Through many dangers, toils, and snares

by | Feb 20, 2023 | Dogs & Other Creatures, Faith | 6 comments |

Through many dangers, toils, and snares I have already come. This grace that brought me safe thus far and grace will lead me home.

Many dangers

My name is Wally. I’m a Subaru Forester Wilderness that Keith and Carole purchased in early December. Maybe you remember that a deer ran in front of me two days before Christmas. Though I protected everyone from danger, I suffered damage to one of my headlights, bumper, fender, and grill. I ended up being towed to the collision center. They put me back together, though it took time for all the parts to arrive. Now, except for the decorative half of my grill on backorder, I’m good as new and ready to come home this afternoon.

There are many dangers on the road—other drivers and my owners’ mistakes, animals, rain, ice, snow, fog, falling trees and rocks—so protection is a blessing.

Many toils

My name is Mac. I’m a year-old black lab/bloodhound mix that Keith and Carole adopted this weekend. Cato was very lonely all by himself after Heathcliff and Freya died. On Saturday, Cato and I did a meet and greet at my foster home, the same place where he was fostered and goes to day camp. We got along well and have an understanding: he is the alpha dog, and I am chill. I’m a little shy but warm up fast, especially if you have treats.

Dogs like Cato and me have already come through many toils. Neglect, abusive punishments, starved for food and attention. Unwanted. So, it is with great joy I get to ride home with Keith and Carole in Wally later this afternoon, because they want me and Cato very much.

Many snares

My name was John Newton. In the eighteenth century when I was alive, I experienced many snares: ensnared by the Royal Navy, by the lucrative business of the slave trade, by a violent ocean storm. During the latter, I cried out to God for mercy. Eventually, I became an abolitionist, an ordained member of the Church of England, and hymn-writer. Maybe you know my hymn “Amazing Grace.”

The message? Forgiveness and redemption are possible regardless of sins committed. Even though we don’t deserve His many blessings, God’s extraordinary grace changes our hearts, brings us flawed humans to safety, and leads us home. 

Linkup with Five Minute Friday: https://fiveminutefriday.com/2023/02/16/fmf-writing-prompt-link-up-many/

6 Comments

  1. Sandra K Stein

    I love how you wrote this.
    A very creative take.

    Reply
    • Carole Duff

      Thank you!

      Reply
  2. bigskybuckeye

    Carole, I feel blessed to be able to read this post. The progression of events and characters in our lives will ultimately bring us the Lord’s amazing grace. I understand how our vehicles protect us as I’ve had my own encounters with more than one deer back in Montana. Mac will be a welcome member of your family, and I’m sure Cato is thrilled.

    Reply
    • Carole Duff

      Hi Richard, I am so glad this post spoke to you.

      Like adding another sibling to a family, Cato is confused, jealous, and thrilled to have a playmate. Thank goodness, Mac is happy to have a home and lots of food as he grows into his feet.

      We are blessed to get to give our dogs a home.

      Reply
  3. aschmeisser

    This is SO good.

    Hi, my name is Labby,
    and I am a Labrador,
    and I was so happy,
    but thought that joy would be no more
    when my buddy Shelby died,
    a Boxing Pug with such a weight
    that I cried and cried and cried
    until into my sleeping create
    came Bella, terrier of the night,
    scooting with her broken back
    to bring back a heart of light,
    and alleviate my lack
    by threats of extreme fatal harm,
    and cuddles, just to keep me warm.

    Bella was found discarded in a flooded ditch, with a broken back. She scoots, with attitude.

    She weighs 10 pounds; Labby, 150.

    Reply
    • Carole Duff

      Thank you for sharing Libby and Bella’s sweet story!

      Reply

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