I love giraffes. They are the tallest members of the animal kingdom. An adult will average around 18 feet tall and average weight for males is 3,000 pounds. Their tongues are most surprising. They typically are black, blue, or purple and can measure 18-20 inches long. What if people had tongues that long and decided to stick it out at you? My tongue is about four inches and certainly not purple, for which I’m glad. There are seven species of giraffe, with each a distinctive coat pattern. We spotted these fellows while on a trip to Zimbabwe and Zambia in June, 2024.
Giraffes have an unusual social system in which the females live apart from the males. (Well, occasionally they must meet up to have a bit of fun.) Watching them drink makes me rejoice that my legs move and bend more easily. It is hard to describe how their legs spread and slightly bend in an attempt to have some water, but it must not be comfortable. Seeing the position reminds me of days in therapy when receiving for knee replacements.
We loved these quiet beasts as we watched them almost gliding over the sand and through the tall brush and trees. Although they blended into the environment, spotting them was relatively easy, especially when our guide would direct our eyes in their direction.
Perhaps as followers of the Lord we should acquire some of their characteristics. They stand tall, move around quietly without fanfare, and do not blush or hide their heads as eager photographers focus on their tiny horns and handsome necks.
Are we sometimes hesitant to let our light shine? Do we attempt to hide the fact we are Kingdom members? Have any of us ever risked sticking our neck out when occasion allowed an opportunity to witness for the Lord through word or action? With whom have you boldly demonstrated your love of God as you minister to one in need? Perhaps there is a hungry, hurting, needy youth, lonely mother, or an exhausted father that yearns for you to stick out your neck to help in some minor or gigantic way.
A friend sent me some recent giraffe studies that made me a tad sad. Apparently their exceptional height acts almost like a lightening rod. In 2020, during a thunder storm, a pair of the tall ones was killed by lightning striking them. As researchers continued to investigate, they found the height of these gentle giants makes them more likely to be struck directly or indirectly by lightening, especially when in open areas and no taller structures are present to attract the strikes first.
Acts 7 reminds us that Stephen boldly shared his faith when challenged by the high priest. His comments before the Sanhedrin are found recorded in about 53 verses. Sticking your neck out like that, however, can result in tragic endings. Even though the Sanhedrin was furious, Stephen remained strong as he was being stoned to death.
So, My Friends
Stretch Out Your Neck and Heart.
Find Someone to Help but Beware.
Satan May Snap Back at You
Kathryn Ransom 