Granny's Purse

Granny’s Purse

Black leather, 18” wide, 12” deep, and loaded to the brim… this is the purse I think of when I think of my Granny.

Need a tissue? Look in Granny’s purse. Need a nail file? Look in Granny’s purse.

Look and you will also probably find…

Chewing Gum (your choice of Big Red or Dentyne)

Spare Change

Scissors

Red Lipstick

Extra Napkins (and Maybe Even a Fork)

BC Powders

Nail Clips

A Wallet the Size of Your Forearm

And, among many other useful things, her 38 Special.

Our running jokes about Granny’s purse have included the idea that she needs a buggy at the store just to carry it and that we would definitely want her with us if we ever had the chance to be on the game show “Let’s Make a Deal.” (If you are too young to remember the original show, audience members were often randomly asked if they had a particular item with them that they would trade for a prize.)

I’ve been thinking a lot about Granny’s purse lately. It makes me giggle to myself and smile.

But, more importantly I’ve been thinking about the concept of being prepared. Prepared for what we know and prepared for the unknown.

In the Bible we read many stories about armies and battles. In Ephesians we are given instructions about being equipped for battle with the full armor of God.

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. -Ephesians 6:11

Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. -Ephesians 6:13

This armor includes…

The Belt of Truth

The Breastplate of Righteousness

Feet Covered with Peace

The Shield of Faith

The Helmet of Salvation

The Sword of the Spirit

all preempted with prayer.

Last night as we watched a movie, I was again reminded of the battle we, and especially our children, are facing. We are inundated with messages of corruption and immorality that are portrayed in such a sneaky way, that we have lost our sensitivity to recognize them.

We are in a war. A war against the devil. And we have lost many battles.

Today I am burdened for our lack of preparation. For sending our children into a battle unequipped.

If I am traveling with my Granny, I have no fear that she has prepared everything we need for the trip. If we need something, she has it packed and ready in that giant, heavy purse. And by her example, my purse is similarly filled with all the things I might need. We are equipped.

However, my fear today is that we have not adequately prepared ourselves or our children for the everyday battles we are facing.

Are we equipped to recognize those lies, those whispers from Satan that tell us things of this world are okay?

Are we daily putting on the armor of God?

Am I ready for battle?

Are my children ready for battle?

It’s time.