The Cardinal

‘Hope’ is the thing with feathers—
That perches in the soul—
And sings the tune without the words—
And never stops—at all—

~ Emily Dickinson ~

For the first time ever, two days before Valentine’s and Ash Wednesday,  a cardinal flew in front of my car while driving to an appointment. I was ecstatic.  This was not just happenstance.  This beauty flew past my windshield for a reason.   I knew a little bit of what the cardinal represented, but there were many stones that remained unturned that I had to explore.

I knew that cardinals could spiritually represent a visitation from a loved one passed.  I also read that a cardinal represents a Valentine sent from heaven. If that is true, then I am truly blessed.  My Dad has sent me a Valentine almost every day for the last two years. After he passed, we have hosted a family of cardinals in our backyard.  He sent them to remind me that my parents, and all my loved ones remain alive in my heart.

In Christianity, the cardinal represents the fire and vitality of the living spirit.  It represents the everlasting vitality found through the blood of Christ.  The key to the knowledge and understanding of the mysteries of God.  The hinge on which the door to Christianity is opened.  The heart where divine love resides.  The crossroads on the road of life.  The cardinal and these symbols are reminders of our living faith.

God sent me a cardinal because of its significance in my life. His message intended to remind me to take refuge in his arms by having faith in the darkest of times, trusting during the bleakest of circumstances, and hoping when desperation overwhelms.  He did not want me to forget a promise I made to him many, many years ago.

As for me, I will always have hope;

I will praise you more and more.

~ Psalm 71:14 ~