big Daddy and six different colored hens. Big Daddy stands at least two feet tall, and is cock-of-the-walk. There's nothing chicken abut this rooster. Being around him for a few weeks has taught me more about leadership and the Holy Spirit that I ever dreamed possible.
     Big Daddy communicates with a crow, a squawk or a gentle cluck. He begins every morning by crowing reveille then leading his "girls" out of the pen. He crows his praise for the new morning, and then makes his rounds of the territory. A gentle cluck announces a food find such as corn kernels on the ground, or a good place to scratch for worms and bugs. He stays alert to their surroundings at all times, and squawks if he feels there is danger from a chicken hawk or any other predator. Then he urges the hens to take cover, or move to a safer place. Often he comes to the rescue if one of the girls gets into trouble, or if we get too close, and will get "in your face" if necessary. "Who's calling me chicken," he seems to be saying. He risks himself to protect his flock.    
     That's exactly what the Holy Spirit does for us. He inspires us to praise, leads, protects, warns, and will also fight for us if necessary, and that is what we should be doing for hurting children, as well as newer, weaker brothers and sisters.
     We then who are strong ought to bear with the weaknesses of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Romans 15:1 "Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore hear a word from my mouth, and give them warning from Me." Ezekiel 3:17 

Lord, show me who I can watch out for today! --Rebecca Somoskey