A Lion Dream

One of my favorite lion images is that of Aslan in the Chronicles of Narnia, by C.S. Lewis. When a friend and I were talking about dreams we’d had recently, she told me about her “lion dream” and I was glad she did because I felt like it was a message I needed to hear at the time. I asked her permission to share it here:

“In the midst of my dreams, I "woke up" and a huge lion had his front leg wrapped around my left thigh. He was hugging me and it felt good as long as I relaxed. If I squirmed, He squeezed me tighter and I was afraid of his strength. I didn't want him to wake up, because what would he do? Eat me? I wasn't sure. As long as I relaxed, I felt safe.

It seemed so real; I can remember the fur on his leg, the size of his paw, the sound of his breathing. Then I realized it was a dream. It wasn't until the next morning that I recalled the dream.

Why did I dream that?

I hear people in Bible Study talking about being "born again", and they say, "You will know it when it happens." I wonder "Have I been born again?" It's been rather a long process for me. I've always had faith in the Lord for as long as I can remember. I know He's helped me/carried me through many challenges and blessed me beyond what I could have imagined for myself, but I can't say "I'm born again"...I feel like I've been "born" over and over.

To me, this dream means God has a hold on me and He's not letting go, so I just better relax and rest my mind from all the worry this world lays on us.

I am so thankful, it brings tears to my eyes.”

When she told me the part about the lion tightening his grip when she wasn't relaxed, it made me think of the times I lean more towards being fear-full than trust-full in a situation. I feel disappointed in myself when I realize just how inclined I am to think about my weaknesses as opposed to God’s strength.

I also like this excerpt from Lewis’ “The Silver Chair” (which I found in his book, "Words to Live By") :

“Are you not thirsty?” said the Lion.
“I am dying of thirst,” said Jill.
“Then drink,” said the Lion.
“May I – could I – would you mind going away while I do?” said Jill.
The Lion answered this only by a look and a very low growl. And as Jill gazed at its motionless bulk, she realized that she might as well have asked the whole mountain to move aside for her convenience.
The delicious rippling noise of the stream was driving her nearly frantic.
“Will you promise not to – do anything to me, if I do come?” said Jill.
“I make no promise,” said the Lion.
Jill was so thirsty now that, without noticing it, she had come a step nearer.
“Do you eat girls?” she said.
“I have swallowed up girls and boys, women and men, kings and emperors, cities and realms,” said the Lion. It didn’t say this as if it were boasting, nor as if it were sorry, nor as if it were angry. It just said it.
“I daren’t come and drink,” said Jill.
“Oh dear!” said Jill, coming another step nearer. “I suppose I must go and look for another stream then.”
“There is no other stream,” said the Lion.
It never occurred Jill to disbelieve the Lion, no one who had seen his stern face could do that – and her mind suddenly made itself up. It was the worst thing she had ever had to do, but she went forward to the stream, knelt down, and began scooping up water in her hand. It was the coldest, most refreshing water she had ever tasted. You didn’t need to drink much of it, for it quenched your thirst at once. Before she tasted it she had been intending to make a dash away from the Lion the moment she had finished. Now, she realized that this would be on the whole the most dangerous thing of all.

~ “The Silver Chair” by C.S. Lewis