Most of you will recognize the modern characterization of today's populace. In any civilization each of these characters play a part.
The Wolf:
A predator. Hunting the weak, the distracted, the young or old. Preying on others. The wolf never stops and their hunger drives them. That hunger could be greed - lust - power. Whatever it is they never have enough. Not all wolves are violent. Some prey on your emotions. Their desire is to control you, your thoughts.. your actions. Others will hunt your money. They'll manipulate you into prioritizing goods over GOOD. They'll push you to pervert your value set to match their own for their personal benefit. Then there are the wolves who just - openly - hunt. They will hurt you. They will cut you down. They will end you - because it is in them to do so. This is their nature. A predator - and everyone is their prey.
The Sheep:
The herd. Those people willing to go along as others do. Moving together, but without any purpose. They are soft. They are trusting. They are followers. The herd is the embodiment of those who don't wish to be bothered. They "dont' talk politics" they just "go with the flow" they just want "a peaceful life". They believe that government or civil servants or anyone but them is more capable to deal with the problems and wolves of this world. When asked what to do in an emergency they'll say "run" or "hide" or "call 911".... their thoughts are don't make waves and stay out of trouble. They are also those easily swayed and pushed. They allow the opinions and passions of others to influence their thoughts and deeds. Without anyone to direct them the herd can easily form a mob... lost.... chaotic.
The Sheepdog:
The protector of the herd. It stands watch for the wolf. Preying on the predator. Vigilant. Courageous. Aggressive. Always ready for a fight. There is an edge to the sheep dog. They check the exits. Read everyone in the room. They calculate - threat, vulnerability, ally. A sheepdog does not relent. They do not waiver. They are loyal protectors of the herd. They will do what is necessary to keep the herd together - including pushing the sheep back to the masses. They will risk their well being even as the sheep reject their protection in panic or anger or disregard.
but...
There is something drastically wrong with this picture of society. Something missing which explains the chaos within which we are all wading through.
Where is the Shepherd? Where are the men and women ready to stand up and lead with integrity? With purity of heart? With a focus on justice and truth? We have black Americans afraid they'll be killed for doing 5 mph on the high way. We have police officers who LOVE their communities being gunned down in the street. We have terrorists hacking people apart on trains, blowing up bombs at races and shooting people dancing at a club. WHERE are the Shepherds?
We need more unification and less division. We need more leaders standing up and pushing the herd toward peace instead of stirring them toward violence. Look at The Game and Snoop Dogg. Seriously. Yes. Read and learn. Then ask yourself - is what your saying, doing... POSTING.... is it productive. Is it regurgitating hate and rhetoric? Are you allowing others to form your thoughts? Are you listening to the people - the human beings - to your left and right? Are you a wolf, a sheep or a sheepdog - perhaps it is you who needs to be a shepherd.
Who are they really?
Celebrities?
Politicians?
The Media?
What is their motivation? I ask you truthfully - are we THE PEOPLE - seeing the WHOLE truth. Are we taking a step back and seeing the WHOLE picture. ARE we acting as sheep - part of the herd - or are we pulling ourselves above the fray, as shepherds. Sacrificing time, energy - PRIDE - to bring our community our NATION together. If you have a voice, if you are driven by love and integrity for ALL PEOPLE I urge you to stand up, pick up the rod and staff. Open your heart and BE A SHEPHERD.
Martin Luther King, Jr: I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality... I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word.
I will continue to pray for our Nation. I will continue to speak out for peace, understanding and calculated efforts to improve our situation. Will you stand up and lead? or will you allow the wolves to drive the direction of the herd?
XO XO & Stuff,
Jinger
Psalm 23: The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
