Chiroptera

In this week's episode, Dennis Jernigan shares the story behind his song, "Chiroptera", from the album "The Chronicles of Bren: Captured – Songs for the Journey". That mp3 is available at https://www.thechroniclesofbren.com/store/captured-songs-for-the-journey-album/ The lyrics can be found below.

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You will find the show notes and lyrics below:

Welcome to The Dennis Jernigan Podcast, where we journey together toward healing, hope, intimacy, and refuge, ultimately fostering a deeper connection with Jesus. Through the years, I've learned one thing for certain: God doesn't waste a single moment. He redeems our sorrows, our wounds, and even our failures.
Hey there, I'm your host, Dennis Jernigan, and I'm thrilled about the upcoming episodes on the podcast, diving into a topic I'm truly passionate about. For some time now, I've been unraveling the tales behind songs inspired by a fantasy book series I crafted for my children and grandchildren. However, in my excitement (I'll blame it on my forgetfulness due to Parkinson's), I overlooked sharing the core reason behind these stories—to paint an allegorical representation of salvation in Christ and a Christ-centered worldview. The Chronicles of Bren subtly weave in images of Jesus and the discovery of one's identity in Him.
But wait, there's more! I've penned not just one, but two book series. The initial trilogy, The Chronicles of Bren, sets the stage for the adventures that follow in the upcoming fourth book of The Bairns of Bren series. In this second series, my grandchildren take the reins as heroes, leading us on an exhilarating journey. Stay tuned for updates on the release of book 4 in this captivating saga.
You're accustomed to my tales behind worshipful, comforting, and ministerial songs straight from the heart of Father God. However, the song I'm unveiling today draws inspiration from a trilogy of fantasy novels I penned for my beloved children and grandchildren back in 2015. The first installment, Captured (Book 1 in The Chronicles of Bren Trilogy), sets the stage for this enchanting journey. You might wonder, "Why would a worship leader and songwriter delve into the realm of fantasy literature?”
I won't divulge all the intricacies that led me to craft fantasy novels. To catch up on the full story, tune in to the podcasts starting from the episode "Riding the Wind" up to today's episode. This week's featured song, "Creatures," born around 2015 or 2016, delves into the eerie depths of the spiritual realm. Some creatures embody goodness, while others embody malevolence. Through this song, I aimed to impart the lesson of discernment to my young ones, urging them to trust their instincts and remain wary, as the adversary often disguises himself as an angel of light.
I hope to instill in my grandchildren a sense of vigilance, for the enemy prowls like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may deceive with his falsehoods. Last week I shared the story behind the song “Creatures”. This week I am sharing the story behind a song about a specific creature called “Chiroptera”.
"Chiroptera" is the name of the order of the only mammal capable of true flight, the bat. The name is influenced by the hand-like wings of bats, which are formed from four elongated "fingers" covered by a cutaneous membrane. 
In the book, “Captured”, the Chiroptera are giant bats...yet their facial features are those of men (albeit with pointy ‘bat’ ears and sharp ‘bat’ teeth) and instead of claws extending from mid-wing they had actual fingers, though with long claw-like fingernails extending in a menacing fashion. On the ground they make bird-like hops. Those who hover in the air above hold large stones in their hands, ready to wield great destruction on any whose head they are dropped upon. In the story, they are meant to represent opportunists. Sometimes they are good. Sometimes they are enemies. Their attitude just depends on what is most advantageous to them in their agenda. They are meant to be and depict yet another reality of living life in the real world. The leader of the Chiroptera in “Captured” is called Falling Rocks and the story behind that name was inspired by a story my mother used to tell my children when they were small.
When my children were young, my mother told them many stories. One of those stories was about a little Native American boy called Falling Rocks. This story began when my mom and dad took my nephew and niece on a trip to Utah. Being very young at the time, my niece and nephew asked why there were so many signs that said ‘Watch For Falling Rocks’ along the mountainside roads. My mom came up with this story: there is a little lost boy named Falling Rocks and his mother has placed those signs there so she can get the public to help her find her little lost son. Not but a few minutes after she came up with this story meant to entertain the children than a little Native American boy in full Native American dress was standing on the roadside. My niece burst into tears and asked her grandparents to stop and help him. My mom told the children that she would stop at the next rest area and call the boy’s mother. The children were beside themselves in panic over helping this boy. At the next stop, my mom made a ‘phone call’ to the boy’s mother, relieving the children of this great burden to help Falling Rocks. As my children heard the story from my mother, the legend only grew! To this day, whenever we see a sign warning of ‘Falling Rocks’ we all laugh and enjoy the memory all over again! I had to use the name Falling Rocks for a character in my book. It seemed appropriate to call the leader of the mountainous dwelling creatures, the Chiroptera, Falling Rocks.
SONG

