Armor

 



Irina is a 62 year old Ukrainian woman who came out of retirement to use her seamstress skills to create improvised flak jackets, or body armor, for Ukranian soldiers headed to the front lines.  


Her living room has been turned into a workshop.  Her son sews 200 blue and yellow arm bands each day which will identify the security teams.


The armor is made from whatever materials are available- primarily scrap metal from salvaged cars.  The metal has been carefully field tested.  The 6 mm is enough to stop some bullets but not sniper rifles or machine guns.  The extra time go verify and use 8 mm protection is literally the difference between life and death. 


We have also been called to arm ourselves and our families with armor- the armor of God. 


D&C 27:15-18

"15Wherefore, lift up your hearts and rejoice, and gird up your loins, and take upon you my whole armor, that ye may be able to withstand the evil day, having done all, that ye may be able to stand.

16Stand, therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, having on the breastplate of righteousness, and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace, which I have sent mine angels to commit unto you;

17Taking the shield of faith wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked;

18And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of my Spirit, which I will pour out upon you, and my word which I reveal unto you, and be agreed as touching all things whatsoever ye ask of me, and be faithful until I come, and ye shall be caught up, that where I am ye shall be also. Amen."


With the same effort that Irina cheerfully sings a beloved Ukrainian folk song as she does the very best she can with what she has, we can cheerfully choose to arm ourselves for our own daily battles on the front lines of evil. 


Look for the good.  


Find joy. 


Do the daily things- pray, read scriptures, ponder truths. (As President Nelson recently warned us if most of our knowledge and learning comes from social media it won't be enough!) 


Stand up for that which is right.  


Keep the commandments.  Completely. 


Trust God. Have faith in Him.  


Be agreeable to trust and follow the Holy Spirit in all things we ask.  (I feel I have some work to do on this one!). 


Be faithful.  Like Irina. One ordinary person doing what she can to defend her family from the enemy.  

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