Strength

I collect dragonfly pins and necklaces.  It all began on my first official date with my husband 23 years ago.  It was July 1989 and we had a wonderful date in the Berkshire Mountains where we saw the most incredible teal-colored dragonfly sitting on a car's fender.  Ever since then, Dave has chosen a pin or necklace or earrings for Xmas or birthday gifts.  

The dragonfly is a symbol for strength, especially in Japanese culture.  Here, we often think of the dragonfly as a symbol for unity of love, happiness and strength.  Me??  I just really like dragonflies! 

BUT....when I think about them being symbols of strength, I find it no coincidence that God placed one before my eyes when on a date with Dave.  I needed strength (emotional) to tell him some things about my past.  And in so doing, I found strength in God to face some things that hindered past relationships. In sharing my testimony with Dave, it strengthened our budding relationship.  It is also a symbol of a sense of self......and I was just coming in to my "self".....gaining a confidence of who I was in Christ when I first started dating Dave.

and........

Dragonfly on Wooden Bridge
Black Mt Wilderness Forest
Fishbrook Pond Trail
Eastern ADKS
July

The iridescent wings brushing against my ankles, remind me of what my soul feels like when it's brushed by the Holy Spirit......when He whispers to me in my heart, my mind, my ear..........and gives me strength, that really only comes from Him.

I'm so thankful that God gave me the strength last evening to talk with my oldest daughter about some important things regarding my past.  I shared with her my testimony, among other things.  She was a great listener.......and I realized that she really is a young adult.....she, too, has a sensitive spirit and looks for the good in people.  She believes, that with all the injustices in the world, the Lord will be the final judge.  She has a firm relationship with Christ and I'm just starting to appreciate that about her.  She is quiet, for the most part, about her personal relationship with the Lord.  Yet, the things she talks about show me a wisdom and maturity beyond what I had at that same age.


Strength.......like a dragonfly.......


...........to be brave and share a little past with a daughter in the large present, almost full grown..........


.....to be brave and deal with a broken friendship by reaching out, giving love and respect when others tell you the person doesn't deserve your love or respect........but doing it anyways..............




..........the strength to let go of things that tie our souls down..........and release them to the One who will not let us down.........


.........to be brave in the face of adversity, whatever that may be....whether financial, physical, relational, emotional.......or maybe a spiritual struggle.......


Strength........to let God be God and rely on Him, future unknown..........

"The Lord is the strength of my life of Whom shall I be afraid?......Wait on the Lord and be of good courage and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord."  Psalm 27:1, 14

Bridge to Millbrook Pond on the Fishbrook Pond Trail
Eastern Adirondacks/Black Mt Forest Region

Walking along this boardwalk in the wilderness, to an isolated pond, I found hundreds of dragonflies before me.  As soon as my heavy footsteps approached, they scattered......only to alight again near a foot or ankle.........with a whisper of sound.........

reminding me once again of the Whisper of God.....that brush of the Holy Spirit alighting in me and although I may not know right now the direction to take regarding some situations, He guides me, He leads me and when the heavy footfalls of the Enemy approach, He gives me Strength to flee......

.........allowing Him to lead me and give me strength...........

"Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed for I am your God.  I will strengthen you, Yes I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."  Isaiah 41:10
 

Where does your strength come from?