Walls & Gates

Funny, when Phil is away (he is in South Africa right now) and I am alone at home, I find myself double locking  the downstairs door and making sure no windows are open at night.  I am usually not a fearful person, but somehow I feel more vulnerable when he is away.  This vulnerability makes me aware of the potential  “points of entrance” that if someone wanted to break in, they would most likely use.

A couple of days ago I read a verse in the Bible that stood out to me:

 “ No longer will violence be heard in your land, nor ruin or destruction within your borders, but you will call your walls salvation and your gates praise.” Isaiah 60: 18

It could be that having just come back from the Congo, a country that was misused, mislead and abused by outsiders and insiders alike, that I was reminded of how fragile our world is.

Seeing the reconstruction that is needed there makes me aware that not only in places like the Congo but everywhere: our societies, families, marriages and personal lives that we are susceptible and vulnerable to elements that may lead to destruction and undoing. 

The verse I read made me think of 2 things: that I am thankful for the walls of salvation in my life, which represent to me the safety and security I have through my faith in God, but I did have questions about the gates.

Gates historically have been related to access, trade, safety, defense and health. It was the place where important announcements; agreements and transactions were made. They were typically guarded and protected by the military.

My questions came because of the negative I have felt come out of a defensive, dogmatic, fearful "us vs. them perspective", which has caused much damage. On the other hand  the verse reminded me that yes, we do need gates and even walls in our lives, but instead of seeing them as restrictive and imprisoning, we may see them as safe, life giving and freeing.  Gates that know when to open and close.

“Walls of salvation” boy,…  the world needs protection that brings life!! When you hear about the horrors of rape, sexual and physical abuse used as a military weapon on women in the Congo,  the world needs walls of salvation.  Places with life giving, nurturing walls where women in the Congo can grow, blossom and be all that they are meant to be.  This is something I think of when I think of the school we are planning.

What about “gates of praise? ”

While in Congo our Teachbeyond team was looking at properties to rent for the school we are helping to open next September.  One of the locations we looked at was in a rundown, dirty and overcrowded area of Kinshasa.  As we were walking through this uncomfortable area clutching tightly our personal possessions, we heard some singing…somepraises, praises to God coming from a church situated at the center of this area (watch my video clip bellow).





The contrast was shocking.  Here we were in one of the most broken down areas of town hearing beautiful praise songs. We started to relax and were drawn to the music. The sounds of praise that resounded over our heads brought a smile to our faces and comfort to our hearts. He was there.  He is there. He is everywhere.

I don’t have answers….and don’t plan to give any.  I just want to say.  Whether we admit it or not, walls are needed in our lives and what we let in and out of our gates

has a great impact on our lives and on the lives of others. 

Thanks for being a listening ear.

Tammy