Coat of Armor
I will be scrubbed with disinfectant. I will be stripped of my clothing. Devoid of makeup, jewelry, even my wedding rings that show I belong to someone – that I am loved will be removed. Yes, everything that describes who I am will be taken from me.
And there I will lay under a sheet, naked and I have to say a little afraid.
I am getting ready for yet another operation. I should be familiar with this procedure because I have done the left hip replacement 9 months prior. Nevertheless, I am still filled with some apprehension. What if? What then?
I think of assuaging it with something to eat. And then I remember that too has been taken away from me. Oh, well.
Sigh. I take a deep breath and slowly let it out. And in that moment of expelling my breath a small voice inside me says —
You don’t really need to be afraid, do you?
As I think about how vulnerable and alone I will feel, I also know there is something that cannot be stripped of me. The layers of what this world uses to define me can be taken from me, but it cannot strip me of my soul. And while the housing of my soul may be stripped; it is in my soul that defines who I truly am. It is my soul that is home to my faith. It is in my soul that God lives and it is He who will and is always with me. This life, this event, cannot strip me of God’s presence within me.
And that faith filled thought slows my breathing and allows me to rest in the Lord’s promises. I am no longer feeling alone, or afraid.
I will be, however, still naked.
Are you going through something that quickens your breath, makes you feel alone, naked and afraid? It is my hope that through this post you remember you are never alone, God is always with you. You have just to call on Him to feel His peace in your heart, and in your soul.
…Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine, Whey you pass through the waters I will be with you and when you pass through the rivers they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God… —Isaiah 43: 1-3
Loretta, I am almost 3 weeks out from one of my most serious surgeries yet! I know what you mean about stripping one of their outer trappings! Prior to going into the hospital, I asked the Lord to be with me, hold my right hand, and remind me of His Presence. Well, my surgeon is a Christian, as was my pre-op nurse, recovery room nurse, my floor nurses, and even the lady who cleaned my room!! They all told me they were praying for me and that I was wrapped in the arms of love! Even through the pain and difficulties, I knew and trusted in the Lords presence. It will be a long recovery time for me, but I know the Lords peace and blessings abound. Lynda Walker Potter
August 8, 2016 at 11:07 amLynda, thank you for your feedback. This is why I blog about medical adversity because I cannot imagine going through medical mayhem without my faith. I want to spread that to everyone reading my posts and pray that it give glory to God.
Lynda, if I may be bold what surgery did you have and what can I pray for? I have seen you on FB but did not know – only that you were going through more medical issues. I lifted you up in prayer when I see it and God knows what is needed. If I can do anything, talk on the phone…you have only to ask. Love you, dear sister in Christ. Decolores!
August 22, 2016 at 3:05 pm[…] While prayers and time with God allayed my fears I must confess that my need to worry and anticipate was in high gear for the week prior to my right hip replacement surgery. (see previous blog Coat of Armor at https://lorettaschoen.com/2016/08/08/naked-and/) […]
August 22, 2016 at 2:49 pm[…] While prayers and time with God allayed my fears I must confess that my need to worry and anticipate was in high gear for the week prior to my right hip replacement surgery. (see previous blog Coat of Armor at https://lorettaschoen.com/2016/08/08/naked-and/) […]
April 16, 2018 at 9:17 am