Internet Cafe

Tuesday, March 20, 2007

"You Can't Have Her!"

I have a confession to make: I am a Lord of the Rings nerd. I counted today and in the land of Girlfriendom - after I considered every woman I know - I have exactly zero friends who share my affinity for all things Middle Earth. My love for this magical land leads me to hope, but never dare pray, that Heaven will be something like the Elven city of Rivendell. My perfect eternity consists of worshiping throughout the ages on regal white horseback like the elf princess, Arwen. Okay, maybe I shouldn’t have told you that. But now you are convinced of the nerd part, yes?

Even if you do not share my love for this mythical place, you simply must force yourself to watch these films and ask God to reveal all of the spiritual imagery. One such scene has captured my heart this week as I’ve been preparing a series of lessons for a women’s retreat.

In the trilogy, there is a niece to the King of Rohan named Eowyn. She is described as fearless, high-hearted (love that word), and skilled with a sword but is forbidden to participate in warfare because she is a woman. A great battle is looming and, determined to defend mankind, she disguises herself in armour and rides into the fight.

In the climax of the battle, Eowyn’s uncle, Good King Theoden, is struck down by the Evil Witch King and is about to be devoured by the flying beast he rides. Just in time, Eowyn takes her stand between Good and Evil and proclaims, “You can not have him!” Evil boastfully replies, “No man can kill me.” As she reveals her womanly identity Eowyn surprises Evil by exclaiming, “I am no man!” She strikes the Witch King and destroys him…something no man in the entire army could have done. If she had stayed locked away in the city, no doubt the outcome would have been much different. I get the Girl Power Goosebumps every time I think about it! (Be rest assured I am no feminist, but that is for another post.)

Listen to Jesus say:

“I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no on can snatch them out of My Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.” John 10:28-30

Hear Christ Jesus say to Satan today, “You can not have her!


Oh that we would wrap our minds around that thought! That we could let the truth sink marrow deep that we are sealed and protected by Christ’s own blood and nothing, no person, no situation can take those who believe on His Name from His hand. He stands between you and the evil one. “Over my dead body,” Jesus says. But wait. Satan tried that too – only the grave could not hold Him who holds the keys to death and destruction.

In our relationships, we are called to stand in that place of protection for our wounded sisters. Even now, God is growing in me a supernatural love for both women I know and those I’ve never met. I desire more than anything to stand, with the Lord at my side, between you and Satan and proclaim, “you can’t have her! I know what she has been through. I’ve done this one before. Get up sweetheart, we are going home.” Satan may laugh. However, just like Eowyn, you or I may be the only one suited to turn that smurk into a howl of defeat when he realizes we were just the ones pre-designed to win this battle. God knows what it will take to disarm Satan and when our lifesong will be most fitting to minister in a specific circumstance. All He asks of us is our ‘yes’. One thing is certain, if we stay safe behind the walls we may remain unscathed, but the warfare will continue and many will be left stranded on the battlefield.

What does standing for woman-kind look like practically?

* You have a co-worker who is going through a rocky time in marriage. You've been there and the Lord restored your relationship. Will you be willing to involve yourself enough to share the source of your healing?

* A young mother at church has suffered a miscarriage. You remember the pain of your own quite well. Will you send her a note to tell of your own experience so she'll know her grief is understood and justified?

* Your daughter is not born again. She has continuously let you know the subject is off limits. Will you rise up against Satan and proclaim, "You can not have her!" Will you continue exploring creative ways of sharing the Gospel at all costs?

Praise God, we know the One who wins the war, but there remain many battles to be fought between now and then. Will you join me in holy indignation against the enemy on behalf of the sisterhood? This army comes in the name of the Living God and our Father is greater than all. Satan - Beware!

Labels: , , , ,

22 Comments:

Blogger Denise said...

What great power there is, in those words, you cannot have her. This post was a blessing to me, thank you for sharing.

March 19, 2007 at 11:53 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

You are not alone in your Middle Earth obsession...I also get goosebumps everytime I see Eowyn pull off her helmet and yell "I am no man!"
Thank you for sharing.

I think it's time to start reading the books again.

March 20, 2007 at 6:24 AM  
Blogger Chris @ Come to the Table said...

Lisa,
I am ready to stand firm and fight the battle. You have made a clarion call to all to fight for our sisters, daughters, and every woman God places in our path to share what He has done in our life.
Too often we (I) am tempted to stand back and not go forth out of fear of being rejected, but not today....I am continuing on in HIs army to fight the good fight. I have the battle plan. I have the armor. But most of all, He is with me!
Thank you for blowing the trumpet and encouraging us all young and old to go forth in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Blessings my friend!

March 20, 2007 at 8:46 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

"I am no woman!", but I have often used that very scene in my preaching to inspire women to fight valiantly for their men. I have deemed women with this kind of spirit as "The daughters of Eowyn". That kind of spirit inspires us men as well. It is exciting to see that that image captured your heart as well.
Thanks,
JT
(I was referred to your site by my friend Dana in Romania.)

March 20, 2007 at 9:03 AM  
Blogger Lori said...

