Backbone

I do not have a strong back.
It is probably due to wear and tear.
Delivering five children.
Many years of pushing one shopping cart while pulling another at the grocery store.

That is why I walk each day.
Yes, it is excellent prayer time.
Yes, it is a wonderful time of stillness.
Mostly, it is a way to keep my back strong.

Some people’s back bother them when they walk.
Some people’s back bother them when they exercise.
When I hurt my back, it bothers me when I sit.
Consequently, at those times, I stand a lot.

The littlest thing can injure my back.
Lifting something the wrong way.
Shoveling heavy snow.
Sleeping on an uncomfortable mattress.

I don’t know if being tall has attributed to my back pain through the years.
I have dear friends who are much shorter than I am.
They never have a problem with their back.
Back pain is the only negative thing about being tall.

I have a special back pillow that I keep in the car with me.
I carry it into church as inconspicuously as I can.
I carry it into the movie theater.
I bring it whenever I know I am going to be sitting for quite a while.

Right before my sons’ graduations, I hurt my back.
I prayed and prayed that God would lessen the pain.
I knew we had long drives in the car.
I knew we would be sitting through two graduations.

Friends were praying for me when I asked them for prayer.
Those prayers were felt.
When we first left, every bump in the car ride was uncomfortable.
Slowly, as the day progressed, the pain lessened and became manageable.

The enemy would have like nothing better than to sabotage our family celebration.
God is moved by our prayers.
God is Sovereign.
I thought of the apostle Paul quite often.

To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surprisingly great revelations, there was given to me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:7-10)

When I am weak, then I am strong.
I thought of that verse the entire weekend.
I leaned on Jesus’ strength when I had little of my own.
In a convoluted sort of way, pain lets me know that I am alive.

In our culture, people will do everything they possibly can to avoid pain.
Pain gets in the way of our schedules and our to-do lists.
Pain slows us down when we only know one speed: fast!
Pain is a reminder that we are fragile, human creatures.

Often because of expediency, political or otherwise, our backbone disappears.
We become invertebrates.
Sponges, corals, worms, insects, spiders, and crabs do not have a backbone.
Many people become invertebrates, too, when it comes to tough decisions.

Pain or not, I would much rather have a backbone.
A backbone that is fortified in Christ’s strength.
A backbone that though weak, is strengthened in Him.
A vertebrate which stands straight and tall because of Christ.

A vertebrate who knows that on our own we are weak.
A vertebrate who stands even when it is painful.
A vertebrate who boasts in Christ’s strength.
A vertebrate who acknowledges that Jesus is the only reason they are standing.

Having a backbone is so necessary in our culture.
We have many sponges, corals, worms, insects, spiders, and crabs slithering around.

Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today…The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
(Exodus 14:13,14)

Still but standing!
Standing with a backbone.
Vertebrates for Christ.

Painful…maybe.
Difficult…probably.
If we are His people, there is no other way.

Stand strong in Him.
Show your backbone even when it is painful.
Especially when it is painful.

Doing the right thing is painful.
In a convoluted sort of way, pain lets you know that you are alive.
Be a vertebrate for Christ.

 

 

2 responses to “Backbone”

1. Gina, I feel for you. I also struggle with back pain, and I am short! This has been a problem for many years. I’m going on a trip to Italy soon and wonder how I’ll deal with all the walking. I’m praying God will support me physically as He has supported me emotionally and spiritually all my life. Will you pray for me and I’ll pray for you.

   Reply

   • Sue, It would be my privilege to pray for you. Thank you for your prayers for me as well.
     Gina

     Reply