SHIELDS OF FAITH

I was so encouraged by the May 6th Anchor at Home and the words from our main speaker, Rowlanda Cawthon. Her message on breaking the glass and not listening to the negative words, lies and hopeless thoughts that come from our inner selves and the world spoke so loud and clear to me.

Me and Rowlanda at The Anchor at Home filming

I can relate to the battle between truth and lies that encroaches upon me in a variety of ways every day. It reminded me of another image that has helped me in this battle. I envision a shield of faith around me protecting me. Holding onto the truths and promises of Jesus helps me to combat any negativity and untruth that comes my way. This image of a shield is so vivid to me and reminds me of the truth that the Lord is our shield.

I recently reworked a book that I had created for my children when they were young. I resurrected it after it had lain dormant for many years. It is a coloring book that correlates with the alphabet. I creatively paired a Bible verse to go with each letter and added a picture to match. My intention was to have something fun to use as I helped my kids learn the alphabet and some Bible verses that would strengthen their faith. I love to color and have found it soothes my stress and was convinced the coloring book would be a help to us all. (The coloring book is available on Amazon Prime!)

My “The Bible Alphabet” Coloring Book

The “F is for Faith” page with the shield of faith

As I glanced through the coloring book, I was reminded of the memories of time spent coloring with my children. I read the verses and looked at the black and white pictures ready to come to life with color. There was one page that caught my attention: a little boy holding a shield with the word “faith” written on it. The shield was strong and deflected the evil arrows that were coming its way. The arrows bounced off the shield not able to penetrate it. Our faith acts as a protector and deflects any negative thoughts or discouragement that we might face. The verse I had chosen for this page was so encouraging to me:

I did some research on shields and found they are used as protection against blows that are aimed to destroy, take down and puncture the heart. The arrows represent so many of life’s lies, negative thoughts, discouragements, fears and doubts that are aimed to wound and defeat. Statements like “I’m not good enough, smart enough, strong enough, pretty enough”… the list goes on. I have found that the truths and promises of Jesus are a shield of protection around me! He loves me and has the most perfect plan and I am beautiful in His eyes.

I experienced the most amazing moment not too long ago that cemented this truth. During one of life’s more challenging times when I was battling with self-doubt and discouragement and fear of the future, including processing the loss of my daughter and dealing with grief in my marriage and other life stresses, I was feeling hopeless and full of defeat. I remember vividly standing in the foyer of my home wearing my navy blue down coat and praying under my breath “Lord, please be my shield.” (Note: whenever I remember what I was wearing at the time, it means I am recalling a very significant moment in my life. 😊)

This is when the most astounding thing happened. I reached into my pocket thinking I was grasping for my car keys when I felt the smooth edge of what I thought was a rock from a recent beach walk. As I pulled this foreign object up and out of my pocket, I was astounded! After just praying the word “SHIELD” I literally pulled out a smooth silver shield no bigger than a quarter that had a cross etched in it with these words inscribed on the back:

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).

I was in awe of the timing and wondered how this treasure wound up in my pocket! I had no recollection of putting it there and was ever so convinced that the Lord had certainly heard my prayer. He provided a reminder that He was surrounding me with His shield of truth.

The shield I pulled out of my pocket

So, as we continue on the journey of life and in the fight against our thoughts from our inner self and the world, let’s encourage one another to take up our shield of faith. Living anchored on the truths and promises of Jesus will surely result in victory for every battle!

With hope and light,