My
husband has an endearing habit. When we are walking together, down any street,
he always places himself between me and the traffic. It’s a protective gesture.
I know my husband did not learn this habit from any of his other male family
members—so he isn’t mimicking something that he saw growing up. His actions
stem from a true desire to tuck me under his wing. I run by myself in the
neighborhood all the time without having another human to guard me from
traffic. But when my husband is with me, I submit to his desire to take care of
me. Even though it may seem silly and reinforce old stereotypes of the
dependent, fragile, defenseless wife—I still appreciate this symbolic gesture. However,
there is a part of me that is still resistant to the idea that I might need
protection…that I have to be dependent on anyone—including God.
“He
(The Lord) will overshadow thee with his shoulders: and under his wings thou
shalt trust.” (Ps 91:4 Douay-Rheims Bible)
Most
of us don’t want to be overshadowed or be under anyone’s wing. Trusting someone
else makes us vulnerable. Dependency involves giving up control.
I am
slowly learning that it’s okay to be overshadowed by God—to submit to His
protection, to be sheltered, to not know what’s coming, to simply trust that He
knows what He’s doing, and where He is taking me.
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