The Day Pigs Flew and Never Landed

Twenty-five years ago I was serving as principal of Johnson County Middle School. I enjoyed thirteen beautiful years at JCMS before leaving for Bristol Virginia Public Schools. I had a recent event that brought back a small but powerful memory. 

Shortly after becoming principal of the middle school, I was faced with many challenges. Some seemed to be so great that I was not sure how to move forward. One morning, a great teacher (and follower of Jesus) entered my office with a big smile on her face. I asked her what she was up to. She immediately pulled out a small plastic pig that had wings on it. The plastic pig was about four inches long and had fishing line attached to it. The teacher spoke boldly, almost as if delivering a prophecy that could not be denied. She reminded me of the saying, “It will happen when pigs fly,” a statement that naysayers would often say when they did not believe something could happen. The teacher then turned an on/off switch on the pig and the wings began flapping. She held the pig up in the air, and with the fishing line, it appeared as if the pig was actually flying!   

Over the years where I served as principal in both Johnson County and Bristol City, I proudly had the pig hanging in the window. Often the “flying pig” would generate a conversation. I was able to tell stories of what happens when faith is put to the test. Stories of being delivered from cancer on three occasions, to watching kids thrive, even in challenging circumstances. The pig always served as a reminder, that with God all things are possible. 

It was not until I moved to Central Office that I finally gave away my prized pig. I encountered a student who was really struggling in his home life and at school. At the time, he was not able to attend regular school because of health issues. One day, he dropped by my office and we had a conversation. I tried to encourage him but I knew that he was probably too young to understand. It was at the moment that I realized the gift of the “flying pig” might give him some hope. I told him the story that pigs really could fly, we just needed a little faith. I remember his beaming smile as he left my office.  

One of my very favorite Bible verses is Ephesians 3:20 – "Now to him who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly, above all we could ask or think, according to the power that works in us. I have tried to live with a faithful expectation that with God, all things are possible." In most things I take on, my mindset is “Go big, or go home!” I credit that to always being a dreamer, but more because I serve a big God who always exceeds our expectations.

Maybe you need a flying pig ornament to be reminded of how big your God is. I could tell story after story of the times that I have "seen pigs fly". I expect before this life is over, I will have many more to share. And for any sceptics out there, I can attest that hot tubs really can fly. I even have a witness! That story will have to wait for another day! 

Everyone be blessed! 

Pastor Gary can be reached at pastorgary@onewaydamascus.org or through the web site at www.onewaydamascus.org 

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