We often hear how someone rescues an abused or unwanted dog, but we don’t always hear of how a dog or another animal rescues us.
Dogs were often my best friends when I grew up on a farm. They often comforted me with their unconditional love, loyalty, and ability to understand what I was feeling.
Some years ago, I read a book called Blind Hope: An Unwanted Dog and the Woman She Rescued by Kim Meeder and Laurie Sacher. It’s an inspiring true story of healing for both a blind dog and the woman who reached out to save her.
When Laurie went to work for Crystal Peak Youth Ranch, her soul was aching. She discovered an unwanted dog who was broken in heart and body and decided to rescue her. But what a surprise when the dog, Mia, actually rescued her!
When they took a walk, Mia would be fine as long as she listened and stayed near to Laurie’s footsteps, but sometimes she diverted to a different path. Once she realized Laurie was no longer next to her, she became hysterical and ran in circles. At those times, Laurie’s calm voice was not enough to soothe her. She needed to bend down and hold Mia in her arms as she whispered, “You’re safe, my sweet girl. It’s okay.”
Once at the height of frustration, Laurie wanted to shout, “How many times are you going to move away from me and then freak out because you think I have left you? How many times will I have to walk back and scoop you up before you simply learn to walk with me?”
Then the truth pierced Laurie’s heart – “God has been asking me those same questions!”
Through Mia, God taught Laurie deep spiritual lessons of true acceptance, unconditional trust, and authentic love.
Isn’t this story a picture of our lives? When we want to follow Jesus, we often get distracted by the clamor in this world or in our minds. Or we decide our way is better. Or sometimes because of past hurts, we are afraid to trust. So we wander away on our own and eventually realize we no longer hear the footsteps of our Master. Then we get frantic and assume He has left us alone.
Even when we wander away, Jesus lovingly and patiently waits for us to cry out to Him. Then He hurries to us and holds us as He whispers, “You’re safe, My child. It’s okay.”
Jesus will always rescue us and again bring us onto the right path. To listen for and follow His footsteps. Not our own or another’s. Just His.
“He led me to a place of safety;
He rescued me because He delights in me.”
2 Samuel 22:20 NLT
“Put all your trust in the Lord
and do not rely on your own understanding.
At every step you take keep Him in mind,
and He will direct your path.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 REB
Kim Meeder owns the Crystal Peak Youth Ranch,
a place of hope for abused horses and children.
“Thank You”
by Jesus Army
You reached out to me,
But I turned my back ’cause I didn’t think you had what I need.
Now you’re everything,
You’re everything to me.
I can’t be without you God,
You’re everything.
I was lost and you found me,
I was dead inside,
And you breathed into me,
And you brought these bones to life.
I want to say thank you,
Thank you for saving me.
‘Cause I was scared of the pain that came with trust.
But I came running back,
Into your embrace…”
Freed to Fly 