Hold Fast in Hard Times — Be Brave (Day 23)
I fall frequently. You see, I walk with the assistance of a prosthetic leg. Some days, I feel a bit like the Bionic Woman who could leap over tall buildings, but on other days, I relate strongly to that woman in the 80’s commercial who said, “Help, I’ve fallen, and I can’t get up.”
I’ve had to accept that I have limitations. This is not so terrible when I get the parking space up front at the mall, but it’s no fun when I can’t go roller skating with my friends. (I will roller skate in heaven).
When my husband and I were dating, one of our first “outings” was to the Museum of Science. I honestly don’t remember much from that day — I walked around and pretended to be interested in the exhibits because my husband is a science geek. As long as he was holding my hand, I was happy.
The most memorable part of the day was when he saved my life.
The museum is a two-story building, so after we wandered around and ran out of places to explore, we decided to head back downstairs to the front exit. So, we climbed on to the escalator.
Escalators and I are not friends. I struggle to keep firm footing on a regular carpet, so scaling down a moving and breathing mountain of stairs is a risky venture.
I asked my man to go first.
I watched the rolling stairs carefully with my eye and tried to measure the rhythm. One, two, three.
I reached forward with my left leg onto the escalator and then dragged my right prosthetic leg toward me.
The problem was that the right leg didn’t land on the same step as my left leg, so I was straddled. As the escalator started to descend, I lunged out of balance.
I fell forward into a solid mass. In front of me, my man was in lockdown mode. He had braced himself on that escalator like a tank. He was not going to budge.
In my weakness, I fell right into his strength.
You see, I didn’t need to fear. I was protected by a shield of love.
Tonight at the midweek service, Pastor Doug said something that reminded me of my close call on the escalator.
When someone stands next to you who is strong,
all fear evaporates.
Then, we sang a new worship song — an anthem to God and a call to courage. His love makes me brave.
As I bask in the love of the Omnipotent one, I remember that no weapon formed against me will prosper.
I remember that the God of Angel Armies is right by my side.
I remember that My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart, my portion forever.
Are you straddled in a precarious place right now? Go ahead and lean forward. His grip of love will never let you go.
Praise God that His strength is made perfect in our weakness! May we be bold to witness for Him! Thanks for hosting & God bless.
I love this story about you and your husband, and of course, I LOVE that I always can lean on and depend on the strength of God.
Thank you for the encouragement and the reminder that our God is ready and waiting to catch our every fall and misstep! We get to be brave, YES!!
Lyli, another wonderful post! What a powerful quote by Billy Graham! What a powerful statement by your pastor! I am writing them in my journal today & am going to share them often! I was immediately reminded of the Scripture, “The will I purify the lips of the peoples, that all of them may call on the name of the Lord, and serve Him shoulder to shoulder.” (Zephaniah 3:9). I have never forgotten hearing Beth Moore teach on that verse. Lyli, may we stand shoulder to shoulder in the days ahead & draw courage & encouragement from one another. Blessings!
At BSF on Monday in the lecture we were reminded once again of how nothing is too big for our God. And knowing that He is by my side does make me braver. I’m still learning to lean in and keep trusting but loving the growth. Super excited to link up with you today friend. Love you much. And can I add a big THANK YOU for all your tweet love. You are too sweet.
{Hugs}
xoxo
Hi Lyli – an appropriate word from you today – about bravery and getting back up. What happens when you can’t get up and you despair? We found that out this week in the tragic loss of a dear young friend. I posted about it – wish he could have read your words here. But, when our words can’t reach them – maybe there is a place only the grace and mercy of God can redeem. A place where our words and loving actions just cannot reach.
Kathy
Kathryn, I wish I could jump through this computer and hug you and pray with you and cry with you. Praying now for your friend’s family and all who loved him. May God wrap Himself around you and give you supernatural comfort and courage. Much love
I love this story, Lyli. The older I get, the more I’m railing against physical limitations, but as long as someone strong is with me (and He always is), I will stand.
Listening to “You Make Me Brave” right now. We learned it a few weeks ago at church and I draw a lot of courage from it.
He’s got us covered. 🙂
As we prepare for my hubby to be deployed for a year, we needed this reminder! Thank you for sharing such a beautiful post! May you be blessed!
Michele, thank you for the sacrifices that your family is making for all of our families. Praying for you and your man today. Blessings
Miss Lyli,
These lessons you leave for us to read, they are a breath of fresh air. I am always smiling whenever I read your words and it makes me so thankful for you and for your heart, and especially for the way you share your faith. I just love you. 🙂
Blessings,
Dawn
Aw, i love you, too. 🙂
Hi Lyli,
What a powerful post. Thank you so much for your encouragement today. I am thankful our Father is always there to catch us when we are in need, and that He kept you safe that day…
Me, too. Thanks for stopping by 🙂
i loved this post lyli:) part of my love of it stems from my experience as a rehab RN. and part from just the love and care your boyfriend (at the time) had for you as he stood strong for you on the moving staircase!
Thanks, Martha. He is a kerper, my man.
What a sweet (and a bit scary) story! I love that your man was there for you and I loved the connection with being brave as we lean in to God, our protector always.