He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.

He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;

Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. 

(Psalm 91:1-6)

Where to start this stupid story?
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I wake up at 2:00 AM to loud, creepy noises. Fine. Sometimes this happens. We have big critters.
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Then I see something.
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A shadow. It’s a person.
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I call 911. Police arrive quietly. I explain what I saw, pinpointing exactly when I lost my chill. I was fine until I SAW a person walk by my window.
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Four officers look around. By this time, I’m lucid enough to realize I’m not lucid. I’m fighting an infection and on cough meds, groggy, and beginning to worry this could end awkwardly. (Spoiler. It did.)
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The officers return. They found… a family of raccoons. I’ve called 911 on raccoons. The devils. But what did I SEE? Because something was six feet tall. The officers elaborated kindly. One of the raccoons was up on a beam above the patio. The light was just right, and the shadow crossed my line of vision, looking everything like a walking man.
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Back inside, I see myself in the mirror. I snort. “This shirt breaks people out of prison.” Thank you, Impact Junkie. Of all shirts to wear to a 2:00 AM conversation with four police officers about raccoons. When will it end?
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Thankfully, that’s the end. Except for the part where I see police officers around town and worry they’ll recognize me as “the Raccoon Lady.”
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I shared this for ONE reason only. Okay, two because I hope you laughed. But really, if I had to learn this, I’m going to share it:
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Some of our worst fears are only shadows!

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Think of my ridiculous reality — convinced someone’s out to murder me when it was only a shadow of a little bandit-faced pest.
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The truth was no threat.
The truth was safety.
The truth could have had me sound asleep.
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While technically, I can’t say I’d do much differently in this scenario, I’ll carry the metaphor for life. So many risks, worries, anxieties, and fears I feel will turn out to be shadows! So, with that in mind, here’s to walking by faith, trusting that God knows a threat from a shadow.

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2 Comments

  1. Roberta Birdwell

    When I read this at 4:00 AM, I had to put a pillow over my mouth so as not to wake anyone else in the house…they sleep late when they can. I got up, as usual, slipped on my robe, out to my chair and lap desk I went. Pulled out my Devotions Journal and began to write it out….works for my chemo fogged brain…I grew up on ranches and we delt with raccoons alot, so I could laugh. But in these times, I’d call 911 if I saw someone. Walk past my window. Better to be imbarrassed then have someone break into your cars or your house. But yes, my insecurities and anxieties often are shadows and I have built my walk with God and do my best to walk in faith through my cancer journey, and I pray for years beyond. Thank you for sharing.

  2. Sharlene Revels

    Thank you so much Kristi. God let me see this at just the right time. I have some pretty big shadows in my life right now. Since I’ve read your blog, I’m reminded of the old song, “Standing Somewhere in the Shadows You’ll Find Jesus.” I’m so very glad that He gave us His promise that He will never leave or forsake us! Love you much, dear Kristi.