Be a Buffalo

"Be a buffalo."

Wait, what?  

I was recently attending a women's retreat, and one of the breakout sessions was about training the mind through our words and beliefs. The speaker was excellent, and towards the end of the session, she instructed each woman in the room to "be a buffalo." 

I was taking notes at the time and remember pausing and asking myself: Did I really just hear what I think I heard? What does a buffalo have to do with anything?

Then I learned something fascinating: Although most animals instinctively run FROM storms, buffalo actually run INTO them as a strategy for survival. 

I was intrigued, so I did a little research and discovered additional aspects that I think you'll find interesting as well.

• Their instincts guide them into the storm in the most direct route which reduces the length of time exposed to the harsh elements and also conserves their energy.
• Amazingly, facing the storm can actually lower their stress levels.
• By charging into the storm directly and quickly, they naturally aerate the soil with their hooves and scatter seeds which promotes plant growth and strengthens the ecosystem. 

When we sense a storm brewing, our instinct is usually to run in the opposite direction! But consider for a moment some of the benefits of facing the storm head-on: 

• You don't waste energy trying to avoid the storm, only to have it catch up to you regardless.
• You don't spend time feeding your anxiety about the storm (sometimes the dread and worry we experience as we await a storm is worse than the storm itself!).
• You provide others an opportunity to glorify God through how you face the storm head-on. It's counter-cultural and captures the attention of those observing. It can plant seeds of eternal value in the lives of those around you.

Mighty warriors, sometimes the best route through a storm is the direct one. Face it head-on in the strength and power of God's Holy Spirit within you. Don't allow fear to overshadow your faith. Don't run away in the hopes of avoiding the storm. Be still and know that He is God. Seek guidance for how He wants you to act, and then move forward in obedience and confidence.

Be a buffalo!