Are You a Camel or Horse?

Silly Song

“Alice the camel has 5 humps, Alice the camel has 5 humps, Alice the camel has 5 humps, so go, Alice, go.” So goes the silly song about Alice. It counts down to 4, 3, 2, 1, and 0 until you get to the surprise ending…Alice the camel has no humps, because Alice is a horse, of course!”

Me, too, Alice.

Alice and I have something in common. Maybe you do, too. For way too long I didn’t like me. My hair popped out curly and frizzy in an era when straight equaled great. My body lacked the curves that my hair sported, I talked when I should listen, and listened when I should talk – or so I thought. (see I’m a Failure) And the list goes on.

I experimented trying on the characteristics of a five-hump camel, discovering some similarities, but realizing it wasn’t an ideal match. Shifting to a four-hump camel, I again uncovered similarities yet discovered it didn’t fit either.  Over the course of life I also tried three-hump camels, and two, and one – only to discover I am a horse. And guess what? I like being a horse after all. 

How Did I Come to Know I Like Being a Horse?

It started with a trust that God made me the way He wanted me… and a realization that He likes me. I quit trying on different looks and personalities. I quit telling myself, and others, about my flaws. Instead, I began to thank God for the way He created me, even for my curly hair.  I began to realize I liked it after all. Similar discoveries took place about other things I had previously disliked.

How About You?

Are you a camel or a horse? Or maybe even a giraffe? Whatever you are, stay true to how God created you. And google the words and music to Alice the Camel. You’ll like it.

I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.  Psalm 139:14

A Few Fun Facts. 

Both camels and horses run fast. Camels can run up to 40 mph in short bursts or maintain a steady gait of 25 mph. A horse’s gallop averages 25-30 mph, but the world’s record sprinting is 55 mph. Both carry people and loads.

Camels can withstand changes in temperature and water consumption that would kill most other animals. They rarely sweat. Their thick coats protect them from the extreme temperatures.

Horses are intelligent. Their sensory system allows them an awareness of where any limb of their body is in space at all times. Just imagine the beauty of a horse jumping.