[1Pe 5:8 NIV] 8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

I firmly believe that the enemy's roar, embodied by Satan, is merely a facade of lies—a cacophony intended to instill fear and lure us into temptation. Like a lion without teeth, his power over us is solely through deception. Let's not forget that crucial truth.

I trust that this series of songs on my podcast hasn't been too overwhelming for you. These narratives offer me a unique insight into the hearts of my grandchildren. Many of them are reaching an age where they grasp the allegorical essence and its profound significance, and for that, I am truly grateful.

May you discover joy and solace within the pages of the books and the melodies of the songs. They serve as uplifting - and, I’ll admit, sometimes scary - companions, guiding you to encounter Jesus even amidst life's toughest trials.

Thank you for tuning in to The Dennis Jernigan Podcast. For more about my journey, music, and more, visit dennisjernigan.com. Connect with me on Facebook and Instagram, and explore my music on various streaming platforms. If you're keen on joining my team, consider becoming a Patron at patreon.com/dennisjernigan. Your support means the world to me!

The book "Captured" is now available on Amazon in paperback, ebook, and audiobook versions. I encourage you to delve into "Captured" and then enjoy the songs inspired by its characters, all available for FREE. Simply head to https://www.thechroniclesofbren.com/store/captured-songs-for-the-journey-album/ to download the complete collection at no cost.

Thank you once more for being a part of today's podcast. Remember, you are deeply loved by God and by me. Now, I challenge you to rise as the warrior for God's kingdom you are called to be today. Cast off the enemy's lies, embrace the truth of your identity in the Lord, and go forth as the cherished son or daughter of your Heavenly Father.

Chiroptera!
WORDS & MUSIC
Dennis Jernigan
©Dennis Jernigan 2015

Verse
Wings like a bat
Face half human 
Talons like a bird of prey
Making their abode in the heights of the mountains
Hunt by night
Sleep by day

Chorus
Chiroptera! Chiroptera!
Shadow in the sky overhead!
Chiroptera! Chiroptera!
See them coming, hope they’re well fed!

Like a cloud in the sky on a moonless night
You’re never really sure if you’ve seen one!
Like a storm in the night
You better hope it passes by
‘Cause you’re always better off
If you never meet one!

Chiroptera! Chiroptera!
Phantom of the air on high!
Chiroptera! Chiroptera!
Better hope they just pass by!

Verse
Preying through the night on owls and fairies
Any creature small and weak
Waiting in the shadows 
For their unsuspecting victims
Sinking in their jagged teeth

Chorus
Chiroptera! Chiroptera!
Shadow in the sky overhead!
Chiroptera! Chiroptera!
See them coming, hope they’re well fed!

Like a cloud in the sky on a moonless night
You’re never really sure if you’ve seen one!
Like a storm in the night
You better hope it passes by
‘Cause you’re always better off
If you never meet one!

Chiroptera! Chiroptera!
Phantom of the air on high!
Chiroptera! Chiroptera!
Better hope they just pass by!