Who would you give up your shield to shelter?
Strange question right, then let me put it this way, who would you give your umbrella to?
It may seem like there are no parallels between these two questions, but if you think about it, the context is the same. In both questions there are 2 obvious facts, the first is that you are protected and the second is that someone else is not. Whether that protection is emotional or physical is irrelevant the correlation is the choice to sacrifice.
If you're a good parent then I am sure you just said, without hesitation, your child or children. If you have a close friend, you may have said your friend. But how about a stranger? Would you give your umbrella in the midst of a heavy downpour to a stranger who has none?
Keep in mind, I am not judging, just asking.
I ask this question because it was the question I asked myself this morning, I'm honestly not sure why it came to mind, it just did. The funny thing is, I already know my answer, I would give up my umbrella to anyone who needed it. Not because I am kind, or good, or even a Christian, my motives are more complex than that.
I would give up my umbrella because I believe it is better to give than to receive, because it makes me happy to quietly do the unexpected. But mostly, I would give up my umbrella because I know what it's like to walk in the rain hoping for the sun.
Though my motives maybe idealistic or childish, depending on how you look at it. Imagine for a moment that I gave my umbrella unknowingly to someone weathering a storm far beyond my imagination. Who knows the impact that small act might have on that person in the midst of their storm. I'd like to think that my choice to shelter rather than shield would give them that moment of peace they so desperately need as they wait for the sun.
Still, that might just be wishful thinking on my part. But as I said before, no judgement, just asking.
May you always find shelter when you need it, have a wonderful day world.
D.V.
10.12.2026
