Masako? Who? Some of you may ask, “Where in the hee-haw does this woman get these names?” This Morgan chestnut mare is the 7th (last but not least) equine teacherthat I referred to in ATHENS NOW, dated Sept. 16 – Oct. 6, 2011.
In 2002, it was on my heart to breed sire Big Sky to mare Arianna. This foal was to bear the name meaning “justice”. At the time of the breeding I had no idea we would be packing up and leaving our community of twenty years and heading south.
When I inquired about names that meant ‘justice’, the feminine Japanese name “Masako” showed up. Of course, I had no idea of the gender. See Horse Whispering Column in ATHENS NOW, July 22 – Aug 4, 2011.
As the foal that was to bear the name “justice” was being “formed,” I found myself packing, sorting, getting rid of stuff, simply put, smack dab in the midst of changes, choices and compassion!
Were our horsey days over? Logically, it would simplify our lives if we were to sell the horses. After all, bringing them would require us to look for something much more than an apartment or house. Each time we inquired of the LORD, there was no peace whatsoever in NOT bringing them with. I will say that when God is in “it,” He will provide. Psalm 5:12 became an anchor to my soul and my testimony, “For You, O LORD, will bless the righteous: with favor you will surround him as with a shield.”
Our move to the south included transporting one stallion, one bred mare, two open mares and a gelding. This column does not provide the space needed to tell you story after story of God’s faithfulness, provision and connections. For someone who prefers to have things in “order,” this move released me from a dimension of a comfort zone to a, “be still and KNOW that I AM God” zone! Did I do this ‘perfectly’? No, I didn’t. However, each time I fell down, I chose to get back up. I hadn’t walked like this before to this degree! It was a walk of faith that would birth in me an identity of faith righteousness. I will explain in a minute.
On June 15, 2003, wearing a cap and gown, I walked across a platform receiving a minister of theology degree. After that celebration I threw on some blue jeans and headed out to the horses. Driving down the drive I saw a chestnut filly, with a white blaze and three white socks standing beside her momma. MASAKO! “Justice” was born on graduation day! To me, Masako’s mission statement simply is, “I exist to remind you of peace and a sound mind.” Interestingly, the word justice does NOT appear in the New Testament. Did you know that?
I was surprised when I discovered this. The words “just,” “justification,” “ justified” are there, but you will not find the word “justice” in the New Testament. What you will find in the New Testament because of Jesus’ obedience and because “IT IS FINISHED”, is the word “righteousness”. The meaning of the words justice and righteousness are interchangeable!
I am grateful for equine teacher, Masako! Because of Jesus’ obedience, justice has come to each of us. Because of our faith in HIM and his obedience, we have become the righteousness of God through Christ Jesus.
Your righteousness is of the Lord. Jesus did not come to condemn you, but to save you through His rich mercy, grace and love. You can rest in that. Masako to you my “NEIGH”bor.
Deb Kitchenmaster
Corral Connections:
Connecting with LIFE through a horse
Animal B.E.S.T practitioner
dkitchenmaster@mchsi.com
