STRAY CATS AND SCARLET LETTERS

I have a friend who is so committed to taking care of God’s creatures that she’s the mother, (and sole caretaker), of a Feral Cat Colony. She uses her own money to feed and medically provide for them, which includes having each of the cats spayed or neutered. What I find most fascinating about her feline charges is that they are increasingly affectionate with their human mother. (Feral Cats are usually weary of human contact.) My friend is able to touch, hug and kiss most of the cats in the colony. They recognize her as being the bringer of the light in their lives. They trust that she’ll be at their feeding spot everyday. Rain or shine, she is there and the cats rejoice in her love and care.

Another thing I find fascinating is that this Cat Colony is located in a rural county area. The cats are surrounded by acres of green fields and wooded areas that could lead to unimaginable discovery. Yet everyday, these (wild) cats run to greet my friend as she refills their feeding bowls under their special tree. Even with acres of land at these cats disposal, they willingly return to my friend everyday. Why? Simply put, she fills them. She feeds their bodies and little cat souls.

I remember a neighbor’s comment to me as a young child. I was attempting to feed a stray sniffing around my backyard. My neighbor’s voice boomed through the summer air, “Don’t feed that stray or it will never go away!” I jumped back with fear and let my (almost) friend pass by. I remember being sad over this experience for days to come. Somehow, even then, I knew it was wrong to turn away one of God’s creatures.

“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” Matthew 25:35 (ESV)

I find that the majority of people that come to the doors of my little urban church can be classified into two categories: Stray Cats and Scarlet Letters. The Strays are hungering to be fed in the Lord and the Scarlet Letters want a place to feel accepted and loved.

In these times of hardship, we may have strays sniffing around our church doors. We may experience a social outcast looking for redemption and forgiveness. How will we answer their call? Will we show them the love of Christ? Will we welcome them into our family of Christ? Will we feed them? If we do…they just might stay!