Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: EQUALITY (08/17/23)
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TITLE: One Zippity Doo Dah Day | Previous Challenge Entry
By LINDA GERMAIN
08/23/23 -
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I was drawn to the one at the end who seemed to be having a difference of opinion concerning her assigned spot. She was so adamant in her refusal to cooperate that I found myself defending her—out loud!
This is a true story, so I hesitate to identify her without permission so will simply call her Beauty. To put it bluntly, she’s a horse.
The race was seconds from starting. All the others were corralled in the rolling stalls and chomping at the bit to be off. As her jockey tried to maneuver Beauty into that last opening, she wheeled around for a serious non-verbal protest by presenting her backside to the contraption as she dug in with all of her heels to strenuously object.
I’m pretty sure it would be against the rules to run the wrong way, so a few fellows tried to assist the rider by physically attempting to push Beauty into an about-face position.
She seemed so upset with all the bossiness that she reared up on her back legs as majestically as Trigger or Silver. The diminutive fellow wearing colorful silks who was squatted over the saddle nearly went airborne.
Things were getting more interesting by the second as I shouted at the screen, “Leave her alone! Can’t you see she doesn’t want to do it?”
To recap, there’s Beauty still facing the wrong direction and kind of hokey-pokey hopping from one set of feet to the other, four strong men with muscle power trying to nag her to change her mind, a frustrated jockey knowing he is holding up the proceedings, and me yelling that she doesn’t have to go if she doesn’t want to.
Suddenly, all efforts came together and she was in position lickety-split. With the rear gates slammed shut the front ones immediately opened. She had no choice but to take off like lightning.
The coercion drama was over, so I switched to the role of her coach and biggest fan.
“You go, girl! Show all of ‘em how it’s done.”
Even the guy calling the race seemed flabbergasted.
” Amazing, folks! Beauty is already eight lengths ahead.”
As several in the galloping equine bunch inched up behind her, the jockey used his crop to give her a tap. She was not happy with this offensive move and tried to veer off to the right, possibly with a mind to catch a train and get out of town.
“Hey! Stop that,” I hollered in her defense, “You don’t have to hit her.”
As soon as he ceased the whip-reminder, she shot forward as if rocket fuel had been in her oats at breakfast. By now, I was standing up and screaming, “GO, GO, GO!”
She crossed the finish line first, still an elegant, beautiful, three-year-old filly. I wanted to reach right through the screen and hug her for all the ways her champion performance was so inspiring to people running the human race through life.
That’s when I noticed something possibly just as motivating to some of us who wobble to stay on track.
Beauty was number one, but number ten, an equally lovely young horse, was struggling at the very end of the group—not a winner of flowers and accolades, but a proud finisher!
Something about that picture was very touching. All ten of the entrants were scrubbed and brushed, trained and managed, loved and encouraged, the same in so many ways, but still separate individuals dashing for the final line.
One didn’t want to run but was forced to--and won. The last one, with little chance for the trophy, kept going anyway.
In retrospect, it’s hard to remember which spots have taught me the most about my personal race over the years. Most likely, it’s someplace in the middle.
In the end, all things being equal, when those beautiful horses returned to the stable to rest and get back on track for the next job, they each had the same chance to surprise themselves and the world.
Sometimes, we the people tend to make it complicated when in reality the only place humans are truly equal is at the foot of the Cross. The best we can do is stay on the right path and keep going.
_____
*Note: The use of a crop to manage a horse continues to be controversial. A review twelve years ago by the British Horseracing Authority claimed there was scientific evidence that “when used properly, the whip stimulates a horse and should not cause pain.” Other studies insist it does hurt and should be illegal. I know which way I would vote!
Hebrews 12:1 (NLT)
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.
1 Corinthians 9:24 (NLT)
Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win!
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