On a beautifully sunny and warm spring day in Dallas, my mom and I headed to lunch with anticipation of an afternoon of shopping afterwards.

All of a sudden my mother yelled, “Stop the car!” I had no idea what was wrong. Was she sick ? Had she forgotten something or had I hit something? Immediately, I pulled the car over and threw it into park. What’s wrong I asked?! She pointed and I followed her gaze and extended finger to view what was the cause of her panic.

On the side of a house was an imposingly huge hawk flying dangerously low, wildly flapping its wings. As I beheld the scene, I noticed a tiny animal, maybe a rabbit or small puppy terrified and unable to move, cringing in a catatonic state of fear. The hawk had focused intentions on swooping down and flying off with the critter, I’m sure intending it would be its next meal.

How my mother was able to in a flash observe what was going on as we passed by was unbelievable to me. She tried to jump out of the car intending to rescue the animal. Out of concern for her safety, I grabbed her arm and would not let her leave the car. I tried to reason with her, Mom, this is an extremely large hawk with sharp claws!

I contemplated what to do, I truly did feel a united compassion to go and attempt a rescue. However my courage on this day was outranked by a decision for self-preservation and selfishness. I had come to Dallas to visit my Mom and have some quality time with her. Spending time in the hospital was not on the agenda. Plus, I have a now not so secret fear of birds…beady eyes, pointed beaks and sharp claws…ugh!

The hawk seemed to be more resolute and angry with each attempt but was having difficulty maintaining its grip on the creature. Many times the predator lunged and plunged downward but kept coming up without its target. As I wondered why my question was answered. I observed a single tiny blue bird. The blue bird was doing a reconnaissance mission to frustrate the plans of the hawk. It was unafraid to go up against the immensely larger bird. The blue bird was flying straight into the hawk’s path disturbing its vision and even at times colliding with the hawk to stop the attack.

We watched this scene playing out and still I did not move. I was so fascinated by the blue bird's courage and efforts to save this creature that had no association or connection with. Why did it care so much that it risked its own life to save the creature? Yet it did…

As we drove off I was convicted and even a bit ashamed. God calls us to be ready to help, serve and share with those in need. How often have I missed an opportunity to show Christ in me by lending a helping hand? I thought of different ways…helping a senior load or unload their grocery cart…giving a smile to people that I pass…offering to help a co-worker who is staying late to finish a project…giving my spouse a cold drink on a hot day when he’s working in the yard.

When was the last time I served on a committee at school to enrich and enhance the quality of education for our children…served on the hospitality team that prepares meals for a family after a funeral service…served a meal to a church member who is ill…or served at a shelter or Soup Kitchen.

Finally, I thought we are all “called” to share. Big or small, no matter the color or religion we were created to be our “Brothers Keeper.” We like the little blue bird can be a life-line by sharing the Word of God to a friend or family member who is unsaved. Be a Light to shine on the True Savior of the World, Jesus. That is what each of us are called, commissioned and equipped by God to do.

Share with others that Jesus, like the little blue bird was selfless and sacrificial to save our lives. He did it with great compassion, determination and care because He loves us and gave His life so He could save us all.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son so that we would not perish but that we will have ever-lasting life.” John 3:16

“Faith without works is dead.” James 2:17