We’re talking about spiritual battles, about putting on the armor of God.
And though the war metaphor isn’t my favorite, I know that it’s the right one for this moment.
I feel the heaviness, the battle fatigue on every side.
Dreams deferred. Plans derailed. Losses still raw. Prayers with answers too long in coming.
After all, You are faithful.
I sing to remind myself. To remind the dear ones gathered here.
Never once have I ever walked alone.
I cannot help but pump a victory fist because if I know anything, I know this.
And still.
I remember days when I could barely choke out these words. When the dark was too big. Too scary. And I know today is that day for some of the dear ones gathered here.
I am not a feeler, but I can feel it.
And so I sing extra loud and I pray in pictures instead of words.
Pictures of Jesus gathering his battle-worn loves in his arms. Not snatching, but cradling.
Holding.
Holding us together.
The ones singing extra loud and the ones choking on our words.
Because we’ve been both and we will be again.
Never once did you leave us on our own.
We’re here. Together. Held.
You are faithful, God, You are faithful.
Today. Here. For us.
A little bit of everything... 