PUT ON YOUR FULL ARMOR OF GOD

What is happening?  

On October 29, I awaken from sleep terrified to look down at my bedroom floor; for what I just saw I never want to see again! 

“As I attempt to clean my mother-in-law’s house, I remember that she has been deceased for two years. Yet, this seems so natural to me.  My two youngest children run and play, in and out the front door, which is fine.  

So much furniture stands before me to dust.  A movie date with the little ones sounds so much better. 

Rushing to grab them for their bath, I head out of Louise’s bedroom. Suddenly, at the right side of the hallway, a “raven” slides from under the trim along the wood floors to skitter across the floor and slink under the left side of the hallway’s trim. This “raven” bears evil intentions. Long in length, 10-12 inches, the creature seems otherworldly and I shudder.” 

Even today, writing these words, my mind exposes the hideous creature to the forefront of my thinking, and I cannot seem to eradicate it from my brain. To admit it made such an imprint is an understatement. 

Three names appear in this dream, and I must define their meaning if I am to fully perceive what lays before me. 

Louise, my mother-in-law’s name means “renowned warrior; destined to stand their ground with courage.” Researching further, the actress in the movie, “To Kill A Mockingbird” was named “Jean Louise Finch” ; she played the “feisty heroine”. My mother-in-law ‘s name fit her well.  Am I to glean from this my time has come to be courageous, to shake the waters? 

My youngest son’s name, McLean, denotes “son of the servant of St. John; connecting him to a variety of saints, particularly John the Baptist and John the Apostle.”  Has the Lord wanted to remind me of the sanctified blood of Christ that covers me from head to toe, thereby protecting me for this battle I am in? 

My daughter’s name, Catherine, signifies “purity”. In Matthew 5, known as the “Sermon on the Mount” we read in verse 8, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (NIV).  Dear Father, may my thoughts continually focus on the cross. 

Dreaming of a house refers to “a person; a ministry”. The hallway means “a transition that is usually direct without any deviation.”  What lies ahead for me? 

The white color of the trim indicates “righteousness, holiness”. I can just imagine the angels in heaven singing “Holy, Holy, Holy” to the King. 

The brown color of the wood floor represents “compassion, humility”. James 4:10 states “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up” (NIV). 

Hardwood flooring in a dream suggests “stability, sense of security, and resilience in personal and professional relationships.”  At my father’s funeral, one year ago, November 3^rd, the elder of his church read Psalm 91, per our request; and I hear the first verse softly in my mind, “He who dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty”(AMPC). 

A bedroom in a dream symbolizes “rest; intimacy, peace”.  What joy to have a relationship with Christ as John, the apostle describes in 14:21, “Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him” (ESV).  And I promise you when He comes, your life will never be the same.  

A bathroom refers to “spiritual cleansing; a prayer of repentance”.  I am reminded of God’s new mercies, stated in Lamentations 3:22-23, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (ESV).  Just imagine, new mercy every morning!  What a glorious God we serve! 

Leaving the worst, scariest part of this nightmare, for last, the meaning of the “raven” must begin. A “raven” symbolizes” evil, Satan”. Assuredly, I felt the evil and demonic presence as I slept.   

Upon awakening, I prayed for my safety, calling on Christ to “send his angels that encamp along them that fear (respect) Him”. I need His protection for this spiritual battle.  

Dear Readers, since these dreams began intensifying, this specific symbol held the “strongest force” I have yet to experience. My prayers continue that this “force” returns no longer.  

Fear does not belong in my vocabulary; however, awareness and preparedness in God’s Word is.