Back to the topic of
spiritual preparation for this upcoming journey. The way I envision my current
state is analogous to a scene from one of my favorite movie series, “The Lord
of the Rings,” when Eowyn, noblewoman and shieldmaiden of Rohan, is preparing
for an upcoming battle. She is one of my favorite characters in this epic movie
series, and I identify with her quiet tenacity and devotion to the people she
loves. In this scene, she is depicted as fully clothed in armor and practicing wielding
a sword, slashing at invisible opponents…which I feel like I am doing right
now, though in a spiritual sense. I believe that God began equipping me with
the spiritual armor I will need over the coming year to counter Satan’s attacks
from the moment I was accepted to go on The World Race. He had definitely been
preparing me before that, but preparation took on a whole new intensity upon
acceptance to the team. Also, God’s Word is called the Sword of the Spirit, and
I believe that He is giving me opportunities to practice “wielding the sword”
while still at Clemson. I can tell that these exercises are increasing my boldness
in fighting spiritual battles to a degree that surprises me and I can tell is
definitely not of me but of Him.
Eowyn goes on to
encounter the dreaded Nazgul near the end of the movie (sorry if this is a spoiler).
As she is about to fight him, she is told that “no mortal man can kill [him],”
to which she courageously replies, “I am no man,” takes off her helmet, and
proceeds to slay the beast. That scene truly inspires me, probably because it
resonates with part of my being-a warrior princess. I think I was first exposed
to this concept back in high school while reading one of my favorite books, Captivating (by John and Stasi
Eldredge). The book explores the various aspects of woman as God created her,
and one aspect is that of a warrior princess. Yes, women long to be fought for
and protected, but there is a fierceness in each of us, placed there by God, to
enable us to be warriors in a uniquely feminine way. To quote from the book,
Women warriors are strong, yes,
and they are also tender. There is mercy in them. There is vulnerability. In
fact, offering a tender vulnerability can only be done by an incredibly strong
woman, a woman rooted in Christ Jesus who knows whose she is and
therefore knows who she is. (pg 199)
We are needed as
warriors in this battle for souls…and though I am still being trained for
battle, I am ready and willing to take my place.
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. – Ephesians 6:12-13
