Coming Back for Another Roundby Shelly Hohenthaner  The other day, as I was sitting at my computer attempting to put together words of wit and encouragement, I glanced out the sliding glass doors and saw the most spectacular sight. The trees and backyard was littered with magpies. They were everywhere and right in the middle was our cat, Mini-Me, belly flat on the ground, tail straight up and ready to pounce but clearly unsure of where to begin. The birds, sitting on surrounding rocks and branches, mocked him. They had to know that he was like a kid in a candy store-- not sure which one to choose and too overwhelmed to make a decision.
Soon they realized they were in a position of power and began to swoop and dive at the poor cat until he threw himself at the sliding glass door begging for mercy and sanctuary. This is the same kitty that each dawning spring hones his hunting skills on unsuspecting, lone sparrows and shrews; usually depositing their lifeless bodies in some place where I can step on it. Yet for once, he found himself in a position of complete helplessness. I imagine his kitty dreams have been to walk into a utopian bird world and having his choice of delicious morsels. Nevertheless, the dream became a nightmare when the object of his belly’s affection became the aggressor and he had no hope but to retreat. But then, as I watched the drama unfold, an amazing thing happened. This same kitty that was crushed up against the glass, with panic in his eyes, suddenly stood himself up, arched his back and puffed his fur up in a menacing posture. He went from wimpy, fearful pussycat to the incredible hulk and then began to move toward the objects of his terror. It didn’t take him long to clear out the yard of the black and white winged menaces and I noticed that he seemed to walk a little taller after that, his “cathood,” so to speak, was back intact and he could take on the world! He had won the war of the birds. I have had the honor of being my sister’s chemo partner these past few weeks. Sadly, I have watched a similar dance play out. I have seen people--some that I never knew had been ill--face a similar menace. Just the same scenario: Life is going good, people on top of their game in some cases, others just happy with what God has blessed them. Unexpectedly, they find themselves surrounded by overwhelming odds against them. I have heard their stories of fear and panic as their illnesses advanced towards them; but then somehow, they find the same realization as Mini-Me that they can beat the challenges. They don’t have to give up. Courageously, they pull themselves up, puff up their preverbal fur and become the person they never thought they could be; overcoming adversities that most of us can’t even imagine. Humbled and broken by their disease, they have found the courage and faith to fight and stand against tremendous odds. Many of these people I have encountered don’t realize it is God who gives them strength. It is He that gives them the ability to fight. As I have prayed for them I have come to understand how it doesn’t matter whether we acknowledge Him or not, God still loves us. He still cares for each and every lost and hurting soul. In the depth of our despair, He still gives us the strength to carry on and fight. God knows that the longer we stand the greater chance we have of finding Him. I have discovered that no matter what circumstance we find ourselves in, we can go to our Father through His son Jesus Christ and move from weak to incredible in a heartbeat. Once we realize just who we have on our side, no flock of magpies will be able to intimidate us. We will be able to march into any situation and take our stand, realizing that the victory is ours for the taking. | 
