Little Lion Man

Allow me to reflect a moment on the wonders of the animal kingdom alongside the mysteries of our faith. In particular, the king of the African plains, the lion. Seeing this animal up close, but luckily not too personally, was definitely one of the highlights of my trip to Kenya. But seeing one particular pride several times throughout the week and observing some of their behaviors got me thinking about our own lives.

Watching our two cats at home, we often comment that “they have the life.” They sleep most of the day, have their food laid out for them at the same time every day, and receive constant attention (whether they want it or not). Well, it appears that our house cat’s larger cousins aren’t too far off. Granted, while they do have to hunt for their own food (or stalk is more like it), they seem to sleep most of the day as well, and the cubs definitely receive constant attention, and if not they seek it out themselves.

But there is another feature to their lives on the Serengeti that I found most interesting. They seem not to have fear of anything. But of course, why should they? What animal would dare cross a lion? We saw one male lion in particular sleeping in the middle of the plain, with no bushes or cover of any kind, totally vulnerable.

We all know the classic Wizard of Oz, with the Scarecrow asking for a brain, the Tinman for a heart, and the Lion for courage. These characters were chosen because the objects that they wished for were obvious assets to their person. What is a lion without courage? Merely a scaredy cat (pun most definitely intended).

On seeing this first hand and reflecting on our own call as children of God, this is an attribute that we all need to share. Just as the lion can rest on the plains of Africa with no fear of attack, so too should we be able to rest in the Truth our Lord, not that we won’t be attacked, but with courage that the Lord will provide for those who are doing His will, no matter the challenges we may face.

There is a song by the band Mumford & Sons entitled Little Lion Man. I began pondering the meaning, trying to find a way to tie this all together nicely, and I came up with nothing. Further reflection on the title, however, led me to the apparent paradox that exists in the title, between the man in the song to the actual nature of a lion. The song describes a man who is not as brave as at the start, needing to take all the courage he has left to face yet another mistake he made with another’s heart.

I think this song speaks to many of us, though (pardon the expletive if you go and listen to it now). About the mistakes of our past and the courage it takes to face up to these and move forward, learning from them. And not just about mistakes, but about the courage it takes just to live out the faith in our day-and-age. To face persecution and hardships, to live outside the norm, to put all of our faith in someone that is unseen. It took courage for Jesus to pick up his cross and march up to Calvary, and we are asked nothing less.

Jesus calls to us all just as he called to his disciples on the water, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” Fear is the biggest obstacle to those trying to carry out God’s will. And even if God calls us to something that is truly frightening, we can chose to act boldly. To allow the spirit of knowledge and fear of the Lord be our delight, so that the day will come when the calf and the young lion shall browse together, with a little child to guide them.

-Dan
written 07/29/11