ATTACK

We were waiting at the drug store, for a prescription to be filled.  Because we had more than a few minutes to wait, we were sitting in the car...looking up, we noticed four birds flying after another one.  I commented that four against one didn't look fair!  John noticed that the one being chased was a hawk.  Each one of the attackers was taking a turn at the enemy, but he evaded each one in turn.  Another bird joined in, but the hawk escaped all five.  One by one. the attackers dropped out of the contest, til just two were left against the lone hawk.  This contest went on for probably 10 minutes or so.  The attackers were all the same color so we figured the hawk must have been trying to get at their nests or young.  I don't know the outcome, as we left before there was a victor.

Along the same line, as far as "attack" goes:  I read a facebook post from a young friend who mentioned that it was a shame that social media had become an avenue for folks to voice unkind comments about others.  I don't know what was going on to prompt the comment, but I did recognize, from some of the others' posts, that she was probably the target of someone's unkindness:  she was the attackee.  Again, not fair.  Not the purpose of social media at all.

Third example:  we were watching an old Shirley Temple movie called, "The Little Princess."  I am a big fan of that precious and precocious child and had received a whole set of DVDs for Christmas, courtesy of our sweet daughter.  In this particular movie, "Sarah" moved into an exclusive boarding school in London when her military father was called away to war in Africa.  Immediately, the wicked school marm and many of the spoiled children began to pick on her.  I don't know the motives (jealousy, probably...or perhaps greed); but it was just a crying shame to watch them mistreat Sarah, who was just as sweet and kind as can be, to everyone regardless of social status.

Moral of stories:  there seem to be attackers all around.  If anyone has ever been a victim (the "attackee")...and who hasn't...you can identify with the feeling.  It isn't one bit fun.  If any have been "the attacker," then you can also identify with the pseudo-power...the feeling of superiority...the adrenalin rush, perhaps, that the power-player feels. 

It is bullying-at-its-worst to attack.  It's letting the devil be in control as that's one of the tactics he uses against the vulnerable.  Bottom line:  be on guard, lest he get a foot-hold and tempts us to attack those with whom we disagree...or have a problem with...or who get in our way...or who are just different...or who have more...or who have less, etc, etc. 

We don't want to be attackers.  It is just about as far away from being Christ-like as can be.  Yes, we want to defend our young...we want to stand up for our principles...we don't want to be wimps.  But we can do all the above without attacking. 

...just something to think about this cold but beautiful winter morning.