The Cardinal and

The Blue Jay!

CYNTHIA BENNETT

May, we are celebrating Women in Ministry. I can’t help but reminisce on the journey I and many others who have accepted their call into ministry have been on. This past weekend, as I was relaxing on the patio, I saw a cardinal bird fly by me and land on a tree branch; as I watched it, I thought about the spiritual symbolism of this bird. The red cardinal represents life, hope, and restoration. I began thanking God for allowing me to see a colorful bird. Watching him flap his wings, he did not fly away but stayed perched on the tree branch. I also began thinking about the bird showing up as a reminder.

 Sometimes, we can get caught up in ministering to others and forget or don’t think about those who have ministered to us or spoken words over our lives. I started thanking God for saving my life, renewing hope, and restoring my heart, soul, and mind for his purpose. While watching the cardinal bird, another bird flew by me and landed on another tree branch, and as I looked at the bird, I realized it was a Blue Jay. What were the odds of seeing a cardinal and a blue jay in two trees within one minute of each other and both within my view? I knew God was speaking. So, I researched the Blue Jay, symbolizing being divine and a bearer of good news. Isn’t that what ministry is about; sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ?  During this Christian walk and the work of ministry, we can sometimes feel lonesome; we feel like ministry is draining the life out of us to the point that we often feel hopeless and helpless.

Anyone who has been in ministry for a while, especially women (since this article is about women in ministry), has experienced these feelings. When we become overwhelmed, we run ourselves down and are no good for our family, ministry, or ourselves. We should do what David did and encourage ourselves by taking time to rest, relax, replenish, and regroup. 

We know that God has called us for such a time as this, and he also loves us and wants us to love ourselves and take care of ourselves. Whether relaxing with a book, driving in the park, or sitting on a patio looking at trees, taking in the breeze, let’s use the wisdom we often give out and learn to spoon-feed ourselves. 

Although God speaks to us in different ways, all that matters is that He speaks, and more importantly, we are willing to listen. Whatever we are facing, whatever is taking place in our lives, whatever we are struggling with or overwhelmed by, work, home, or ministry, step back and listen. 

God will always send a messenger, a donkey; a burning bush; a cloud, a whisper, or dreams and visions. I know when God says something twice, it affirms or confirms what he already has told us. He chose and qualified us and wanted to remind us that he still loves us by showing us his Glory and Love through miracles, signs, wonders, and, yes, even with birds.