Leaning into the lion’s mane-

As I sat in my chair, I closed my eyes and rested my head to the side, and I saw a vision in my mind’s eye of me resting my head on a lion. I am sitting in a beautiful oak forest on a cliff ledge, overlooking a valley surrounded by mountains with a river running thru the middle dividing it. It is autumn. The leaves in oak trees have turned into their autumn colors. Everything is a beautiful golden hue, and it is dusk. I look at this majestic lion, and he smiles at me with pride. As a father would smile at his child. I look back out over the valley and suddenly I notice I am standing in glorious shining armor. I look and see a sword in my right hand and shield in my left. Suddenly I am aware of my importance. I have been given an assignment. I hear the lion lovingly say in his calm kind voice “Beloved, you are fully equipped.” His low voice is so soft and firm it sounds like a rushing wind. Suddenly an army of soldiers in silver armor appear around me some on horseback and some on foot. They are surrounded by a misty fog. It’s probably early morning. They are all caring spears, but I am not. We are marching along a river on a steep embankment. As fast as the soldiers appeared they disappear and I see my two children running around me. Playing and full of laughter. I am not worried about their safety. I am full of joy and purpose. I look ahead and I see the lion waiting for us with those same loving eyes. I look back and the same lion is following close behind us full of patience and loving kindness. I remember the phrase I have been hearing in my head “He goes before us and watches closely‏ behind us” I also hear Isaiah 40:11 “He gently leads those with young.”

– Jessica Young

More Poetic Visions:

The Sojourning Bride