Palmetto Trees & Me
“Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.” Ephesians 6:13 (ESV)
"Hello!" from South Carolina!
Christy and I have finally moved into our new home in Summerville, South Carolina, after what felt like a whirlwind journey to get here. Travel is not new to me, but this is certainly the biggest move our family has made since Christy and I have been married.
For more than twenty years, Mississippi was home for me. It has been home for Christy her entire life. Mississippi has my heart and will always be a part of our story.
When I was on staff at The Assembly Columbus, we lived by a simple principle that is still important to me today: Love where you live. If you love something, you'll take care of it. If you love it, you'll learn it. This is true of people, places, communities, and even our jobs.
In this new season of life, I have worked hard to learn about our new home. One of the things that has really stood out to me is the South Carolina state flag. I love the indigo blue, the palmetto tree, and the crescent moon! As it turns out, there is a great history behind it.
The palmetto tree is significant because of its role during the Battle of Sullivan's Island in 1776. A fort was built on Sullivan's Island using logs from palmetto trees. Unlike hardwoods, these trees are soft and fibrous, giving them the ability to withstand the onslaught of cannon fire. Where hardwoods and stone would have shattered, the palmetto logs simply absorbed the cannonballs, creating the perfect defense.
The fort was protected because it had the right defense in place. The British eventually retreated, and South Carolina celebrated victory.
That fort—now known as Fort Moultrie—had the right defense to withstand the attacks of the enemy. It reminded me of something both Paul and James wrote in their letters.
Paul tells us to put on the whole armor of God so that we can withstand the attacks of the enemy and stand firm (Ephesians 6:10–20).
James tells us:
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7 (ESV)
If we resist, the enemy will flee.
So how do we resist?
By putting on God's perfect plan for our defense and protection—His armor for our lives.
Are you feeling under attack today?
Let me encourage you to read through Ephesians 6 and intentionally "put on" the armor of God. Jesus will give you the strength you need to withstand the attacks of the enemy. And as we withstand, the enemy will flee.
Let's pray together:
Jesus, I pray for those reading this today. Be with them. May Your presence cover them, protect them, and give them the strength to withstand the attacks of the enemy. Your Word never promises us a life without battles, but it does promise that You will be with us through them all. Help us put on Your armor, not our own. Help us stand strong when we feel weak. Help us see the victory that we know is on the way. In Your mighty name, Amen.
