While conducting an interview this week, I met some lovely people - and some very interesting characters. Jacqueline and Mark, the people, recently moved to our part of the world. Born and trained in France as a chef, she considers rabbit meat a delicacy. When she found it difficult to source that product here, she set up her own operation to sell both live and butchered bunnies. Several publications are interested in their story, I get to write it and hence, the interview.
About those characters: I was introduced to Spencer, Caesar and Simon, (the rabbit guys), Kate, Cleo and Honey, (the gals), Sherman, the dog, a few of the Muscovy duck clan and a delightful goat named Lucky Luke.
As Jacqueline showed me around the farm property, I was impressed with the tidy yard, well kept buildings and immaculate area that was dedicated to slaughtering the rabbits. It was while we toured the barn that I learned the names of the individual creatures. Those names stuck in my mind as Jacqueline explained that the animals are held in her arms during the entire slaughter process and endure no stress or pain. "The entire process is over in three seconds," she told me.
Although relieved to hear that, I asked her how she was able to kill something to which she'd attached a personal name. "Oh no," she replied, "I don't name the ones that are designated to be killed."
Now I'm no vegetarian and although I was most pleased with the method of the slaughter and the facilities, I admit I was relieved to know my hostess didn't have to put down the creatures she'd named.
Naming denotes worth; worth demands commitment. The God who calls us by name will never forsake us.
"I have called you by your name; you are Mine," (Isaiah 43:1)
