The Story of The Lion and the Lamb

Fairy Tales and children's stories are wonderful journeys for the imagination of a child. Mystical lands and adventures, mystery and heroes and nobody gets hurt. Everyone, except for the bad guys, lives happily ever after. But, how about a real story about a Lion and a Lamb. Two different mysterious creatures, and yet they are three. They are one and the same. Both, too, come from a mysterious land, a kingdom far, far away and exist from long ago. They exist as a paradox, that of great strength and royalty and, at the same time, that of quiet gentleness, kindness, and caring.

By now, you are probably getting the picture, that of God and His character traits and who He is on our behalf.

Who, then, is the young girl in the below picture?

Her name is Delia and she is a real character in a real story. All of us have our own story to tell but I would like to tell you her's, in brief.

Born in September of 1997, she was a byproduct of a union between her biological father and his sister-in-law. As a result, nine months later Delia was born unloved and unwanted. Immediately after birth, her mother disappears - not wanting the responsibility to raise a baby in a society where there is little to no help for a single mother. An innocent baby, who has done no wrong to her world is now being cared for by a very jealous step mother and a father who wants nothing to do with her. She grows and is soon able to do chores around the house. Her frequent beatings and bruises are a result of not being able to do the household chores at the level of quality that her parents unreasonably expected of her. Birthdays come to her home. Her brothers and sisters, born of her step mother and father, all receive a birthday cake and presents. Delia isn't even acknowledged on the day of her birth. Only a constant confirmation that she is not wanted or loved.

The flu season hits Arequipa, Peru. There is no heat in Delia's poor home and she is ill. Medical care is abysmal or non existent in poor communities like her's. Her parents are at work fully expecting that she have her chores done when they get home. Her illness is of no concern to them. Not having the strength or energy to even sweep the floor, she gets dressed and runs away to seek refuge at a local Catholic church before mom and dad get home.

Arriving to the front of the church, a boy walking with his mother recognizes her and asks why she hasn't been to school lately. His wise mother takes a close look at her and not only sees that she was sick but that she was also full of bruises. Taking her home with them, this kind lady nursed her back to health and then contacted the police. A short time later, Delia finds herself at a new home, the Torre Fuerte Home for Girls where she heard for the first time in her life that she was loved. 10 years without anyone ever saying "I love you" to her...

What about the Lion and Lamb? The picture depicts the reality that all of us either have or will wander through desert wildernesses in our lives. Many will fall victim of circumstances beyond their control. Additionally, whether or not one is aware of it or not, God - the Lion and Lamb, is there all the time to accompany us through these dry, forlorn lands in which we find ourselves. We are never alone. Never. Unfortunately, many do not turn to Him who yearns to be their ever-present help and guide.

In the picture (these are real photos of Delia) she, in the desert of abuse and abandonment, sees a mirror floating in the air. Accompanied by God (although not aware of it as yet) and out of curiosity, she approaches this mirror. She sees herself but instead of being dressed in worn-out clothing, she was dressed as a princess and in a paradise. But what does this mean? The true meaning is that God was showing her how He sees her. He does not see her as the poor abused girl that no one wants nor loves but instead as a princess living in Paradise, the paradise of God in Heaven above. All abused and abandoned girls are princesses to Him. All are loved intensely by Him. The wonderful thing about God is that He, through the Lamb, has provided a way out and an entrance into His Kingdom/Paradise.

Another wonderful reality is that this reality exists for both you and me, girls and boys alike. Her life is an example for all of us that through Him, there is Hope. There is always hope as long as we have life and breath to call out to God for His deliverance.

So, how is Delia now?

She now has a family she knows that loves her. Her emotional scars are beginning to heal. Furthermore, those of us at the Torre Fuerte Home are so thankful to the Lion and Lamb that she is now a part of our lives!