Birthright

I learned about what my place was in this world when I discovered a YouTube video called the Orphan Lamb.

“Rejected by its community, but who struggle to connect inspires empathy and goodness in unexpected places.”—Oprah

We share a need,

to be seen,

to be cared for.

As a farmer I get to see how separation fuels their anxiety and

desperation.

Why does nature allow this experience?

And what good comes from it?

I’m reminded of a story about an orphaned lamb.

His mother died a few days after he was born.

Of course my impulse is to help them, but it’s always easier if

you give them some time to work it out.

He was hungry…

And he had to find a new mom.

But even when that basic need couldn’t be met, he looked beyond.

He now just wanted to be comforted.

By anything.

It wasn’t easy to watch.

But before we could even intervene, he discovered another way,

so long as she didn’t see him, he could get what he needed.

The full belly only momentarily dampened his aching heart.

Because he would always be the orphan.

I’ve noticed that once the separated amongst us have evolved.

Surprisingly, they reach beyond simply wanting to belong.

Turning rejection into elevated awareness.

In turn, connecting them to everything else.

The orphan does not wait to be seen.

He doesn’t give up.

Once he stopped chasing the flock that was incapable of seeing him,

An instinct emerged,

Like a whisper in his ear.

Nourish yourself, and the world will be drawn…to you.

—John Chester, Apricot Lane Farms

OWN, Super Soul Short: Orphan Lamb

What can we learn from this tiny lamb? Everything! Here’s what I learned about his story and about myself. Grab your tissues. I know I was more than moved to tears by this short five minute and fifty-nine second video. It stopped me dead in my tracks on a Sunday morning in 2022. So brief, but it has had a lasting effect on me. Actually, it’s what inspired me to write this book.