I love Giraffes!

Giraffes – I love Giraffes. Giraffes are my favorite animal. My love for giraffes started when I was pretty young. My mom purchased two ornaments for our Christmas tree. One was a wooden letter G for Gina and the other was a letter M for Michael. For the G, the artist drew a giraffe to adorn the letter. For the M, the artist drew a monkey. So Gina the Giraffe became a thing, not a big thing, but a thing nonetheless. And the placement of those ornaments became a thing too. Ornament placement was critical, as it marked which side of the tree our gifts were on. Beyond gift labeling, the ornament was just that, an ornament. As soon as the festivities are over, the ornament goes back into storage until the next year. It, the ornament, just has that one sole purpose in life, to mark the side of the tree where Gina’s presents will be. Its funny though, the giraffe on the ornament has a much deeper meaning. And although its significance wasn’t revealed to me until I was an adult, its purpose will remain with me throughout the rest of my life. 

I remember it just like it was yesterday. Time out. Why do people say that? Is that statement really relevant anymore? I mean, we humans receive information so fast and experience life at speeds our ancestors would’ve never considered possible, do we even remember something from 5 minutes ago? Ok. Just wondering. Time in. So…I remember it just like it was 3 minutes ago. I was sitting in Pitt’s student union attending an event hosted by my mentor, Tracy Soska. Tracy is a social worker extraordinaire. He has been honored by so many people and organizations because he is fully committed to fighting against injustice, advocating for the less fortunate and equipping today and tomorrow’s leaders with the tools they need to be the change in their communities. During my graduate education, I was very blessed to learn from him. And now I continue to be blessed as I count him a dear friend. As a part of my internship with Tracy, I was responsible for assisting him with events like this one. The keynote speaker was from a sister (as in located in Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh) university. I don’t recall her name nor do I recall all of her speech (I said, “I remember it just like it was 3 minutes ago.” I don’t remember all that happened 3 minutes ago.), but I will never forget her love for giraffes and how she so eloquently explained this love. The speaker said something to the effect of: Giraffes have long necks that allow them to reach higher and see farther. But their bodies, their bodies are still close to the ground. Their shape is the perfect metaphor for how we should live life. We should reach higher, see farther, and remain connected.”

I remember taking notes during the keynote speech and feeling like I couldn’t take notes fast enough. I wanted to capture the essence of everything she was saying.  Her simple and short discussion of giraffes was imprinted on my heart forever. I’ve never forgot it. I decided to adopt it. And now I share it.

So why am I so in love with this description of giraffes? Giraffes reach higher and see farther while remaining connected. What better metaphor for how we should live our lives and use what we’ve been given to serve. Lets dig in.

Now I’m sure that a giraffe’s life is not all perfect. Its not like they are unicorns who poop rainbows and dance in fields with butterflies. I mean, get real people. Lets consider April and her months of labor to have that baby. I couldn’t sit and watch that. Not because I get grossed out or anything…no. Its because I have responsibilities and a life. I love giraffes and all, but not enough to stop the world for it. Geez.

But even in their imperfect lives with no rainbow poop and long labors, giraffes are beautiful creates with so much to give the world. And like the Giraffe, you’ve been given access to a bird’s eye view of life. You have been equipped with tools and resources to be uniquely you, serving the world in ways no one else can. Now what are you going to do with it? What if the giraffe never used its neck the way God intended? What if the giraffe had a long neck but only ever bent down to eat food – never reaching towards the heavens for nourishment? What if the giraffe never used its long neck and line of sight to protect its young? Or to see more food? Or to go farther? Or to reach higher? What if?

What is it that you have that you’ve neglected to use? What skills and talents did God place in you that you have yet to use? What if you used them? What if you saw farther? What if you reached higher? What if?

I hope today’s commentary challenged you. I pray blessings for you as you step out in faith to reach higher, see farther, and remain grounded. God has mighty plans for you. He’s already given you all you need to succeed. You just need to use what He gave you. (Luke 17:21 and 2 Peter 1:3) Until next time. Gina the Giraffe out!

Gina Watts is a former resident of Fayette County, now living in Columbus, Ohio. She serves multiple communities as an advocate, educator, and leader. Follow Gina on Twitter @professorgmarie.