I remember a few years ago I was in San Augustine when I notice a bird’s nest underneath the courthouse pavilion. As I stared at it, wondering what kind of bird had built it; I saw something move from within the nest. I climbed atop a table and gazed into, what I can only describe as, the eyes of the most ugly bird I’ve ever seen. The ugly duckling had to be a beauty queen compared to this down-covered chick.
But after some thought of my first reaction I began to think about how this chick was loved and cared for by it’s mother. And momma-bird did not care what her young one looked like or what my opinion was, she would raise it with all the mothering ability that the Creator has given her. She will fight off intruders, protect, nurture, feed, and teach the chick how to become a bird.

When I reflect back on my own life and look at my own baby pictures, I see an adorable, cute baby, as most babies are. But I know what this baby grew up to do and become.
I know the sinful life he led, I know the lies he told, and I know the thoughts he thought. And I’m not the only one that knows all these things God does too!
While the baby may grow up to become a handsome, dashing man or a detestable human being to all who encounter him, God loves him despite how he looks or what he’s done. God, our heavenly Father, loves us as with a mother’s love. He will fight for us, protect us, nurture us, feed us, and teach us His ways.
As the Savior put it, “How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn’t let me.” Matt 23:37
And as the psalmist has said, “how precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings.” Psalm 36:7
No matter what you have done, God loves you with an everlasting love and will forgive you of all your iniquity and transgressions if you will ask Him.
As it is written, if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9