The Bird in the Stone: An Introduction to Reading Rocks

I am so excited to share one of my favorite gifts from God with everyone! I’ll be writing a full article about “reading rocks” to show you each one that was given to me through God’s direction, but I’m starting with the first one. I’ve always loved rocks, but never considered that they would become part of my Spiritual journey, mainly because of how people have distorted their true meanings.

There is still a lot of mystery surrounding the natural world that God created for us, but I can assure you of this—nothing has power or meaning unless it comes from the Most High. We are vessels to be moved for His will and glory, so I only follow the sound of His voice leading me, not my own or anyone else’s. It is God alone who has the power to speak to us through anything He chooses, so reading rocks was a gift that was given to me, not something that I chose for myself.

Since yesterday, 5/16, was the 4 year anniversary of SeasonOfTheFinch.com, I figured I would tell you the story of the first rock that the Lord gave to me. The goldfinch itself came into my life as a symbolic reference to joy when I was at my lowest… plagued with debilitating anxiety attacks, depression, insomnia, body dysmorphia, alcohol dependency, and in an unhappy marriage… I told God, “I’ll never be happy… I’ll never dance again.” In response to my cry, He sent dozens of goldfinches into my life repeatedly until I researched it and found that the way in which this bird dips and swoops as it flys has no purpose other than to experience a joyful dance! They don’t swoop up, fall, and swoop up again for mating or to find food—it’s simply for sheer enjoyment! The goldfinch represents God’s promise to me that He would heal me and restore my life.

One morning I woke up and heard God say, “Find a store that sells rocks and crystals today.” I thought… “God is leading me to a metaphysical shop? Okay…” So I found a store in the city and took a drive there. Among the piles and baskets of beautiful, colorful crystals (you know my eyes were drawn to the pink, sparkly ones) I put my hand on this little green fluorite that was very plain looking. Rubbing my thumb over it gave me a sort of calming feeling because it was so smooth. I heard God say, “This one.” Following His instructions, I checked out, drove home, and set the rock on my desk.

A few weeks later, I had a particularly horrible day. Sulking down on the edge of my bed in defeat and sorrow, tears dripped from my eyes as I said to God, “I’m never going to dance again, am I?” His voice gently filled my mind saying, “Go get your rock.” I looked up at my desk from across the room and saw the plain little stone sitting there in the shadows, being completely basic and dull. God said, “Put it in the sunlight and look into it,” so I did. Suddenly my distress was eased and my sad, wet eyes widened with wonder and awe! Only my God has the power to put the shape of a bird.. in the colors of the rainbow of His promise.. into a rock.. then tell me where to find it.. and then tell me when to look into it! Thank you, Lord for the endless proof of your love for me!

Since that day, God has gifted me with 4 more rocks that have whole stories within them—2 clear quartz, 1 smokey quartz, and one mystery stone. Always remember this Bible verse, and continue to look and listen for God in all things…

“But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or ask the birds of the air, and they will tell you. Speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish of the sea tell you. Every one of these knows that the hand of the Lord has done this. In His hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.” — Job 12:7-10

Years ago, when God asked me to preach His Word publicly, I told Him: “This world is deceptive. People need proof these days…” His voice said to me: “You will have all the proof you need.” I asked Him, “How do you want me to preach, Lord?” He responded… “Show them US.” Meaning, share with people the beauty of my relationship with Him in order to encourage others to pursue their own unique path. These were God’s only instructions for my life… To live in joy, happiness, and freedom.. and to let people observe this. He promised me that He would provide everything I needed as long as I put Him first and had the courage to share my testimonies… and wow, do I have SO many more stories for you guys!

With Love, Michelle