The Crippled Lamb

Have any of you read the story "The Crippled Lamb" by Max Lucado?

This story (which I love) is about a sweet little lamb named Joshua that was born crippled and therefore couldn't do what the other little lambs could do. He would get very upset and hurt when he was always last. When the time comes for the sheep to be moved to the higher meadow Joshua is told by the loving shepherd that he must stay behind; that he isn't strong enough to make the journey. Joshua feels hurt and betrayed. Of course there is a wise old cow that explains to Joshua that we are all special and all have our own place in the world.

Meet our very own live version of "The Crippled Lamb." This little lamb is Dallin's and his name is Brownie. Brownie got a disease called Navel Ill that causes pain in the joints and he is slowly dying. It has been hard to watch him hurt. He can no longer walk without doing so on his knees or being carried. Luckily, he is very friendly and loves to be held and cuddled.

Brownie is Dallin's lamb, but my two sweet little girls have kind of taken over caring for him. The girls have the "nurturing motherly" instinct and naturally want to care for him.

In the story, because Joshua is left behind he - just so happens - to be in the stable the night that the Savior of the world is born. Joshua also gets the opportunity to snuggle the new baby because they had no clothes for him and Joshua knew his wool would be warm. Just like Joshua, Brownie is also a SPECIAL LAMB. He has brought out a tenderness in my children that I love to watch. He has caused us to have a spirit of kindness. It hurts to watch him hurt, but it is amazing to watch him be strong. Who knew we would learn so much from one "Crippled Little Lamb."