i4031

The other day I was blessed to see a bald eagle, and when I mentioned it on FB one of the many “moms” I have acquired asked me why that means so much to me, instead of a private message I thought it would be important to share it with anyone who might care…

What the Bald Eagle means to me…

Growing up as a family we would travel across the river to Alton to go Eagle Watching and my affection for them started then. Watching these majestic birds sit, soar and dive along the river road fascinated me. The Bald Eagle is to me the greatest animal God created, its quietly intimidating, always aware of whats going on, but able to pounce and defend when needed. With its large wing span and body shrouded in dark feathers, but tipped on each end with the purest white one can find it stands out above everything else. 

When I moved to KC the chance of seeing them grew less and less until one day I was just having a tough go and while driving prayed out to God, just give me a sign your still here…no later than 30 seconds right along the highway a bald eagle flew in front of my car…coincidence at first I thought, but the instant joy it brought me got me thinking…over the next few years it started to seem that when things were a little down, there would be one at just the right moment for me to see. Including one day when I saw about 7 sitting in a tree…

When I go Eagle watching its not as emotional for me to see them, I just sit in awe and watch them, but other moments of my life they have triggered a rush of emotions because of things I was dealing with at the exact moment. Two of the most important were just yesterday, because of the struggles I am currently dealing with and the feeling of lost hope at moments, and after leaving coffee with my great friend Aaron Jackson I was driving by the airport praying and just said God…I need to know your still there, I’m trying to stay on your plan…and then just a few miles down the road I see one land right next to the highway at I-29/152, a location I have never seen one before…the other time was just after April 10, 2010 when I lost my best friend I was upset at God, praying out to help me understand how and why this would happen, and right then, soaring in front of my car, another eagle…

see the Eagle is more than a bird to me, its my sign that God hasn’t abandoned me, keep my faith, keep persevering, keep fighting, and simply just keep going…

One day I stumbled across this verse, and it gave me confidence to continue, which is what led to me attempting to create a clothing line with it (didn’t happen like I had hoped, but maybe someday), but almost everyday I wear a shirt with the insignia on the right on it, a daily reminder of what I can accomplish with trusting in God.

I4031 – (Isaiah 40:31)
but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.