I hung up the phone and sighed. Health issues had continued for years and the latest call from the doctor’s office continued the search for answers and help. My left breast had been bleeding, and the biopsy results were not yet back in their office.

“Mom!” Our young son burst through the door and beckoned me to hurry. He and his friends had found an injured dove in our neighborhood’s small community pool area. We jumped in the car and drove to where the other boys huddled over the small bird.

The left wing of the dove had a small spot of blood and looked a bit crooked. Concern and tenderness etched the boys faces. The dove was not frantic and didn’t seem concerned.

I stooped down and gently picked up the soft creature. The dove’s tiny heartbeat beat fast, yet the bird didn’t try to escape.

The boys, ranging in age from six to thirteen, came closer. In the warm Texas sun, prayers went up for healing and comfort. Sweet prayers. Tender prayers. The little bird’s heart quieted.

We searched for shelter for healing and safety. A fenced-in area under some shrubs was chosen to keep the little bird away from people and dogs. Placing the dove gently on the ground, we quietly backed away and sat in the gazebo near the pool.

Instead of going deeper into the shrubbery, the bird walked toward us, circled around, and sat down without a hint of concern. The boys talked and kept an eye on the small dove. As the sun dipped below the horizon, we locked the gate and left the dove where it would be safe and hopefully heal.

That night as I drifted off to sleep, I thought about the blessing of being able to hold a soft bird. The blessing of being with boys with tender hearts. The blessing of the message from God sending a dove with a hurt left wing as my left breast ached from a biopsy.

As surely as God watches over the birds of the air, I knew God would take care of me. He would carry me to a place of safety and see me through. And, the next day the bird was strong enough to fly away.

Later after a negative diagnosis came, and I needed further surgery, the memory of the dove and God’s tender mercies helped me through every new morning.

Whatever you are facing, no matter how broken your wing may be, God’s shelter will cover you. His tender mercies are new every morning. Great is God’s faithfulness.

“The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning. I say to myself, ‘The Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!’ Because you are my helper, I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings.” ~ Lamentations 3:22-24 (NLT), Psalm 63:7 (NLT)

“He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.” ~ Psalm 91:4 (NLT)

From The Forgotten Resting Place by Lisa Buffaloe https://amzn.to/3J1VbQA

Photo by Lisa Buffaloe