My Peacock Story

This is the story about why peacocks are a huge symbol in my life!

Circa 2014-ish at the Los Angeles Arboretum when the leaders of my church went to seek God about the ministry.  I doubted (or feared) that God wouldn't say a word to me and I'd have nothing to say when we all gathered back together.

We all met at the entrance and proceeded to walk onto the grounds.  As we waited for the group to gather after a bathroom pitstop, we were greeted by a few peacocks.  One, in particular, walked in our path while we talked amongst ourselves and literally transformed in front of our eyes.  His duck-like feathers shook...and like a transformer, his plumage was revealed in all of its glory.  It then proceeded to make a full 360-degree slow turn as if on a lazy Susan as if on display.  

We. were. in. awe!

And of course, as we humans do...we teased and mimicked the peacock as we walked away and began our exploration of the grounds and prepared our minds to hear from God (what irony huh?!?).   We laughed amongst ourselves about how the male peacocks were blessed with the plumage and how the peacock was sooooooo conceded.   Figures right...male pride in all of its ways.

While my sister & I walked through the various gardens, we discussed the books we were reading (Instinct by TD Jakes & Lost and Found by Sarah Jakes.  Then a thought ran through my mind that questioned whether or not I made decisions subconsciously because I cared about how others would react.  

My immediate response...NO!   This was all in my head of course.  

Then another thought passed through that pushed back on my strong NO.  

“The thought” was that I indeed prefer being in the background in support roles to avoid the spotlight.  God?!?   Huh?!?

The thoughts kept coming.  And to make a long story short, God told me that I have been the peacock that rarely opened its plumage in fear of being judged.  

The nerve!!!!  But He was right.  

The peacock...for me...is more than a pretty bird.  It’s my reminder to live my life to the fullest, being exactly who I am, making my mark on the world, using all my natural gifts & talents.  

Don’t mind me...I’m just reminding myself not to settle and spread my plumage.