Scarecrows, Pt. 1

Scarecrows

Overcoming Fear

“Fear Is The Path To The Dark Side” ~ Master Jedi Yoda

Everyone deals with fear.

Years ago, I remember hearing a story about a scarecrow and some blackbirds. The blackbirds came across a vast field that just so happened to be full of ripened blueberries. But there was a big problem. A very large and menacing scarecrow stood right in the middle of the field.

Now a few of the blackbirds approached the situation with a buoyant and carefree attitude. They swooped in and out of the blueberry field filling their craws with the bounty of God’s good earth. The dreadful scarecrow didn’t seem to bother them at all. Perched on a barbed wire fence some distance away, however, were hundreds of blackbirds that chose not to participate in the feast. They looked upon the other blackbirds with envy and regret.

Just then, one of the feasting blackbirds decided to make contact with one of the perching blackbirds. “Come to the feast,” he said.

“I could never do that!” The blackbird was adamant.

“Why not?”

“Just look at that horrible scarecrow over there. As soon as I leave this fence and fly over there, something very bad will happen.”

“That thing can’t hurt you. Just watch me. I’ll show you how it’s done.” The confident blackbird flew back into the blueberry field. He circled the scarecrow a few times, and then did something that completely horrified the other blackbirds. He landed on the scarecrow’s head. He bounced up and down a few times. Then with his beak, he removed a loose piece of straw from the effigy and flew back over to the fence.

“Get that thing away from me,” said the perched blackbird.

“It’s only a piece of straw. It can’t hurt you. Join me. I’ll go with you.”

“No!”

“Why?”

“Because I’m afraid.”

“Your fears are starving you,” and he flew back to the feast.

Part 2 coming soon.

Contact Pastor James

James Shupp, Lead Pastor of The Movement Church of San Antonio