Woman to Woman
Vol. 7, No. 4
“And ye are complete in him.” Colossians 2:10
July/Aug. 2004
The Fallen Sparrow
By Verlin Martin
“Are not two little spar-
rows sold for a penny? And
yet not one of them will fall to
the ground without your Fa-
ther’s consent and notice.”
(Matthew 10:29 AMP)
The old narrow bridge crossed over the Chattahoochee
River connecting Phenix City, Alabama and Columbus,
Georgia. As I drove across the aged bridge I entered down-
town Columbus. Although this part of town was old, it was
historic so had the Southern charm of days gone by. I never
grew tired oflooking at the big Southern mansions and imag-
ining life as it must have been.
I approached the first signal light following behind a
couple of other cars. We slowed to stop as the light turned
red. As I sat waiting for the light to turn green again, I no-
ticed two sparrows frolicking together in their seemingly
tireless flight. Watching their carefree play filled me with
joy, but suddenly my heart stopped and my joy turned to
grief! One of the sparrows struck the antenna on the car just
ahead of me. It fell to the ground in a way that told me the
impact had drained all life from its small body, instantly.
As I looked on, the feeling of helplessness to intercede
in this tragedy struck home. I felt the tears of sadness
welling up in my eyes. My mind was flooded with thoughts
of the clamity I had just witnessed. Why did this have to
happen right before me, turning what was a very happy day
into one of darkness and gloom? Yet the Words of the Holy
Bible flashed into my mind. I knew that even God had no-
ticed, and He who created these magnificent little sparrows
had allowed this heartbreaking event to occur for a purpose.
All of a sudden my thoughts were interrupted. I noticed
the partner to the fallen sparrow fly down and nudge the
lifeless little creation of the Lord. Flying away only briefly
it returned again several more short times, each time nudg-
ing it’s playmate to fly again… but to no avail.
The tears of sadness flowed even more profusely as I
was allowed to feel the pain and sorrow that our Father has
when one of His creatures falls to the ground. I thought of
the many times I have fallen, seemingly dead, in sin. I envi-
sioned my heavenly Father, my Partner, lovingly coming to
my side, just as this lifeless sparrow’s partner did, with
hopes of my being able to once again follow Him. By faith,
as one of God’s children, I can know that when I fall to the
ground He will come to me and continue to nudge me with
hope that I will allow Himto bring me back to spiritual life.
Truly, we can know that God the Father knows when
even a small sparrow falls, and we can know that He cares
far more for you, and for me.
?
[Verlin Martin writes from Spokane, Washington where he
and his wife Carol live in the country surrounded by the peace-
fulness of God’s wonderful gifts of nature. They enjoy building
bird houses and kites in their spare time.]
Inside This Issue:
Editorial
PoisonandPainandaLessonLearned······Page2
Lessons from My Garden ·············· Page4
A Medley of Nature's Object Lessons ········Page6
God's Miniature Garden Plot ············ Page8
How to Make Your Husband Want to Come Home ·Page9
Children Learn What They Live ·········· Page9
Poetry Medley ··················· Page10
Up Close and Personal
WithJohn&SusieDeieteren··········Page12
Coach's Corner ··················· Page13
Spotlight on Orphans
FeedingGod'sStarvingKenyanChildren····Page14
Mission Trip Anouncement ············ Page15
Update on Romanian Orphanage ·········Page16
Health is Wealth
Fearfully & Wonderfully Made (Part 12) ····Page17
Recipe Corner
VegetableStuffedBakedPotatoes········Page19
A Lesson from the Camel ············· Page20
