Saturday, March 23, 2013

Black Sheep

   My husband and I recently moved to the country. It had been a dream of his to raise sheep when he retired. Although he dragged me, heels dug in, into his dream, I am absolutely loving this lifestyle. We've had five little lambs born this week, a set of triplets and a set of twins. One of the triplets is solid black except for a little comma of pink for a nose and a pink crescent mouth. I'm in love!
   This got me to thinking about the term "black sheep". In the English language," black sheep" is used to describe a disreputable or odd member of a group. You may have a "black sheep" in your family: an eccentric aunt, a wayward cousin, an alchoholic brother. I was the "black sheep" in my family. But my mother never stopped loving me and praying for me.
   This ewe, Big Mama, doesn't see any difference between this black lamb and the other two. She lets all three nurse as much as they need to. She head butts anyone who comes close to them. She doesn't  see the black lamb as an anomoly but as one of her babies to take good care of.
   I thought of how this is a picture of our Good Shepherd, Jesus. He doesn't see some of us as black beacuse our sins are greater. He sees all of us who believe in Him as white as wool and lovingly takes care of us all the same.
"So there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus", Romans 8:1. NLT 

9 comments:

  1. How exciting that must be to be able to witness the sheeps being born right in your place! And what great lesson you reflected on upon seeing that black sheep...A truly great reminder for me that where there is unfair treatment from people I work with and even from my family or friends, I will always be comforted that our heavenly Father is not bias...Blessings to you sister. Thank you for this lesson from the black sheep.

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  2. Sounds like a wonderful adventure; so peaceful and quiet. What a blessing that your husband could follow his dream, and you are right by his side. :) Enjoyed the "black sheep" inspiration! :)

    Have a joyful weekend,
    Denise

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  3. I think you are a brave woman to enter the world of sheep! I suspect there may be more 'sheep' stories that can teach us. I have never found it all that complimentary that Jesus compared us to sheep.... humbling for sure!

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  4. Peggy what a blessing. Sounds so very peaceful and relaxing to be out in the country. Thank you for sharing the black sheep.

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  5. Awe...How adorable!
    I think all God's creatures except us humans are color blind!
    Are you going to learn how to spin wool?
    It sounds like you and your husband are having the time of your lives!
    ~have a wonderful Ressurection Sunday, and God bless~ Lisa

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  6. Hi Peggy, How cool it is that Jesus give all who believe in Him His righteousness. God does not grade on a scale. May you have a blessed Easter,
    Ken

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  7. This is a beautiful post! I would love your lifestyle! Just being around God's creatures and loving the handiwork He did!
    Blessings to you on this post. It is lovely. It's a great reminder that we are cleansed in Christ, loved, and forgiven!
    Hugs ♥

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  8. Thank you ... this is hopeful for me. In Dutch black sheep is also a negatively loaded word: "zwarte schaap."

    I love your blog and think it is wonderful to read something about the lambs. They grow fast???

    Thank you for the spiritual lesson and have a nice Sunday tomorrow

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