Fit for Warfare

When I leave work in the evening, my husband Ken always straps me into my wheelchair for the ride home in our van. Two big black straps crisscross my chest and snap on the back of my chair. Recently on my way out of the office, I passed by Rebecca who works in our Response department. She commented on the two black straps crisscrossing my chest, “Joni, as you know I was raised on the mission field in Colombia. We lived in a rural community where rebels were trying to gain control. Colombian soldiers (called soldados) would regularly visit our community during the day and patrol at night. They dressed in camouflage, carried guns, and were a constant reminder that we were in the middle of a civil war zone. Occasionally they wore bandoliers (belts filled with bullets that crisscrossed over their shoulders). And your chest straps remind me of those bandoliers. And just like the Colombian soldiers reminded us that we were in a war zone, every time I see you with your black chest straps on, I am reminded that we are in a spiritual battle. And you, dear Joni, look armed to the hilt and ready for that war.” Her comment made me smile! And so it’s “Onward Christian Soldiers” – I’m so honored that Rebecca recognizes that I want to be armed for every spiritual battle! And I hope you do, too.