The Shepherd Who Became King

Springs of Hope
3 days ago
4 min read

Daoud came to us straight from years of captivity in IXXX. He had lost all his family members apart from his grandparents. He literally threw himself into Springs of Hope.

The ground shook when he walked through our gates. Not just once but day after day. We looked at ourselves wondering who this kid was when in captivity. Obviously a called, respected leader of many.

We have never asked questions. The stories tell themselves when the time is right. We knew that Daoud’s story was sad and weighty.

He came wanting to fit in, with the most weird taste in clothes. Trying to adopt the Kurdish style. He had no dress sense but was always carefully put together, clean, tidy and in need of some styling and guidance.

He limped but that did not stop him from playing football. The shrapnel in his arm and back never were regarded as an impediment and he threw himself into everything possible.

Being a young man who had survived under authority, albeit the most evil, he wore a natural mantle of authority, one that came not with power but with love and care for his friends thrown into the front line of battle straight from their mattresses spread on their Sinjar roofs as the men in black swept in and abducted all.

I remember telling our Daoud the story of the Biblical Daoud, the shepherd who became a king and a psalmist. He would come to us asking for help for various students, he knew every need whether emotional or physical that they had. He was commander but one who wielded his shepherd’s staff with love to save and rescue them from impending mistakes.

He lived the fullest meaning of love. A love that both educates and chastises. He would naturally do both. I remember one day when he asked to speak to Dr and myself in private. He showed us photos of one of his friends from captivity who was using our sports field to make weapons deals (oh yes we have many untold stories). His concern was both for his friend and for us.

He was one who never stayed in his tent waiting for help. He was out there every day come rain come shine looking for day work, carrying blocks, digging, building, whatever was available, yet he never ever missed his days with us.

As we came close to completing the stables I sat with him and asked whom we should choose as staff. His answer was simple. “Choose me, I will give up the day work and move to Shariya.”

We built a room for him to live and sleep on site. He gave his all to our herd, sleeping on the stall ground with them if one should be sick, or staying awake all night monitoring waiting for deliveries. If one was sick he could not eat.

Shepherd to his animal flock, and wise, gentle King to his human flock. I would look at our Daoud and remember how the Shepherd David dwelt in Hebron, the place of friendship, of bonding together before he was given the throne. That describes his years with us.

The day came when sadly for us and with tears pouring down his face he told us that he would have to return to Sinjar to take care of his dead family’s business and to look after his grandparents in their fragile years.

Three months later, he emptied out his room and left leaving a massive hole in the very atmosphere. He left but he did not go as we speak all the time. “You are family” he tells me, “so you should know first.”

On Thursday, which I believe was Christmas Day, The Shepherd and the King entered into the covenant of marriage with Dalal whom he met in his Sinjar village. We share these photos with you today so that you can join in our rejoicing and gladness.

It’s a rejoicing of restoration. As written by the prophet Jeremiah, “The voice of joy and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride, the voice of them that shall say, “Praise the Lord of hosts for the Lord is good, for his mercy endureth for ever.””

Daoud, you have signed death certificates and returned to work the following day. Daoud you have buried bones in mass graves and returned to clean Taj’s teeth. Daoud you have believed that life is more powerful than death and as hard as you fought on the battlefields of Syria to stay alive, you have fought for life and future.

Daoud we cheer you on today. We are so very proud of you. As would be your parents if they could see you. You have made your way with care and caution, planning and honoring all in every step.

We love you so much. We will always miss your lopsided grin and limping gait but as your family we rejoice as the house that you have physically rebuilt over the last year now becomes the dwelling place for you and Delal and your generations to come.

Daoud, the shepherd, be blessed. Daoud the King, be blessed. Carry your wife and your family with that same gentle, strong, wise, knowing, loving Kingly authority. We, your other family, are with you.