Hand Me Down Treasures

She is clothed with strength and dignity,
and she laughs without fear of the future. —Proverbs 31:25, NLT

I’m was the government office again. This was my third trip to the capital to meet with immigration officers. This time I found myself wringing my hands and remembering the officer’s harsh tone and words. I replayed his accusation, “You have no right to be here” in my mind and heart. As I looked down, I could see Julie’s pants and Vita’s red floral shirt. I felt Jen’s earrings tickle my cheeks and nervously played with my wedding ring. Marti’s book was in my hand—not to be read, just held. Hopefully some words of comforting truth would find me through a form of osmosis.    

I was too upset to pray words. So, I reminded myself that my dear ones were holding me up. Friends were literally clothing me and clothing me in prayer. Although I was at the office by myself, I was by no means alone. 

This reality gave me the perspective to take a deep breath, keep calm, and say a prayer.  It wasn’t a prayer worthy to be hung on the wall. It was more like “God, You got this. Right? Cause I don’t have a plan B.” God is a fan of raw prayers.

Hand-me-down clothing reminded me that I am a part of a team of generous praying friends. My friends dressed me in strength and dignity, and gave me the hope to believe. I was stronger because of confidence in community. The hand-me downs built my faith, and I could laugh without fear at the future.

We experienced victory on Friday: our adopted daughter received permission to travel to the States. I had another victory as well, just as hard-earned and extraordinary. I was clothed in strength and dignity (with borrowed faith and earrings) to laugh at the days to come. 

I believe the same for you.  Let’s build each other up in trying times so we can be clothed in strength and dignity, and laugh at the days to come.