“Tall” Tales of the Serengeti

"Be strong and never, ever give up, for your work will be rewarded." -- 2 Chronicles 15:7

Damascus took his first breath and gazed curiously at his weird new world – fresh dry air, vibrant scenery, independence!   Birthing a giraffe is a very ‘tall’ order; Mama giraffe gives birth while standing.  So after a gestation period of more than one year, he plummeted 8 feet from his mother's womb and tumbled to the ground. 

Too weak to stand, he tucked his long legs under his body and shook off the last remnants of the birthing fluid from his eyes and ears.  His new life was amazing so far – now if he could just taste some fresh milk.  Acacia leaves would have to wait until he’s a bit older, and taller.

Mama proudly approached him and lowered her neck to lovingly nuzzle her new calf.  Then she did something unthinkable.  She swung her long, pendulous leg outward and kicked him, sending Damascus sprawling head over heels.   Must have been an accident he thought, she had to be delirious from the delivery.  Maybe it’s best to lie low for a while, he was exhausted anyway.

When he doesn't get up, she boots him again.  The sadistic process continued over and over – he struggled to rise, she knocked him back down.  Finally, Damascus stood triumphantly on wobbly legs and smiled broadly. 

You guessed it - she jerked him off his feet again . . . and again . . . and still again, until he stood erect with well-earned confidence.   Mama was delighted!  She snuggled and licked her beautiful infant calf.  Within the hour, he’d frolic through the grassy meadow with the grace of a gazelle.

Later he will learn that it was out of love not cruelty, that she taught him to get up quickly and run with the pack.  Lions, hyenas, leopards, and wild dogs all hunt for tender giraffe meat.  If Mama had not taught Damascus to rise quickly – wild carnivores would surely have gotten their ‘fill’ of the vulnerable newborn.  Only 1 in 4 giraffes survive to adulthood – Damascus had a fighting chance now!

Things are not always as they seem.  We wonder why God places seemingly unbearable challenges in front of us.  But not only is His plan perfect, He’s with us every step of the way. 

Job knew it!  So did Helen Keller, and Nelson Mandela.  Every time they were knocked down they stood back up. They would not be defeated.  And at the end of their lives they’d accomplished something memorable . . .  but maybe not so unbelievable.  Faith helps ordinary people accomplish extraordinary things.  Rest if you must . . . but don’t ever stop trying – success is just failure turned inside out!

 “Loving God, the road to success is never easy.  There are many obstacles – we all fall sooner or later.  Help me to taste failure with confidence knowing that you are with me every time I fall.  Amen.”