Ray
Keller’s Story – Part One
By Jean Oman, Co-founder
The large
cream-colored gelding had lost track of how many days and nights he had been
stalled in that tiny space, encased in barbed-wire, exposed to the cold, heat
and storms. There was only three feet on
each side – way too small for the big horse he knew himself to be. When the huge 110 pound dog barked and made
him jump with fear, there was always an encounter with those razor-sharp spikes
and it really hurt. He closed his sightless
eyes and dreamed of an endless grassy pasture to graze in. Did he dare to think about what a mouthful of
grain might taste like? Oh, that must be
what Heaven would be! His mouth watered and
he licked his lips with the fantasy.
He lifted
his head – were those footsteps he heard approaching? He could hear the faintest sound, as that
sense along with smell and touch, had become so acute to make up for his
blindness. The footsteps paused for a
moment. He could smell the visitor who
was standing right in front of his stall, sizing him up. Oh, what he would give for a pet, a word of
kindness and maybe even a bite of an apple, or, did he dare wish for a kiss on
his soft nose?
God’s
innocents know Him well and He cares for each one of His precious creatures. “What is the price of two sparrows? – one
copper coin? But not a single sparrow
can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it.” (Matthew 10:29 New Living Translation). “Please God, Please!” he prayed. Sadly, there was no word, no touch, and no
treat. The footsteps resumed and grew
softer until they were gone. Was this
how it was going to be for the rest of his seemingly endless days and
nights? His big heart sank.
Why, oh
why? What had he done to deserve
this? His large frame was gaunt from starvation
and his long legs were so gangly and thin.
Skin stretched over his bony pelvis and rump. What was supposed to be filled out and
shapely, stuck out like an empty sawhorse.
He was hungry all the time and knew that he looked like a skeleton. Would anyone ever care about him? Could someone find it in their hearts to love
a blind, ugly horse? His heart ached
with the heavy burden he bore, not on his back where he longed to carry a
friendly companion, but this boulder he carried was lodged deep in his
soul. With overwhelming sadness, his
massive head dropped back down again, with what seemed like no chance for hope.
Ray’s
mother realized shortly after she had given birth, warmed him up with her
kisses and lovingly nudged him to his feet, that there was something very special
and different about this tiny foal. His
eyes had a strange look about them.
There was too much white flesh showing, and his undeveloped pupils were
frozen into a vacant stare. Unlike other
babies, he cried for her unless she was physically within reach of him at all
times. He needed her to remain close to
him, much closer than the other foals required of their mothers. She determined that she was going to be right
there for him as long as possible. Ray
knew he was loved, and rested in the security of his mother’s nurture,
delicious milk, and constant care. This
sweet but distant memory would sustain him during those starving, lonely times
he would have to endure.
To be continued...
