Spiritually, what type of bird are you?

In terms of spirituality, how would you measure up if you are compared to birds? For Isheka Edwards, as it relates to going to church, individuals can be compared to four types of birds - the eagle, canary, buzzard and peacock.

"The eagle is the type of bird that soars high, it faces the storm and is not fearful, as it overcomes any obstacle it faces," explained Edwards, who attends the Bethel Tabernacle Church in Ocho Rios, St Ann.

"The canary is very pretty, but is contented being caged and just likes to sing. it doesn't have the freedom to move around, and just likes to sit there looking pretty. As for the buzzard, also known as a vulture or, in Jamaica, the John Crow, it just watches people, has nothing good to say, and just waits for things to die so it can feed.

"Then you have the peacock, very beautiful but very proud and loves to show off. For the peacock, it's all about me, myself and I; it doesn't think about anybody else."

Edwards is encouraging people, when it comes to being a Christian, to be like an eagle.

"Face the storm head-on, knowing that God is able to bring us through our storm. We must have faith, for without faith it is impossible to please God. We must learn, as children of God and as individuals, to exercise the faith muscles and just believe; without you believing, it makes no sense."

Edwards is using her own experience to encourage others. She was baptised at age nine and somehow found herself on the wrong path after that.

Seven months ago she re-committed herself to Christ.

"One day I just felt sick and tired of everything and I said, 'you know what, I'm going in all the way and I'm not coming back'. And I say, 'God, it's all in your hands, I believe in you, I'm trusting in you, you will make a way.' I recommitted seven months ago and this time there's no turning back."

Her message, she pointed out, goes out to everyone, especially the new converts, those in church who are striving to seek God's faith and unbelievers.

She continued by encouraging: "We must try as individuals, if we say we're living for God, to be an example, not to please man because we're not people pleasers, we're trying to please Christ, so when God is in us. We must let him have His way, not we doing the things of our own to get approval and get ratings and likes; we're not doing it for that. We just have to focus on God and let God change us to be what he wants us to be.

"So, it's just an encouragement for all those out there, saved and unsaved, just to look into our lives and analyse ourselves and ask the question, 'What kind of bird am I?' For those who are on the verge of backsliding, it's not worth it. Strive to be like an eagle and soar, and know that God is with you."

familyandreligion@gleanerjm.com