Chicken Little

Chicken Little is a fairy-tale character who imagines the sky is falling when an acorn falls on his head. He runs around spreading panic and fear among all the other animals.

I must confess that I occasionally fall prey to the Chicken Little syndrome, described by John Landry as "inferring catastrophic conclusions possibly resulting in paralysis.” We are all aware that things are falling apart around us. This is not news. What we need is a Chicken with a plan on how to deal with entropy—a Chicken who is not overwhelmed, paranoid, or hysterical—a Chicken Peaceful perhaps?

Chicken Peaceful would notice the ominous signs, but instead of spreading fear, he might think: What can we do about this? What reasonable precautions can we take to protect ourselves and others from danger? I may be little, but I trust in a big God who is in control of everything. I shall stay calm and listen for further directions. I am confident that as long as I stay within God’s sphere of influence, obeying his instructions, I am safe.

“If you’ll hold on to me for dear life,” says God, “I’ll get you out of any trouble. I’ll give you the best of care if you’ll only get to know and trust me. Call me and I’ll answer, be at your side in bad times;” (Psalm 91:14-16 MSG)