A Flock of Faith
A friend loves at all times, and kinsfolk are born to share adversity. Proverbs 17:17 (NRSVUE)
When I moved from the Orlando area in 2015, I had no idea what I was going to do. I just knew it was time to be closer to my family. Everything worked out well. And then, there was this Bible study group that opened their hearts to me. Today, the five of us are bonded soul sisters. Much like flamingos (of which I saw many in FL), we need our small groups. Missy Tippins (All God’s Creatures) shares a life-lesson based on these beautiful birds.
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I have always loved the color pink. I even had a pink bedroom when I was a child. So, it makes perfect sense that I’ve also always loved flamingos, especially when I saw them in person.
I recently learned that when in a large flock, flamingos tend to form smaller social groups—usually just two to four birds. And those same groups remain mates or friends for years (the study I read took place over 5 years).
I, too, have a group I’ve been friends with for years. My writer friends from across Georgia and Florida have a yearly retreat where we spend several days together at a condo near the beach, eating, sharing, praying, studying, and—of course—writing.
I was tickled when I read this research article, because our group of four named ourselves The Flamingos from the beginning! And each year when we gather in our “flock,” we give one another small, fun flamingo-themed gifts.
Now that I know about flamingo social groups, I’m struck by how appropriate our name is. That first year I got invited along, the three other women had already been planning their retreat. When I asked for prayer for a difficult situation on another email loop, one of the flamingo women saw my request and felt moved to invite me on their beach trip. I know this was God at work, because it was exactly what I needed in that moment. It was encouragement when I was at my lowest.
Although the flamingos in my flock are not pink, I love them, too, especially when we gather in person each year to thank God for our friendship.
God, thank You for caring for us through others and for the people You place in our lives whom we can depend on. Thank You for being our forever Friend! AMEN.