Call it fate.  Call it destiny.  Call it what you will but on a Saturday, like every Saturday, my 12yo and I reported to duty at the Humane Society to volunteer.  It was a day of cleaning cages, sweeping floors and showing families the selection of dogs and cats.   Except, there was a  spaniel crouched down in a crate.  Scared, afraid of everyone, and shaking of fear……….

My 12yo opened the crate to feed and water the scared little dog.  The poor little thing just scooted to the back as far as she could and shook.  ”It’s okay….”  my sweet daughter softly explained.   Jo came to me saying I needed to see this sweet little doggie.  Our eyes met, my heart broke, and she shook from fear…… Coaxing her from the crate, she timidly emerged from it and crouched wanting to trust us.  I agreed to “baby sit” until there was enough room for her at the shelter.

It was apparent she had been abused.  She was so afraid of everything.  Any noise, hand movement, or a “no” would cause her to shrink and cower trying to melt away.  I hated to scold her in any form because of her emotional state.  After a couple of days, she began to trust us enough to sit with us on the couch or recliner.   After a week’s stay, she was ours.  She had captured our hearts and we just couldn’t reject her…..we couldn’t do that to her again.  She was perfect in our eyes.  And yet, she was still afraid.

She trusts only us.  Anyone else she cowers, runs and hides from.  Visitors have to understand not to take it personally, she just doesn’t trust people.  I don’t want to know the abuse she endured….. quite frankly, I don’t know who could have ever hurt her.  No matter, she is safe with us and is loved dearly.

Sometimes, life makes me cower, shake with fear, and to not trust people.   I, too, try to fade into the background instead of standing up to my fears.  Like Ginger, I have been hurt more times than I want to remember.  It is so obvious that I struggle  because of the pounds and layers of emotional baggage around my waist.  And I am working on finding the freedom…..

Trusting God is the key.  He has told us countless times that we should not be afraid.  Trust and rest in Him and we will find the freedom.  He is stronger and  bigger than any fear we have….. so hand it over to Him.  Let His strong shoulders carry our burdens.

Ginger has learned to trust us.  If this poor frightened creature can find a way to trust people again, then don’t you think you can find the trust in God?

God Bless……

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1. Blinded
2. One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish…. I'm a Lil' Fish