Tatonka!

The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad; the desert shall rejoice and blossom like the crocus; it shall blossom abundantly and rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the Lord, the majesty of our God. Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who have an anxious heart, “Be strong; fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you.” (Isaiah 35:1-4 ESV).

While visiting in Washington DC this week we were able to take advantage of the European Union Embassies’ Open House weekend. The lines were very long, so we were very strategic in choosing those we wanted to visit. It required a bit of walking and ultimate a bus ride to the French Embassy. You can imagine my surprise when we walked down to the bus stop at the corner of Q Street and 23rd Street. The shouts of “Tatonka!” could almost be heard echoing on the breeze. At the entrance of Dumbarton Bridge were two huge bronze statues of American Bison proudly guarding the roadway. The bridge and the statues were constructed between 1914 and 1915, spanning high above Rock Creek Park and connecting Georgetown to Dupont Circle. Bridging these two DC neighborhoods turned out to be easier said than done. First, city planners and architects determined that the proximity and location of Dumbarton House posed a traffic congestion problem. Their solution, move the entire house 100 feet, no small endeavor, to its current resting spot. And so, the Dumbarton Bridge got its name. The location of Dumbarton House was not the only construction problem facing the bridge. The proposed sections of Q Street, on either side of the bridge, were misaligned. The solution, much simpler than the previous, was to give the bridge one of its most interesting features, a curved roadway. Then the most striking features of the Dumbarton Bridge were added. There are four bullish bison sentries; poised and ready to charge bridge traffic and buck them over the railings. A task they could accomplish easily if living! Of course I had to have pictures of the bison. Fortunately I had time while waiting for the bus. Then I needed to know the history of the statues, which a bit of research revealed. And, of course, that led me to a wonderful passage of Scripture to share with you. Our reading today comes from a time in Israel’s history when their land was overtaken and their people scattered and enslaved. He ends with the incredible promise of God’s rescue. And, this has been accomplished in the work and grace of Jesus! Do not be afraid! We don’t need mute statues to guard our way; we have the Lion of Judah!