So there I was, dressed up again for our double date. Dinner and then the Cirque Musica Holiday show. Even with the boot, it felt good to be out, to laugh, to enjoy a night that felt “normal” in the middle of a very abnormal season.
Dinner itself was… okay. Not great. Not horrible. But here’s what I love about my husband: he always orders something he knows I’ll like so we can trade plates if we need to. Sure enough, my steak was incredibly salty. Salty food is probably my biggest pet peeve at restaurants. I love food, and salt should enhance, not overwhelm. So we traded. Problem solved.
We took a few pictures by the glowing Christmas tree in the entryway, our “fancy night out” and it is actually hard to even noticed the boot in the picture. Then it was off to the show. Since it was cold and I couldn’t walk far, my husband dropped me at the door before parking. It’s the little things like that that make me feel so loved.
During the Cirque performance, we laughed, cringed, held our breath, and marveled at the talent on stage. At one point, I even took my boot off because it felt heavy. But when the clowns started climbing over seats and running through the aisles, being chaotic and hilarious, something inside me tightened. I quickly put the boot back on because instinctively, I wanted to protect my foot and ankle. It was almost automatic — a protective response.
And that moment made me pause later and think about how often I try to protect my heart in the same way. When things get unpredictable or feel too close, I brace myself. I put the “boot back on.” I guard the places still healing. I may even distance myself from situations or even people to avoid being hurt "again." (I know I can't be the only one) The Lord reminded me that if I am putting myself in the drivers seat of self protection then I am failing at fully trusting him... failing. Ouch that hurt just thinking about it. But the Lord reminded me that He is the one who protects me — not my fear, not my avoidance, not the emotional “boot” I strap on when life feels risky. So I again continue to release it all to him and declare he is my protector not me but him.
“He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge. His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.”
Psalm 91:4
“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me.”
Psalm 28:7
It is natural to protect what has been injured, but we are not meant to live in permanent defense mode. God guards us as we heal. He strengthens the weak places. He shields the tender places. He teaches us when to rest, when to trust, and when to take off the emotional armor we no longer need.
Healing is not only physical — it is learning to let God be our protector again.
When your instinct is to pull back or self-protect, pause and invite God into the moment. He is the ultimate defender of your heart, your body, and your path. You don’t walk alone, even when walking looks like limping in a black boot. Lord- y0u know I have self-protected... I don't want to do that any more. I trust you!! Lord show me any time I try to do this because I fully am yours and want to have faith and trust in every area of my life.
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