Tim Loudermilk 
Patches and the Kitten 

Growing up in a rural neighborhood just behind a large park called Little Creek Park, which was a mix of large fields of grass and was surrounded by mountains and flowing streams and wilderness areas, fostered a love and familiarity with all kinds of animals for Tim. This story of Tim’s childhood dog (which was also his best friend as a child) named Patches being so kind and loving and accepting of this small stray kitten, and how she took him in and cared for him as one of her own puppies, aligns with the love and acceptance and care we receive from Jesus. People young and old oftentimes feel that they are not good enough or they are unworthy in some way to be saved and accepted by Jesus as one of his own. This story illustrates that in times when someone is hurting or searching for the love that only our wonderful Lord can provide, they are rest assured that they will be accepted. This also helps people understand just how much our Lord loves us even though we are lost and alone and undeserving just like this helpless kitten.

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