A long-ago event triggered a memory that in 2022 suddenly has a spiritual kick to the tale. 

  In the 1950’s my father became a passionate breeder of Rhode Island Red poultry.   We had a secure fowl house and several hens that were good egg producers.  Through the years we had several clutches of chickens and from one brood was born. BIG RED.       

         This magnificent cockerel [NOT the one in the Sourced non copyrighted picture but similar. ), RED’S red-gold feathers shone in sunlight like the plumage of a God.      

         He was beautiful and became the Champion of Champions at a local show and then won Grand Champion at the Brisbane Exhibition.    The State accreditation was valued highly by my Dad and gained him recognition as a poultry breeder.   

           He really wasn’t.   It was a hobby, and he loved the hens and roosters and taught my brother and I early lessons in animal and bird care with kindness and nurture.    I later had my own bantam rooster and hen.     

       During most of my early years baby chickens and tiny hens and roosters figured as pets and my responsibility.  

         I was frightened of BIG Red.  He did not like me collecting the eggs, I told Mum so she took over the egg collecting, One day she came out with blood streaks on her legs.    

          She told Dad Red had chased her out.  

           Dad became the egg gatherer.    ‘As long as he is a good protector of his territory, he is doing a good job.   He has to KNOW I am the Boss of the whole backyard.’

            One day Red flew out a gap heavy rain had made in the fowl house roof.    He strutted proudly across the yard.    My two year-old brother skipped past waving his hands and whooping like an Indian. 

           I was outside watching my dad working on a mechanical problem under his truck. He was in the street.     I was on the footpath.    My screaming baby brother came hurtling out the front gate with a huge rooster chasing him, Red was screeching , flapping his wings and straining to  peck at John’s moving chubby legs.   

          My dad’s instinct was to stop the chase.   He threw a spanner from under the truck

        Instead   of frightening the bird, it hit him and he dropped down….dead.      

           This was a sad demise of a Grand Champion and I know we all grieved.    Red was more than just a rooster, he was a loved member of our extended family. 

            I remember Dad’s comment to us all later.  

           ‘The story of RED is about what can happen when folks or animals defy or escape from safety restraints and /or guidelines.  Consequences unexpected will occur.’  

           This hit me as a graphic life lesson reminder when I read a message about people ignoring Biblical Guidelines for life and choosing their OWN WAY.  

               WHO IS THE ULTIMATE BOSS OF ALL OUR LIVES?      WHOSE TERRITORY IS THE WHOLE WORLD? 

                               A thought to ponder.   

   JESUS CHRIST ALONE IS KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.