Dominique the Donkey: the story of why the donkey wears a cross

Anyone who has sought the meaning of life will find this simple, yet profound story meaningful because it answers the eternal question with a Christian principal recognized universally - if we do not live to serve others, life has no real meaning. Dominique the Donkey is a tale about a wild donkey whose destiny is to carry the Virgin Mary to Bethlehem, and 33 years later, to watch her son, Dominic, carry Jesus triumphantly into Jerusalem. Dominique is the hero of her own journey to Diamond Peak, the highest of the sacred mountains in the Land of the Sands, where she seeks her wildest dream - to find the meaning of her life. She is sidetracked by the plight of Mary and Joseph on their way to Bethlehem. Her sympathy for the mother-to-be outweighs her wild nature, and she carries Mary to Bethlehem, learning the value of service. After the Holy family returns to Nazareth, Joseph releases her, and she continues on her journey of discovery to Diamond Peak, only to realize that the meaning of her life is not to be found there. Dominique returns to her wild herd outside Jerusalem to teach them what she has learned. There, she watches her son lose himself in service to Jesus by carrying Him into Jerusalem. As the mother and son watch while Jesus is crucified, Dominique comes to a full understanding of her journey, and the meaning of her life. At the crucifixion, Dominique and her son are rewarded for their service when the cross casts a shadow across their backs, a mark which donkeys have borne ever since. Children will enjoy Dominique the Donkey as it makes the Bible stories of Mary and Joseph on their way to Bethlehem, and of Jesus making his triumphant entrance into Jerusalem, more engaging through an animal's perspective. Parents will find the story useful in teaching their children about the value of a life of service, at the same time reminding themselves of the importance of the promise, "My yoke is easy, and my burden, light." Please visit www.DominiqueTheDonkey.com.

Author Cynthia Lane is a newspaper reporter and photographer and a former trial lawyer and college professor. She enjoys surfing and kayaking with her Havanese first mate, and singing in the Ala Prexque schola for the traditional Latin Mass at Christ the King Catholic Church in Sarasota, Florida. She earned an Honorable Mention in Inspirational Writing in the 75th Annual Writer’s Digest Writing Competition for Dominique the Donkey.