To the Rescue

I remember an upsetting incident from my childhood. Hearing a great cacophony of chirping on the lawn, I discovered that a flock of sparrows had surrounded an albino sparrow. Ferociously, they pecked at the unusual bird, screeching and hemming him in. 

The birds on the edge of the group flapped about-waiting their turn to attack-as the albino crouched, helpless. I ran clapping my hands and yelling, ‘Stop that!’ The brown sparrows flew away, twittering among themselves. The albino hesitated for a moment, dazed and injured, then flew to the nearest bush.

 That experience made an impression on me because I had witnessed bullying in school. Back then, adults often shrugged off rude words or aggressive behaviour as ‘kids just being kids’. But these days, people take hurtful words and actions that can affect children for a lifetime seriously. 

Jesus calls us not to be bystanders when others are being mistreated but instead to be active in making our world kinder. The psalmist cried to God when others made him suffer. Today, we can help answer cries like his as we follow God’s call to prevent cruelty and display compassion.

 Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for your love. May we have the courage to share it with others—especially those who are oppressed. Amen