Things Aren’t Always As They Seem
One of the things I’m most grateful for is where we live. Our little farmhouse sits way out in the country, surrounded by woods, fields, and more peace and quiet than I ever imagined I’d love. We don’t have many neighbors, and the closest ones are family. It’s the kind of place where you hear birds singing, frogs croaking, and sometimes, something a little more unusual.
Somewhere off in the distance live a few peacocks. We rarely see them, but every now and then we’ll hear their unmistakable calls echoing through the woods. Their cries always remind me of a funny (and slightly unsettling) memory.
Years ago, when my daughter was still young, we had a couple of horses and spent countless hours riding the trails through the woods. One afternoon, miles from home and before anyone carried cell phones, we heard what sounded like a child desperately calling, “Help! Help!”
Our hearts started racing. We turned our horses toward the sound, listening carefully and trying to find whoever might be in trouble. For quite a while, we followed those cries deeper into the woods, growing more concerned with every minute.
And then, we discovered the source. A blue peacock!
That bird had us completely convinced someone needed rescuing! We laugh about it now, but I can promise you it wasn’t funny at the time.
It’s amazing how easy it is to misinterpret what we hear when we don’t have the whole picture. Life can be like that too.
Sometimes we hear a rumor, receive disappointing news, or find ourselves in circumstances that don’t make sense. We quickly fill in the blanks and assume the worst. Fear has a way of writing stories before we know all the facts.
I’ve learned that not everything is as it first appears. Sometimes what seems alarming today turns out to be nothing more than a peacock calling in the distance.
When life feels uncertain, I’m reminded of Proverbs 3:5-6:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
There are so many things we simply can’t see from our limited perspective. But God can.
The next time your mind starts imagining the worst, pause before letting fear take over. The story may not be what you think it is.
And if you happen to hear someone yelling “Help!” in the woods… well, maybe look around for a peacock first.
About Terri Edwards
Hi guys! I’m the content creator behind EatPlant-Based and a licensed Food for Life instructor with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. I’m passionate about sharing healthy recipes and tips to help others care well for their health and the bodies God has given us. I’m so glad you’re here! Read More…
July 10, 2026 Morning Brew
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