Nana Barbara and Cassie

Cassie is Nana Barbara's newest pet. Let me give you a bit of history...

Nana Barbara is Brian's aunt. Since she is our cousin's "Nana," my girls have dubbed her "Nana Barbara." She's one of those people who is just pure in heart. You know the type--people and animals are just drawn to her sincere kindness.

Barbara's house is known by many in the city. It's the house where unwanted animals just appear. She tends to have a few dogs and cats at any given time. She once sat on the ground by the side of the road for over an hour, waiting for an injured dog to let her help.

I'm not sure how Cassie came to live at Barbara's, but she has been there for over a year. Cassie was abused by her previous owner. I don't think there are any physical signs of it, but it is obvious to all who try to get close to her.

Cassie is petrified of people. She literally shakes when anyone comes near. She follows Barbara's every step, and is most content when sitting next to her on the sofa--that's the only place I've been able to get close enough to pet her. Even then, she was shaking so much, that I felt bad for trying to show her affection.

Cassie has 100 acres to run and enjoy. But she doesn't. There are 3 houses on the farm filled with people who adore animals, but she won't allow herself to enjoy that love. Nobody has abused her for over a year, and yet, she still trembles at any noise.

In contrast, Baxter is another dog at the farm. He arrived during Christmas a few years ago and is well-loved. He takes full advantage of the farm and all it has to offer. He has no fear of people and jumps up into strangers' laps. Being around him, makes me want to laugh.

Do you see where I'm going with this? While I know Cassie must have had a horrible past, those circumstances are no longer her reality. Because she is too scared to allow herself to accept the love that is given to her--with no strings attached--she sits on a sofa, in a house, rather than running around the farm with the other animals.

I think many of us can relate to Cassie. We have a Father who loves us tremendously, but we can't bask in that love because we are so scared of our past. So, rather than enjoy the full scope of what He has given us, we sit, paralyzed and shaking on a sofa.

So my daily choice is, do I live today as Cassie or Baxter?