This is a continuation of lessons I learned at the September leadership training in Georgia.
6. The Spiritual War is Upon Us
So I give my brother (hey Wes!) a hard time for being a Star Wars nut and a “Trekkie,” but then I find myself watching Lord of the Rings with friends and discussing things like, “Oh those are Urakhai, a crossbreed between Orcs and Humans.” Sigh. In my own defense, the Lord of the Rings trilogy has an inescapable depth of meaning that has truly inspired me and even given me insights into the spiritual realm. For example, in the Two Towers Gandalf and Company are trying to convince Theoden, King of Rohan, to engage the enemy whose goal is to rule all of Middle Earth. (Stay with me…) Theoden holds his position of not wanting to endanger his already shaken people. Here’s the great part: Aragorn counters his argument with this idea: “War is upon you, whether you would risk it or not.”
The reality is that there is a Spritual War. Ephesians 6 puts it this way, “Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” It goes on to describe each piece of the “spiritual armor.”
I have heard it said that one of the devil’s most powerful tactics is to convince the world that he does not exist. The postmodern age we live in has convinced us that something only exists if it is provable, testable. The
reality is this: There is a spiritual war raging. And even if we would like to deny that reality, or try to sidestep it, “it is upon us, whether we would risk it or not.” As a World Race team, we have decided to take the offensive in this war. We are going out in the Name of Jesus Christ to reclaim the land that has been stolen by the enemy. We go to bring His Kingdom – one of redemption, truth, life, peace, healing, joy, and freedom. What role do you play in the spiritual war?
7. I am a Daughter of the King
I had a small identity crisis at training. I realized that I have tried to hide my imperfections and struggles from people for a long time. I have “worn a mask” in some way most of my life. Deep down inside, I had no idea who I was. During the final weekend of training, we participated in a spiritual retreat. We took a vow of silence (a big deal for 200 some socialites) and spent the day with God. During the retreat, God gave me the foundation of my identity in Him: Daughter. God asked me if I would let Him be my Heavenly Father, and let myself be His daughter. What an amazing foundation – I am a Daughter of the King! I am protected by my Father and He has bestowed upon me His power and authority.
To refer back to the Lord of the Rings, in the Two Towers we are introduced to Aowyn, niece of King Theoden and generally awesome woman. This is a conversation that occurs between Aowyn and Aragorn (‘king’ of Gondor) after she counters his move in… ummm…” sword practice”:
Aragorn: You have some skill with a blade.
Eowyn: The women of this country learned long ago, those without swords can still die upon them. I fear neither death nor pain.
Aragorn: What do you fear, my lady?
Eowyn: A cage. To stay behind bars until use and old age accept them and all chance of valor has gone beyond recall or desire.
Aragorn: You are a daughter of kings, a shield maiden of Rohan. I do not think that will be your fate.
Okay. It’s true. I want to be Eowyn when I grow up. I love this conversation because it translates to fit my heart. “What do you fear, Mallorie?” “A cage. To stay behind the bars of comfort and apathy until use and old age accept them and all chance of valor has gone beyond desire.”
“You are a Daughter of the King. A shield maiden of the Lord. I do not think that will be your fate.”
