Riding Faith: Stories from the Cowboy Heart

“The Lost Calf Gospel” ]

The fire was low, the stars burning bright, Cowboys gathered close in the hush of the night. A weathered old rider, Bible in hand, Spoke truth by the flames on that wide prairie land. “Today I rode hard through the dust and the sage, Lookin’ for a calf that’d slipped from the range. She’d wandered off quiet, no cry, no sound— Just lost in the brush where trouble is found. I tracked her through gullies, through thorns and through heat, Till I found her alone, too tired on her feet. I lifted her gently, brought her back home, And the Lord whispered, ‘Son, you’re not alone.’” He paused, then he smiled, eyes glintin’ with grace, As the cowboys leaned in round that warm, holy place. “That calf,” he said softly, “was me years ago, Wanderin’ far with no place to go. But Jesus, my Savior, rode out through the night, Through valleys of sin and shadows of fright. He found me all broken, too weary to stand, And carried me home in His nail-scarred hands. So now when I ride, I ain’t just chasin’ strays— I’m searchin’ for souls in the old cowboy ways. I tell ‘em of mercy, of truth and of grace, Of the Shepherd who rides to redeem every place. You see, boys, this Gospel ain’t just for the pew— It’s saddle and stirrup, it’s rugged and true. So ride out tomorrow with fire in your chest, And search for the lost—don’t settle for less. For every stray calf and every lost man, Jesus still rides with redemption in hand. And if you’ll be His rider, His voice and His feet, You’ll bring home the broken and make joy complete.”

By Cowboy Preacher Joseph Holmes