We all face trials and challenges. It is said that the more one evolves the more difficult the challenges become. But, I can assure you from personal experience time and again, that successful completion of each trial makes one ever stronger.

My personal trials over this past season have been plenty. They required all of my spiritual resources to overcome. I now feel stronger than any time I can remember, but with an understanding that more trials will come.

In fact, one showed on up on my doorstep early yesterday morning while I was out pruning the roses and talking with my husband. It is not that this exchange deserves attention, it is simply another example that spiritual trials for us all are becoming much more plain.

Bent over, clippers in hand, I heard a voice from the sidewalk asking about a flag being flown over my neighbor’s porch. It is a social justice flag that most people today recognize. I am certain he knew it, yet he asked what it meant. I told him politely that it was my neighbor’s flag, I could not speak to the full meaning of it.

He asked again, “But, what does it mean?”

I said again, “I do not know.” This was my answer because, although his manner was also outwardly polite, something about him made it clear to me that his intention was to disrupt the peace of this early Sunday morning.

He was wearing short white gloves and holding something that was big enough to fill both of his palms. Normally, I would have not asked a stranger about something he was carrying and I’m not sure what implored me to do so. I can only describe it as one of those moments when one’s guardian angels take over a situation. My whole body began to tingle. I recognized it as a protective divine presence.

“What do you have there?” I asked.

My husband, standing behind me, said in a low voice, “It’s a rock.” I understood his tone of voice, indicating that I shouldn’t encourage a conversation. Afterwards, my husband told me he recognized the man as one who publicly displays hateful signs against people with whom he does not agree. Which is why my husband did not answer his question about the flag. I can only attribute the divine presence as the reason my husband did not stop the conversation before it even began. He is very protective of me and I love him for that. Yet, he also knows that my personal map is one of bold spiritual purpose.

It looked like a big shell to me from where I was standing, which would make sense because we live near the ocean, but as I took a step closer and the man turned it over, I saw it was a carved ram’s head.

“This? This is my ancient friend,” he said. He gave a name I did not recognize and cannot exactly recall, stating that it was the king of the gods 3,000 years ago. It could either make one curious or cause them to be fearful. He thought I looked to be one of the curious ones. I assure you, at this point I was only interested in bringing the Spirit of Truth heavily down upon his head. “Do you know about King Solomon’s Temple?” he asked.

“Yes, I do,” I replied. If he hadn’t been wearing sunglasses surely the fireballs from my eyes would have blinded him.

He asked if I wanted to see King Solomon’s ancient necklace and soooo much more beyond. I simply glared at him. You have no idea who you are speaking to, I thought.

He held the ram’s head up to his ear as if to listen to it talk. He asked if I was a Christian girl. I wear a cross necklace, so he didn’t need a wood carving to tell him that.

“I am child of God.” My words could not have been pronounced more clearly.

“What does that mean?” He tilted his head somewhat mockingly, I thought.

The tingling sensation increased. “I believe wholly in Jesus Christ.”

“Oh, that’s good,” he said, drawling out his words. Did he see me as potential bonus points for his little game? He asked again if I wanted to see the necklace.

I said, “Tell me about this first,” pointing to the thing he held in his hands.

He said, ‘Well, I could tell you a lot, but..” he took a step closer, I did not budge, “…you have to sleep tonight.” His smile was oily and his movements slithery.

I wouldn’t be surprised if the disgust was evident on my face.

“Why do you carry this around?” I asked him, unaware as this point that I was still holding the garden clippers, and grasping them rather tightly in my hand. “Because it seems to me that you are trying to incite fear in people.” It is not working with me. The look on my face was statement of that enough. But, I imagined other people he might encounter that may easily be misled by his dramatic charade.

He took a step back. “Fear?” he tried to look astonished and petted his prize. “I say it is my constitutional right!”

“Well, that may be,” I replied as he continued to step back. But, not on my corner.

“It’s the constitution!” he said again before almost running down the street.

Only moments later, I saw him talking with someone else not far away. Part of me wanted to march over and intervene, but I did not. Instead I said a quick prayer for discernment and protection over those who he would approach. After all, everyone has free will to make their choices. However, one must be willing to accept the consequences of their choices because consequences will come either way. I daresay this man’s consequences for leading people astray without full disclosure will not fare well for him.

I live very near Salem, Massachusetts. Despite the true history of the “witch” trials, there is a community that seeks darkness here. But, I am one of many who are vessels of light and truth, placed here for a purpose. And just yesterday I was on the front line.

Be strong. Be true. Be unafraid to stand alone because if you are standing for the Kingdom of Heaven you are never alone.

Wherever you are, you too have a purpose. Be prepared for the day you find yourself on the front line. Pray often and be willing to do God’s will.

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Please do not assume my political stance in any of my writings. I write purely from a spiritual heart, fully aware of the higher dimensional warfare that is in motion. As stated in previous posts, I will not engage in political discussions. Jesus did not do so, therefore nor will I. There is much more at stake that can only be resolved through each individual’s understanding of their personal connection to God and to the Brother/Sisterhood of humankind.