Hinds’ Feet on High Places, my favorite children’s
story, is an allegory about Much Afraid (someone inside each one of us) and the
Shepherd—Jesus! Much Afraid lives in the valley with her relatives Gloomy,
Spiteful, and Craven Fear. Oftentimes Much Afraid makes the mistake of allowing
them into her cottage, causing her to feel weaker and more helpless.
The
Shepherd encourages Much Afraid to leave the Valley and climb the steep
mountain to the High Places. The air is clean there, and the healing streams
wash away anything unlovely. No fears of any kind are there because ‘perfect
love gets rid of fear.’
“I
will help you when you call,” the Shepherd promises. “And as you begin your
journey, I will
give you my very best and strongest helpers, Sorrow and Suffering. They are two
of the best teachers I have.”
Much
Afraid burst into tears. She begged for Joy and Peace to go with her. It seemed
she was faced with the impossible.
Do you know someone who loves the Lord, but is
experiencing sorrow and suffering? The journey seems ominous.
