← Back to Blog

Locking Horns-by Heidi McLaughlin

Posted: October 7, 2021

There are vineyards all around me, plus the bonus of a ready-made family of 15 deer. Male, female and many adorable bambis and they’ve taught me a lot.  They love most flowers including rose bushes, cedars, and almost anything with green leaves. They’ve made me want to pull my hair out when I’ve had to replant my front flower bed for the third time and stare at me through the window while I’m watching TV. But last week they gave me a two-hour teachable moment. Two of the males locked horns.

It was heartbreaking to watch. The clicking-clacking of the interlocked horns. The pushing, shoving and writhing backwards and sideways. Their grunting expressed their agony and I was unable to help them. Both were in pain but could not get away from each other.  They were stuck!

They were stuck!

It became a “God moment “ where the Holy Spirit whispered: “This is what it looks like when you are embroiled in conflict. When there is unforgiveness, offenses and unresolved bitterness .”  The visual of being locked together gripped me profoundly. That means when I don’t forgive, I am still locked to the person that has hurt me. They still control my life and determine my next move. That is a harsh reality.

They still control my life and determine my next move.

This helps me to fully understand that in order to be set free I need to obey what the Bible tells me: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4: 32).

Incredible relief came over when the deer finally separated and ran to their freedom. It made me realize that I never wanted to be in painful, bitter lock down with any other human being. I want to be locked to my Heavenly Father. In fact, I want to be so interlocked with Him in an intimate and loving stance that He will never let me get away. I long to be so interconnected with Him that I will hear His voice nudging me when I need to forgive, let go of an offense or overlook a hurtful comment. That headlock looked painful! I don’t need that kind of pain thank you very much, but I’m the one who will determine that. I am so grateful for my wildlife teachable moment; I don’t think I will ever forget it.

Is there unforgiveness or bitterness in your life that is robbing you of your freedom? Keeping you stuck? Cry out to God and ask Him to help you unlock your heart.

 

 

 

 

Posted in: accept and allow, betrayal, break free, Conflict, Control, deer head locks, Differences, fighting, forgive one another, Forgiveness, Freedom, Friendship, head lock, Heavenly Father, Intimacy, Kindness, relationships, set free, unlock