My grandparents were a hoot. My grandfather had the best sense of humor—even if it was inappropriate at times. He also had the best “grandpa-isms” that my family repeats quite often, making us grin and remember him fondly. My grandmother was a gentle soul who always had a kind word and put up with the antics of my Papaw Wayne. My grandfather was quite chivalrous and was part of the generation that believed you take care of women. He thought the men of the family were supposed to protect and help provide for me until I was married . . . he didn’t realize that would be so long. Papaw Wayne would arrive periodically at my house with a lawn mower, blade sharpener, motion light, or table for my garage.
He became quite protective of my grandmother as her health declined. My favorite peek into his care for her occurred each time they exited their car to enter a restaurant or grocery store. He would have her grab his belt loop and walk behind him, ensuring that if she started to fall he could hold her up. I always chuckled when I witnessed this because he was almost as unstable. I guarantee you that if she would have gone down, he would have toppled right on top of her. But his protective gesture accomplished its goal of making my grandmother feel secure although she really wasn’t.
My grandparent analogy parallels my worldly “security blankets.” Sometimes I cling to things I feel will keep me stable or hold me steady. When in reality, it’s a false sense of security, and I’ll go crashing to the ground. Security can’t be found in our jobs, families, friends, finances, or a plethora of other areas that seem to be the plumb line of this world. I’ve put my faith in each of these only to realize it’s smoke and mirrors. Our security only rests in clinging to the hem of Jesus’ garment. When my finances are shaky, I can turn to Him to set my feet on solid ground. Each time chaos erupts and I’m overwhelmed, He strengthens and surrounds me. The minute I feel unsteady on my feet and believe I can’t make it through the day, He grabs my hand and walks with me.
What are you trusting to be your safety net? Which life preserver do you cling to when the waters rise and the waves crash around you? As you shuffle your way along life’s path, what do you grasp to try to keep you safe? All is for naught because if you go tumbling to the ground, then it will all land on top of you.
Grab onto the belt loop of Jesus and stride confidently into your day because He is your true guiding force.
About Shelley Pulliam
Howdy! (A girl from Oklahoma has to use this as her greeting) I’m Shelley Pulliam, executive director of Arise Ministries and former teacher of hormone-filled 8th graders. But my real claim to fame rests in my award as second grade spelling bee champ and my recent gun-handling skills as I train to competition shoot. It helps me be on guard when Satan comes knocking. I’m a voracious reader and can frequently be found at the theater enjoying movie marathons where my record stands at six in one day. I’m a single, never married, who loves to pour into children at every opportunity. Let me know if you have any for sale. You can connect with me on social media. https://www.instagram.com/shelleypulliam/