Tiger
Dear Zoey,
Born in the year of the tiger.
You are one of its kind.
You are not just a tiger.
You are our timid tiger.
You have a loud roar, yet you are afraid to let others hear even a peep.
You are nervous in front of crowds, but feel at ease close to your tribe.
You have quite the appetite. Your stomach growls for spaghetti with extra extra parmesan. You also love to feast on the tenderest of meats to the freshest of fruits, especially peaches.
You love to wear pretty dresses, but you would also choose to wear your pajamas all day, every day.
You love all things silly, especially all the funny bunnies out there.
You are a lefty and you use your left paw to create some really pawesome art.
Have you ever seen a timid tiger do handstands and cartwheels with such grace?
Well, you do. And you do it well.
You are our talented tiger, yet you hate being the centre of attention.
You enjoy a good laugh, yet you are afraid to be laughed at.
You are a worrier when all is well, yet a warrior when you are not feeling well.
You are so free spirited, yet you let your insecurities cage you.
And today, you are happy that it’s your birthday, yet squirm at the thought of being celebrated.
Zoey, as our timid tiger, you will encounter your greatest enemy, the roaring lion.
It comes to attack and make your biggest fear even bigger. It tries to bring you down, paralyze you and make you feel really small.
It will make you believe that you are not good enough, smart enough, pretty enough, loud enough or strong enough.
But there is something stronger, more powerful than the roaring lion. It’s your faith, our timid tiger. And when you lose your way, your tribe is always here to guide you back home.
Stronger doesn’t mean having the louder roar. It’s standing firm in your faith and always trusting God who is greater than our greatest fear. He is present, He is powerful, He protects and He promises good. He is that still, small voice that can drown out the lion’s roar and ease all your insecurities and fears.
Happy 8th birthday to our one and only timid tiger who turns Grrrrrrrr-eight today.
There is a reason why He created you just the way you are and He will use your timidity in a powerful way, never underestimate those cute kitty ears of yours.
There are no copycats. Our Creator like no other has created you to be like no other.
So continue to find comfort and security in knowing that your tribe will always stick by you, love you for who you are and have faith in you like no other.
He is strengthening and refining you, roar after roar until you become the fearfully and wonderfully made tiger you were created to be.
So stay pawesome.
J