"Maybe, God does sometimes stand in the shadows, like a mother bird when her young are learning how to fly, how they must flap their wings and struggle to the ground. Yet, she is aware of the 'unforeseen danger' lurking around. The young are not always aware of this danger or her presence. But she is there. Her 'young' only need to cry out to her. She will hear their voice. Cast your mind again to the forest fire story; now remember how the mother bird placed her body over the young to protect them. She died, but they lived. It is indeed a sharp picture of God. " -