‘The WINGS of the ostrich wave proudly, but are her WINGS and pinions like the kindly stork’s?’ Job chapter 39 verse 13. We meet people in our lives, who can say the right things. On the surface they utter fine words but underneath we know that they are hypocrites! Paul describes them as those who ‘by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple’, Romans chapter 16 verse 18.

The African ostrich is the tallest and heaviest bird on the planet. I understand that females can grow up to six feet and weigh more than 200 pounds, whereas males can reach nine feet tall and weigh 280 pounds. What a contrast to the bee hummingbird, the smallest bird, which is 2.75 inches in length and weighs only 0.056 ounces! The ostrich is, indeed, an impressive bird to behold, particularly, when it flaps its wings in courtship. (the word ‘proud’ is appropriately used here). Nevertheless, it has extremely poor parenting skills; indeed, ‘She treats her young harshly, as though they were not hers’, Job chapter 39 verse 16. The stork is altogether different and has always been seen as a caring bird, particularly as a parent (the word ‘kind’ is appropriately used here. If it became necessary to choose, I know that I would rather shelter UNDER THE KIND WINGS OF A STORK than UNDER THE PROUD WINGS OF AN OSTRICH! As the saying goes, ‘Appearances can be deceptive’!

The Psalmist says: ‘How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! Therefore, the children of men put their trust UNDER THE SHADOW OF YOUR WINGS’, Psalm 36 verse 7. There is no safer place to be found! Have you found it?