Ever had an encounter with someone that you thought later, “Wow, maybe they shouldn’t have been allowed to get so far on my grounds? They were just a little too close to my front porch. They were trespassing.”

This encroachment to your time or to your privacy oftentimes is allowed by us. Oddly, it doesn’t feel like an unsettling relationship, morally or socially, until the muddy footprints of consequence harden or the exit crumbs of Hansel and Gretel are devoured by our convictions.

My great grandmother lived in the country until the day she died. She had a red rifle next to her nightstand, and she was not afraid to use it, especially during the last many years when she was alone. She was a fiery lady, and didn’t invite trouble. Yet, I heard of more than one story of a stranger sprinting through the fields to get out from under her aim. She protected her land, but more than anything she protected her home. Her home housed her memories, her beliefs, and her dreams. Her home was her mind, body, and soul. Her God and her rifle protected her soul.

Now, most of us don’t carry a red rifle with us every time we open the front door, but we could learn a thing or two about being a little more careful with those we open up our hearts to.  In 2008, I met a lot of wonderful people, many of whom I hope will be my friends for the rest of my life. I also met a few crows in the field that I allowed to enter my garden. As usual, the armor of God proved to be the best scarecrow. However, interestingly enough, because I was not wearing the armor the most conniving crow was only mildly deterred. He played with the armor and eventually flew beyond and settled onto my front porch.

I finally recognized the destructive nature of this creature, and understood why I had not seen it for what it was. I immediately ran into the muddy garden and began taking God’s armor off the stick which made up the scarecrow: breastplate of righteousness, belt of truth, shoes of peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit.

On the way back to the porch I passed by my muddy footprints. They hardened; the consequences of my relationship had already begun to show. My convictions fed upon the fruits of my labor. My only exit of salvation was to put on the armor and get rid of the nasty crow which had nested upon my porch.

We all have crows attempt to fly into our life from time to time. They can be returning temptations, people, fears, etc. The name really doesn’t matter. What does matter is our readiness. In 2009 I have decided to wear the armor of God each day, not just let it hang outside on a stick to scare off Satan’s weakest helpers. Nope, I have to be ready to fight the bigger guns, and my weapon of choice is His armor which translates into His strength, His will, and His almighty love.

Here is to a terrific 2009. May we have more friends than crows come our way. And when the crows come, may we find comfort in knowing His armor is the greatest offense and defense against all trespasses and trespassers.