Heart Swell for Nature & Continued Transformation

Today, a pigeon walked up to me freely and boldly. I smiled and greeted it, only to notice that something was different. “Clokie Warrior,” as I named this brave bird, had two legs but only two toes on one foot, and just one on the other. My heart swelled.

I asked, “What happened to your toes?” Of course, I didn’t expect a reply, but I wanted to speak to him with love. When I realized I didn’t have any food to share, I told him so, still engaging, and still holding space for this vulnerable, wounded creature. Another pigeon approached but veered away, leaving Clokie Warrior alone again. And suddenly, I felt sadness, not just for this one bird, but for all who walk with wounds we cannot see.

I thought about people. Veterans who return home missing limbs. Children born with disabilities. Individuals fighting battles with invisible illnesses. I wondered: In the animal kingdom, do creatures care for each other when they are wounded? And if so, how much more should we as people, those made in the very image of God, do the same for one another?

Scripture Reflections on Compassion & Worth

 “Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God.” — Luke 12:6 (NIV)


If even the smallest bird is not forgotten by the Creator, how dare we forget each other.

 “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18 (NIV)


God draws near to those who hurt. Shouldn’t we do the same?

 “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these...you did for me.” — Matthew 25:40 (NIV)


Every act of kindness, especially for the vulnerable, is an act of worship.

 “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
— Galatians 6:2 (NIV)

The law of Christ is love in action.

Reframing How We See the Vulnerable

We live in a time where compassion sometimes seems overshadowed by competition, power, and appearance. It’s easy to dismiss people who are struggling, especially when we label them as lazy or incapable. But Jesus didn’t do that. In fact, He often stopped specifically for those whom others ignored or cast aside.

Yes, Jesus asked the man at the pool if he wanted to be made well (John 5:6), but that wasn’t a challenge; it was an invitation. An invitation to believe again. To hope again. To see that change was possible. What if we approached people with that same grace? Instead of condemnation, what if we asked:

• What would healing look like for you?
• How can I support you?
• What strengths do you carry that the world might not see?

From Nature to Neighbor: Let’s Be More Like Love

I believe we are called not only to observe nature, but to learn from it. In the animal kingdom, there are instances of animals protecting, nurturing, and even grieving for one another. If God placed that within them, what greatness of empathy and divine love must lie within us?

After all, we are God’s hands and feet on earth. We are the chosen vessels to carry His compassion, justice, and healing into the world.

And if Clokie Warrior, the bold, wounded pigeon, can walk with courage and approach another creature in peace, surely we can walk forward in the same manner. With bold love. With compassionate presence. With grace.

Reflection & Action

• When was the last time you slowed down enough to notice someone else's pain?
• Who around you may be “walking with missing toes,” hiding their wounds?
• How can you offer love, not pity, but love with dignity?
• Are there beliefs you need to unlearn about those who are vulnerable or struggling?
• This week, can you choose one act of intentional compassion for someone who might feel unseen?

Closing Blessing

May we have eyes to see as God sees.
Hearts to love as Jesus loved.
Hands that heal.
Voices that uplift.
And spirits anchored in truth:
That every life, winged or walking, is sacred.

With love, peace, and joy,

Stacie J.