The Shepherdess Speaks...

Legend of the Phoenix

A mural of the legendary Phoenix adorns a section of wall in the Phoenix airport, and during the years I have traveled in and out of the city, I rarely take note of the mural. This sprawling western city of Phoenix was named for the legendary bird and the mural is a reflection of the name. Since the city appears to rise from the flaming desert floor and continues to thrive in this arid condition, the name is quite appropriate.

Legend says that the brilliantly colored bird builds its own funeral pyre and then throws itself into the flames to die. From the burning pyre, the Phoenix rises from the ashes and flaming embers to live again—reborn after death, now far more beautiful than ever before.

While waiting for my flight, my eyes scanned the mural, recalling the myth and the symbolism of the tale. I, too, like the mythical Phoenix, had thrown myself onto God’s refining fire; dying to my own will, relinquishing myself to God. Still, I believed, trusted, knowing that someday—I would rise from the ashes of my present trial of faith to soar high above the flames, more alive and stronger than before the flames had destroyed my human will with His purifying fire.~

"Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it." Matthew 16:24-25

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal." John 12:24-25