THE FALLEN SPARROW

I received the photos below from a friend and I was immediately taken aback by what I was seeing. The pictures were taken by Wilson Hsu, a freelance photographer, who sold them for a nominal fee to a newspaper in France (all copies sold out the day the pictures were published). I searched the internet for the complete story and found fragments of information, but nothing that spoke to me like the words from my own heart. I have written my interpretation as this story unfolds. 

The most beautiful and significant miracles are within our reach, but many times we are preoccupied in a world that is filled with tragedies and inexplicable events. Many people get distracted with worldly matters and become oblivious to the sweet miracles that surround daily life. In the photos below the evidence of God's love is present in the smallest of His creations. 

A sparrow swoops across the road and is fatally injured by an on coming car.  A photographer watches carefully as the tender mercies of life and death unfold.

   

The tiny sparrow is unable to fly and looks back to see its mate, who immediately responds to the fallen companion. With unfailing devotion, the sparrow continues to bring sustenance as a source of strength to the injured bird. Frequently, the tiny sparrow calls out in distress, but nothing can be done to change the fateful outcome.

The little sparrow looks on as death becomes inevitable for the injured bird, yet it responds with endless compassion until the final moment... when all is lost.

The photographer watches in awe as the little sparrow tries to revive the fallen bird. It makes several attempts to lift its companion into the air, not yet aware that the little bird has died. Then the sparrow releases its clutches and steps back to mourn the death of its beloved companion.

The distressful chirping of the sparrow echoes through the streets and its sounds as if the little bird is calling out in anguish. All that is left is the reality that this life is fragile and incomplete.

As it mourns the loss of its mate, the cries of the chirping bird is conclusive, for there is anger, there is sorrow and there is evidence of a searing pain that cannot be extinguished. Within the tiniest of God's creatures, there is a deep understanding for the eternal principles of love.

The accuracy depicted in these photos is remarkable and for those who have lost a loved one, there is empathy in the sorrow. Many people believe that animals do not have the ability to express feelings or emotions, but these pictures are a witness of the love and the pain of God's creatures. The scriptures teach us that Father in Heaven knows when the tiniest sparrow falls, than how much more is it that He cares for His children. 

One day you may have a loved one fall by the wayside. Your first instinct will be to do everything possible to revive the magnificent spirit that once was, but reality will prevail. 

This life is fragile and incomplete, every moment in time is precious and cannot be recreated. Bask in the grace of God's light, live simply, love generously, care deeply and speak kindly. Our lives are but a small moment in the realm of the eternities and we will all experience the plight of the little sparrow. We too, will understand the depth of a love lost. Written by Linda Sumner Urza, One fine day

                                     

                                      Grace is God reaching down

                                     Faith is a Child of God reaching back