19.4.11

Helmets and Armor


    We enjoyed another family bike ride, two nights in a row now. It was exhilarating feeling like I was flying down the hill, and even more so making it all the way up the other side. My son, though, had his first big crash. When we all stopped at the end of the long, hilly, gravel driveway I mentioned that everyone needs to get in the habit of wearing their bike helmets. One daughter shared that the dog chewed hers up, but she still had her horse riding helmet.

     When I was a new therapist working at a hospital, we partnered with an association called Think First. I joined other therapists and shared with local elementary school students the importance of helmets and other safety precautions for brain injury prevention. I did not grow up wearing bike helmet. In college, though, after a friend saw me riding my bike and learned I had never even owned a helmet, she shared how one had saved her life. Her simple explanation has stuck with me for years. She shared of a crash that completely cracked her helmet, and then she surprised me with “That could have been my skull.”

     By the way, another recommendation from Think First was to always jump feet first the first time. For example, when swimming in a lake there could be a submerged log not visible from the surface, which if hit with your head while diving could have disastrous results.

     Joseph learned about the armor of God earlier this year. I have images in my mind of ancient warriors fighting battle in their full armor, but for a modern picture I visualize a helmet as the helmet of salvation, absorbing the force of the fall, keeping my skull from being crushed. 

     Ephesians 6:10-18

"Finally, my brethren be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 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. 14 Stand therefore, having gird your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints--"

Jennifer

3 comments:

  1. Great post-beautiful picture-He gives us that full armor to wear to protect us if we only obey it and put it on. Hope you son is doing ok.
    Hugs
    Jill

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  2. I agree helmets are a must for bike riding. My kids knew to put theirs on or they don't ride:). HOpe your son is okay with his first big crash

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  3. Those dogs!!!! Laska the love kitty only shreds. Yesterday it was tea bag goodness everywhere – and I think he got a little wired too.

    And the helmet of salvation thing - amen - they were protection from head bashing back then - and now too - and always for us - we need protection from all angles. No?

    Thank you for this. God bless and keep you and all of yours Jennifer.

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