By: Deb Kitchenmaster
June’s article talked about a lame horse we were working with. I received a hand-written letter from one of our Athens Now readers and wanted to share how ONE word that stands out to you can lead you into a peaceful and revelatory path that has the potential to bring a breath of fresh air, not only to you, the person inquiring and receiving, but to those you share with. Only ONE WORD! One of the things I appreciate about this communication is that the writer isn’t relating to the horse as a dog or cat or even a human, but rather seeing the horse as a teacher who has the ability to touch a human’s soul! In this case it was an important body part of the horse and the word was STIFLE.
“As I read your article, I was stopped by the ‘stifle.’ First surprise, a horse has a stifle? I thought that was just Archie Bunker’s word. What is a stifle? I found it was comparable to the knee in our body and the largest joint in a horse. (Must be important!) One of the definitions I came across as I was checking this word out, was to suffocate and hold back. Personally, I don’t want either in MY life. My pondering began – stifle largest joint – to suffocate – to hold back – knee problems – beyond the physical – can symbolize, stubbornness and an inability to forgive. When I feel ‘tension’ of any kind in my knees, I ask, ‘Am I being stubborn? Who do I need to forgive? Perhaps, even myself?’ More questions came. (I love questions!) Is forgiveness perhaps the largest joint in the body of Christ? How about in my own life? Is that the reason Jesus said to forgive 70 x 70? And Father forgive them for they know not what they do? Reinhold Niebuhr’s words came to mind, ‘Forgiveness is the final form of love.’”
In the June 21/ July 4, 2024, edition of Athens Now on page 24, licensed professional counselor Lisa Philippart writes an article about FORGIVENESS COUNSELING.
This horse’s name that we are working with means, “the Lord is my Teacher.” You just can’t make this stuff up!
Our attention on this horse is the hock area. The hock is one of the hardest working joints in a horse’s body. So it is vital that it be relatively large in circumference and height and that the bones above and below it are in alignment. The hock should line up directly under the hindquarters.
This past Saturday, July 13, 2024, in Pennsylvania brought to memory a quote by George Washington. “By the all powerful dispensation of Providence, I have been protected beyond all human probability or expectation.” The date was July 9, 1755, in a wooded ravine in Pittsburg. George Washington, age 23, had ridden to and fro on the battlefield delivering the general’s orders to other officers and troops. His life literally hung in the balance for over 2 hours during the French and Indian War.
Of the 86 British and American officers, 63 were casualties. Washington was the only officer on horseback not shot down. Both Great Britain and France disputed each others’ claims of territorial ownership along the Ohio and Mississippi rivers; both of them claimed the same land. Following the resounding defeat, Washington gathered the remaining troops and retreated back to Fort Cumberland in western Maryland, arriving there on July 17, 1755. The next day, Washington wrote a letter to his family explaining that after the battle was over, he had taken off his jacket and had found 4 bullet holes through it, yet not a single bullet had touched him. Two horses had been shot from under him, but he had not been harmed. Washington openly acknowledged that God’s hand was upon him; that God had protected him and kept him through that battle.
Today God’s hand is upon our nation, one nation under God, with liberty and justice for all.
Your Neighbor
By: Deb Kitchenmaster
December 20, 2024