LIsa I needed to read this today thank you, it made me cry,.

March 20, 2007 at 9:11 AM  
Blogger Katie Johnson said...

Thank you, I think you've just given me my mission in life!

Katie Johnson

March 20, 2007 at 10:13 AM  
Blogger david santos said...

hELLO!
All very good, thank you
Good day

March 20, 2007 at 10:18 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Lisa,

Who could leave this and not be inspired to stand up against the enemy. There are so many who need our willingness to fight the battle at their side. Thank you!

March 20, 2007 at 10:20 AM  
Blogger Bonnie W said...

Thanks Lisa. I love Middle Earth too and this will make a great illustration for a message I am working on. Blessings!
Bonnie

March 20, 2007 at 10:23 AM  
Blogger 2nd Cup of Coffee said...

I agree entirely with Lynn; this post is powerful and inspiring. Thank you. I think the imagery will stay with me a long time.

March 20, 2007 at 2:47 PM  
Blogger Cyndi said...

Yes, yes, YES! I love this post! We must stand up. We have the authority. I'm so glad I read this.

Oh, and I'm not a LOTR fan, but my son is. I've never watched all of them, but there is one scene (in one of the movies) when this big scary icky fire-monster is coming and (Gandalf?) stands on the bridge, plants his staff down and yells "YOU. SHALL. NOT. PASS."

*Love* that part. It gives me chills. My son always calls to me, "M-o-m, you're favorite part's coming up." What an image of boldy standing against the enemy. I just may end up watching all of the movies now... ;)

Thank you so much for this post today!

March 20, 2007 at 2:48 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I just to yell, Amen, my sister! But I know you can not hear me from the other side of the screen *sign*...
It is so true - we are HIS, no matter what! Beautiful, beautiful post :).

BTW - I am also a lover of the LOR trilogy :) - we have the collectors edition DVD set at home :)

Blessings to you my friend, today and always.

March 20, 2007 at 3:51 PM  
Blogger Darlene Schacht said...

Standing ovation to you Eowyn! I want to ride beside you in this battle.

I had sisters from CWO who went to war for me this past week. I was breathless when I read their letters of passionate concern and willingness to stand between me and the enemy. I KNEW I should have emailed you too. Next time I will, Eowyn. Get your sword ready.

March 20, 2007 at 4:05 PM  
Blogger Susanne said...

How absolutely inspiring! And I don't even know any of the characters names, except Frodo, in Lord of the Rings. :v)

March 20, 2007 at 4:49 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

You do not know me. I too love Lord of the Rings and the analogies in the movies. Great lesson. I'll be praying for you as you teach on the retreat this weekend.

March 20, 2007 at 8:29 PM  
Blogger Kelly said...

Wonderful post--from a fellow LOTR fan. Powerful challenge to stand against the enemy!

March 21, 2007 at 1:29 AM  
Blogger Carol said...

You gave me the GirlPower goosebumps, too!

It does take courage to reach out to someone who is lost or hurting. Great post!

March 21, 2007 at 7:06 AM  
Blogger Elise @A Path Made Straight said...

I would very much like to join your Girlfriendom as another enthusiast of the LOTR trilogies - books and movies! :)
A wonderful, thoughtful call to our knees as women, daughters, mothers. Thank you.

March 21, 2007 at 8:08 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I too enjoyed this post. It was provided to me by Darlene, who, along with other CWO sisters went to battle for me this week. I am so ready to stand against the enemy, it is about time I do so. Thanks so much and God Bless you.

Lisa

March 23, 2007 at 7:58 AM  
Blogger Amico Dio said...

I love this! I am inspired. I am going watch my well-loved DVD trilogy once again. It has been too long since I have seen them. Thank you for reminding me of the power of one willing and passionate woman. If only every woman channeled their strength for God. I so wish I could be in those meetings you are planning!

Thank you.

April 3, 2007 at 4:12 PM  
Blogger Ms. Kathleen said...

Alone in your Middle Earth obsession! I think NOT! I am a major Middle Earth Freak and have been for years, in fact for 23 years. I started my journey when I was pregnant with my number 2 daughter, Tara. I was bedridden for about 5 months.

Aside from that - I got really charged up! WhooHoo! I love your imagry and use of the movie. Awesome!

And you are so right, I have been in battle mode for about a week now, so you are just adding fuel to the fire!

Hallelujah!

April 3, 2007 at 7:00 PM  
Blogger Becky Wolfe said...

From another LOTR fan, I applaud you. Hubby and I have the collectors editions as well. I'm sure we watch the entire trilogy 2-3 times a year (or more)

That too is one of my favourite parts. Thank you for bringing a new meaning to it.

As a young girl, I was raised in a rather 'legalistic' church setting where women were silent & in my opinion sullen. It is a good reminder that God uses us girls in powerful & mighty ways, ways that He can NOT use a man (like the points you referred to at the bottom) Oh that we will be ready for the battle as Eowyn so nobley was!

April 4, 2007 at 8:53 AM  

Post a Comment

It is good to hear from you... thank you so very much for leaving a note on the table. That makes us smile!

Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]

<< Home