Eagle Flight

Eagle Flight

From Grace for All by Jim Stovall, Greta Smith, First United Methodist Church, Maryville, TN

July 19, 2026 · 5 min · Season 24 · Episode 975

About this episode

The episode reflects on the symbolism of eagles in faith and the strength found in trusting God.

Isaiah 40:31 (NET) But those who wait for the Lord’s help find renewed strength; they rise up as if they had eagle’s wings, they run without growing weary, they walk without getting tired. Watching the skies for eagles is a beloved part of my growing up along the rocky beaches of the Pacific Northwest. Sometimes their nests could be sighted high up in the wind-bent trees along the coast or in a forest of evergreens in the mountains. Now, as an adult, I still scan for them as often as possible in the Smoky Mountains, along with other beautiful birds of prey. “Look!”, someone in the family would quickly shout, pointing upwards, “An eagle!”. All eyes would then follow the pointing finger, exclaiming excitedly, “I see it!”. A hush would follow until the eagle, riding the rising wind currents, could no longer be seen. Its magnificence, though, remained, along with the honor and delight of the moment. To the Indigenous tribes, eagles are sacred. They are seen as the strongest and bravest of all birds, being admired for their courage and connection to the sky. With the ability to fly higher than any other bird, eagles are often seen as being closest to the Creator, carrying prayers on…

People in this episode

Hosts: Jim Stovall, Greta Smith

Topics covered

Keywords

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: First United Methodist Church

Books & works: Isaiah 40:31

Places: Pacific Northwest, Smoky Mountains, Babylon

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