Lisa Colón DeLay

At first blush, sheep are lack-luster. Yet, Jesus called his followers sheep. Was it some kind of “divine dig,” or was it a profound insight for us to absorb? Or both? Most of us don’t raise sheep, so some of the sheep tie-ins and metaphors in the Bible are lost on us.

To remedy that, just a bit, here are 10 things amusing things about sheep. It could change the way you think about God and life. Tell me what you think. Actually, there are more than 10 listed, so think of it as bonus material.

1. Sheep are … um, well, sheepish…So, you know… shy…nervous, and they frighten easily, especially in response to noises.

2. Sheep are basically defenseless against predators (which are often of the canine variety.)

3. Because of their body shape, and bulky wool, sheep can fall over easily. They find it very difficult to right themselves independently. Staying on their backs can be fatal, and that’s not just because they can become someone’s meal. Gases in their four stomachs build up, and they can die in hours. Sounds Painful! Watch a sheep get righted.

fallen (or "cast") sheep

4. Sheep are valuable: Besides being used for milk and meat, one pound of wool can make ten miles of yarn. Can you say “waterproof sweaters”? Yes, sir. Yes, sir. Three bags full.

5. Humans have been raising sheep for about 11,000 years, and spinning sheep wool into thread for about 5,000 years. But…why don’t sheep shrink after it rains? I have to know!

6. A lamb can identify its mother by her particular bleating sound. Hear a sheep bleating sound . (Ewe know you want to click it. )

"I love ewe," said the lamb.

7. Sheep have poor depth perception. They avoid shadows or big contrasts in light and darkness. (Think shadow of death = a scary place. Psalm 23.)  They will move towards the light.

8. Sheep have excellent senses of hearing and smell. (They also see well, and in color. However, because of where their eyes of located, their depth perception is shabby.)

9. Sheep avoid walking in water or moving through narrow openings. (Back to the sheepish bit, see?) Sheep also prefer to move into the wind and uphill more than down wind and downhill. (Maybe because they’re afraid they’ll flip over? Not so dumb, after all, huh?)

10. Sheep survive attacks by staying in a group. “Flocking”.

(And, in some places they race sheep. That’s right, I said “race”! Sheep can cover 220 yards in 17 seconds! I know…insane.) 

Seriously, this is a sport in the UK and Australia. Fierce!

Don’t you just love this sheep racing photo? Look at the expressions of sheer determination, even professionalism. Speaking of shear, is it against the rules in professional sheep racing to trim down their wool? I imagine they could shave 2 or 3 seconds off their times.

What surprised you about sheep in this post? Anything?

Now, think for a minute, in what ways are you like a sheep? Let me know, if you think of something.

 Ya know, I feel like it’s time for a few more sheep jokes. Sadly, all the other ones I know are pretty Bahhhhd. Actually, the last time I told one (.3 seconds ago), it fell flat, and I started bleating like crazy.

Thanks for reading. 

To you, is he missing or lost?

Dear Christians,

When was the last time you made a stupid mistake, or took a wrong turn?

Did anyone ask if you were lost?

If someone asks, “Are you lost?” It can feel like a pointed remark. It emphasizes what is wrong, not what could be right. Most don’t enjoy feeling lost, being called lost, or being accused of being disoriented, and confused. Do you?

It’s often best to take the references to “being lost” in Biblical stories in their typical context of searching and finding something dear and misplaced. (Think: 1 lost sheep of the 100, the lost and valuable coin, etc.) What is lost is not something denigrated, but something worthy/lovable and missing from home. It is not speaking of a foreign thing, or scrappy thing.

Often Christians talk of “The Lost” (the sinner) though not in the context of finding them, but of fixing them. It doesn’t only strike me as rather rude, but it strikes most people this way. Since it’s typical “church speak,” most Christians are totally immune to its unloving sound.

The fact is we all feel a bit lost sometimes. We all feel lonely or afraid at points. It is when we can awaken to the Reality of God’s consistent love and power, and especially when we experience it from others, that we may see huge transformations for the better. Even then, we will still have our ups and downs, but the chance to have joy (sturdy happiness) and then, when a fuller, more abundant life is accessible. This is truly a gift of grace, (not merit).

As children of God, God’s love can show through us, like the father in the story of the Prodigal son, who exclaimed when his son came home, “He was lost, but is now found!” Did he want to fix him? Did he want to teach him a lesson? Hit him? Did he want to get him tested for HIV, ground him, give him a tongue lashing, or tell him what was right and wrong? Um. nope. The son knew already. Most missing people know right and wrong all too well, also. Many think they won’t be welcomed “home,” or think of the community of Christians as “home.” So, they can think, why should they bother trying? Ironical, isn’t it? Hospitality and hospital come from the same root word, and this manner of comfort just must be there to truly show God’s love.

What is a “missing one”? This one is not a person who is less than. It it not one to whom another human should “straighten out,” and save to the narrow path. People aren’t that powerful, and shouldn’t think they are. It’s just tacky. Most of it involves, standing true, and getting out of the way so grace can work its amazing-ness. God doesn’t need us to hold his hand. He asks us for our loyalty, but not just in our love to him-it is in our love to others from the perspective in which he sees them also.

How do you see it?

photo credit Creative Commons Andy Piper