The Healing Journey

November 8, 2023

One symbol of life, death and resurrection in the natural world is the hummingbird. Not only is this smallest of birds, one of God’s greatest wonders, reminding us of his goodness and magnificence, but some believe it symbolizes the Holy Spirit, bringing happiness and peace.

The hummingbird, itself, is a wonder of nature, capable of flying nonstop from the Northeast, across the Gulf of Mexico to Central America in the winter. They migrate alone, flying up to 500 miles nonstop. They weigh less than a nickel and they can hover and fly backward with their wings, which beat up to 100 times a second and fly up to 37 mph and even faster — up 60 mph in a courtship dive.

But there’s more to their splendor. Because of the way the hummingbird’s wings move — in a unique figure-eight pattern considered to represent the attributes of God, which are infinity, continuity and eternity. In addition, the hummingbird — whose name is derived from the sounds their wings make — appears lifeless when it sleeps because its body goes into a “torpor,” and its metabolism almost stops to conserve energy. Often thought to be symbolic of the resurrection.

Some spiritual writers say the birds are a sign “of impending death,” but also a reminder that death isn’t the end and is instead the beginning of eternity. It is also a reminder that those who have died are safe and happy in the arms of God.

An encounter with a hummingbird is a blessing … and a reminder that when it seems death has taken all, there is still the hope of eternal life.

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You will find hope and healing in God’s tiniest miracles.