Power of a Uniform

Late last month I spent a weekend with an awesome group of domestic violence survivors; we were getting away at an extremely powerful retreat put together by Called to Peace Ministries. What a lovely group of women!
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During the weekend, while I was talking to a small group of women, I mentioned I was a retired Lieutenant Colonel who spent 21 years on active duty. Having left active duty 12 years ago, my hair is now considerably longer and my frame has added a few extra pounds. I am definitely softly spoken now and prefer to stay in the back ground.

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Domestic Violence and Faith

I then commended on how without the uniform I definitely feel less strong; having less self-worth and confidence in my actions.

Devotion Time
During my devotion the next morning an earth shattering thought appeared; the uniform I should be wearing is the Armor of God (Ephesians 6:13-17).

    13 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. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

• The Armor of God provides me the strength I need to defeat the horrors of my domestic abuse past.
• The Armor of God provides me with the strength I need to move forward into this unknown world of becoming a domestic abuse survivor.  
• The Armor of God provides me with the tools I need to defeat spiritual warfare; both the attacks from Satan and the residue effects of the abuse from my abuser.

So, I wonder. Am I the only person who finds strength in a uniform? Does a doctor’s coat, a nurses’ uniform, police uniform, fire fighter uniform, or multiple other uniform examples provide other women the same kind of “power” as my army uniform did?

Are we all properly wearing our Armor of God today?  If not, maybe today is a good day to read/re-read Ephesians chapter 6 and put on a fresh set of armor. I know I am finding additional strength in my days as I wear my Armor of God more consciously and willingly.

Blessings to all,
Sue

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