Are You an Angry Bird?     It's all about pigs. Or fighting them, that is. This idea originated during the swine flu battle several years ago. Germ-carrying pigs became our enemies!   In the Angry Birds game, there are different kinds of pigs…pigs with helmets, big pigs, little pigs, pigs with crowns….   The pigs have stolen the birds' lifeline -- their eggs! This means war! The angry birds noisily unite, using their differences in color and ability to destroy the pigs and re-claim what is theirs. Simple, random, but obsessive!   Are you an angry bird?   I guess I'm tempted to become one. Satan, the destructive pig in our lives, seeks to destroy those things we consider to be lifelines -- those things we hold dear. It is his mission -- his goal in life. He hates God and all those who seek to follow Him.   Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. I Peter 5:8     The enemy may have stolen some things…my children's health, my financial security…at times my confidence.   But he will not win my joy, my devotion, my security. He will not be my destruction.   Elijah sleeps in our closet. Ever since someone called Children's Services on our family (see the article Finally, We Write), Elijah will not sleep away from us. Upstairs is a large room for all 3 younger boys (Jonah, Elijah, and Josiah), but now only Josiah sleeps there. Elijah has pushed our shoes and clothes over enough to get a blanket and pillow in our small closet. There he sleeps and spends his quiet times.   "It's the only place I feel safe," he claims.   When I think of how my children are fearful because of the enemy, I am tempted to become an angry bird, eyebrows furrowed, launching out and attacking anyone who gets in my way.   Jonah's feet really bother him. Our visit to Shriners Hospital this week was a productive one in that we got night splints for his legs and a wheelchair for when he has to walk long distances. He takes medication to relieve the pain, but sometimes he cries out in distress when he walks. We have watched him get worse and worse over the past year. We had to move him downstairs with us because he could no longer climb stairs comfortably. With his tendency to break bones, I didn't want him coming down the stairs too often either, especially at night.   Sigh. I hate disease. I hate the enemy who seeks to destroy all people through sickness and pain and death. At times, I am tempted to be an angry bird, letting the anger and bitterness rule my life and fill my heart with poison.   But I will not. Two nights ago -- actually it was very early morning -- I sat listening to my daughter's heart beating. We were in a cold, impersonal hospital room. Perched on a hard couch, I kept my eyes on the monitor above her bed. Repeatedly, Brooklyn would fall asleep and then randomly stop breathing. A loud alarm would sound, jolting both of us awake. Her heart couldn't seem to decide whether to beat fast or slow. With every heartbeat, I breathed a prayer. It was a frightening experience for both of us.   At times, we just sat and looked at each other.   "No matter what happens," I said to her, "we will persevere! We will not let the enemy win. We will fight and we will stand firm. We will stay faithful. We must stay faithful!"   Through shortness of breath, Brooklyn nodded. We prayed together. With God's help, we persevered.   Now we are home. Brooklyn was diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia. Her heart speeds up randomly -- for no apparent reason. Medication will help. Maybe someday this condition will go away as suddenly as it began.   Did I pray for her complete healing? Of course. We laid hands on both her and Jonah, begging God to completely heal them of any sickness or pain, disease or distress.   But yet the bad lingers. Why? I don't know. But I will not be an angry bird. Yes, I know the pig is out to get us. He seeks to steal our lifelines. But in defiance of his ways, I will not be bitter. And I will not be angry with the Father. I will not seethingly launch myself at God in moments of anger and sadness. I will stand firm! I will joyfully love the Creator -- something that makes our enemy angry. That is my retaliation!   Father, we give it all to You. Our lives, our exhaustion, our health, our rejection, our reputation, our helplessness, our joblessness, our sadness, our seeking…   No angry birds. No angry eyebrows.   Peace.     You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You; because he trusts in You. Isaiah 26:3     What about you? Are you an angry bird?   I know there are hard times in your life. I know you struggle. I know there are times when you wonder why. I know that sometimes you pray and it seems that nothing gets better. And waiting is so hard.   I understand completely.   But I know Someone who loves you…so much He gave His life. I know a Book that gives comfort in time of need and wisdom in times of utter confusion.   I know Jesus. He loves you so.   When the nights are dark and long, in my heart He puts a song. Telling me in words so clear, "Have no fear, for I am near!"1 Yes, Jesus Loves Me! Yes, Jesus Loves Me! Yes, Jesus Loves Me! The Bible Tells Me So. _________________ 1 http://dltk-bible.com/jesus_loves_me.htm     Copyright © 2011. Faith Matters by Lygia Lovelace. All rights reserved. KenLovelaceMinistries.com