Entangled

Jan 3
2 min read

I found a Red-tailed Hawk, dead in the weeds. Bone and feather were all that remained. Its wing feathers were velcroed together with clusters of stick-burs holding tight, unable to move.

This mighty bird - created to soar high, to see clearly, and to dominate the natural world -

– was brought down by something small that would not let go.

I keep thinking about the way it was caught.

Strong things don’t expect small things to end them.

They expect battle, not entanglement.

And though I don’t know the exact circumstances that led the hawk into the weeds,

I do know it was in a place it was not intended to dwell.

Alone.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.” Hebrews 12:1

“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. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

“Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” James 5:16

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25

And the questions rise, not to accuse, but for my good:

What small things am I tolerating that I should be fleeing?

What is entangling me from living out my purpose?

How much time have I spent in a place I know I’m not supposed to be?

Who do I need to tell, instead of trying to handle it alone?