Wolves are opportunists. They test their prey, sensing any weakness or vulnerability through visual cues and even through hearing and scent. Contrary to ambush predators that rely on the element of surprise and a short and intense burst of energy to secure their prey. They chase their prey, often over longer distances in order to find the right animal or opportunity. On the hunt, wolves work together with certain individuals typically carrying out their specific role in the hunt.
While wolves will eat small prey, their preferred targets are ungulates, large hoofed animals such as deer and elk. Individual packs will specialize in hunting specific prey species.
Some of the wolf’s bad reputation stems from the apparent mob scene that ensues when the prey begins to falter. Wolves are not equipped to dispatch their victims quickly; prey usually die of shock, muscle damage or blood loss. Equipped only with feet for running and jaws for biting, wolves make the best of their limitations. A wolf pack’s ferocity and apparent brutality is really a defensive measure. (www.livingwithwolves.org)
OUR WOLVES
Opportunists? So too are wolves in our lives. They test us, sensing our weakness or vulnerability through visual cues, waiting for the perfect opportunity to seal our fate. Our wolves prefer larger prey as well. It’s often said, “The bigger they are the harder they fall”, so true as the more we have going for us the more of a target we seem to be. Our wolves also seem to enjoy the mob scene as we die of shock or other injuries, succumbing slowly from each ensuing bite. A graphic word picture I know, but so accurate in today’s world.
ABIDING IN THE SHADOW
When Our Wolves are bearing down on us does this mean we have no hope? Does this mean the pack following us will have their way regardless of our abilities, strength, power and determination? The simple answer is no.
The large ungulate depicted here, the Whitetail Deer, has some natural abilities built in that would make it very difficult for any predator pursuing him. The speed and endurance coupled with a heighten olfactory acuity and sharp hooves and antlers would make a formidable opponent for any adversary.
As a comparison, we too have built in natural abilities that will help in our fight. Discernment, wisdom, and creativity coupled with courage, bravery, endurance as well as physical and inner strength can carry the day for most of us. However, what happens if we are lacking of one or more of these essential attributes?
This past year I’ve observed individuals endure some very traumatic situations in their lives. I have friends and family dealing with cancer as well as a family member dealing with the onset of dementia, and everything that goes with these ailments. Individually, they all display great strength and endurance dealing with their challenges. Even though the wolves have pressed in hard, with one even losing the final earthy battle, they all showed an inner strength that surpasses all understanding.
Abiding In The Shadow represents this inner strength. Whether your individual strength comes from a spiritual component or whether it’s from other inspirations that allow you to dig deeper than you thought possible… Abiding In The Shadow represents this inner strength.
As the wolves focus on your physical being they can never understand how formidable you really are. Yes they’re shadowing you, yet they don’t realize you’ve stepped into the one ray of hope which has cast your ominous presence over their world. You ARE greater than he who is in the world when abiding in the shadow.
