By: Deb Kitchenmaster
Over fifteen years ago, I had a specific dream where I am walking with someone to my left, in chin-high prairie grasses. All of a sudden, I turn to my right and begin climbing a bluff to its top. This was not like me at all! First, I like closure. I say “good-byes.” I really don’t like disappearing acts in my life. It seems so cold and, truly, it ushers ‘dishonor’ all around you. Second, I am an individual who simply has questions, and in this dream, I didn’t ask if they knew what was over the bluff? Once I reach the top, I see a valley below. There are jagged boulders between the top and the valley; it would require courage and endurance, but it was there in sight. My perception was Athens, Greece, as I was taking a Greek language course at the time. As afternoon rolled around, and I had a horse in the wash rack after a nice ride, the Holy Spirit gently mentioned to me, “The dream. It’s not Athens, Greece… it is Athens, Alabama.” My response, “Oh.” Within a week of this dream, I was asked if I would write for Athens Now. I had two weeks to get back with my decision. At that moment I had no intention to say, “Yes.”
In the middle of the night, story after story of people being touched in their souls by the love of God through the world of horses would not stop. I got up from my bed and came downstairs and wrote my first article. This was a stepping into the NOW of “noticing open windows” and the NOW of noticing one’s worth. All you need is an opportunity! And a “YES” to the God-given opportunity in front of you.
The season of writing for Athens Now has come to an end for me. I want to thank those who have contacted me, for those who have enjoyed, and to those who have been challenged. “Thank you” to all the horses that were there for humanity: Watusi, Joshua, Caleb, Annie, Arianna, Big Sky, Praise, Ruhammah, Masako, and Mariah. Thank you, dogs: Jubilee, Flash Leroy, Jesse, Rhema, and Callie. Thank you, cats: Gideon Charles, McFly, Amos, and Neo. Thank you Athens Now for your friendship, a “good” voice in the communities, and the TEAMWORK it takes to release a paper to our homes.
If I was allowed to speak but ONE WORD, that word would be “REMEMBER.” Remember, you are LOVED by Perfect, Unfailing LOVE who is your Holy Creator. Remember, when you call upon the NAME OF THE LORD, you shall be saved. Remember, when you are saved, “Greater is HE that IS IN YOU than he that is in the world.” Remember, “If God is for you, who can be against you?” Remember the healing resonance that flows through horses from the hand of God HIMSELF to our human souls.
Your “NEIGH” bor,
Deb Kitchenmaster
