The Passing of the Torch

There’s a hole in my coat.

There’s a hole in the bottom left side of the lining of my coat, to be exact. And, I’m devasted.

I understand that this means absolutely nothing to you, and you probably don’t care about the hole in my coat. It’s not a huge hole and it’s not noticeable. In fact, it’s not visible to anyone but me and Jesus.

So, what’s the big deal about there being a hole in my ankle length winter coat? Well, see, my tailor was my daddy (excuse me, Master Tailor). In my entire 35 years of life, no other person has ever altered any of my clothing – but him (except the lady at the shop who attempted to alter my prom dress… she failed… daddy fixed it… never mind… she doesn’t count).

Every popped button, too long pair of pants, a split seam, ruined zipper, ripped buttonhole, all of it – he fixed it. Now, he’s not around to do it. So, that’s why the discovery of the hole in the bottom left side of the lining of my winter coat devastated me.

I lost it… I cried. It’s not so much that there’s a hole in my coat. But, it’s more so the reminder that I no longer have my daddy to turn to when I need help. I’m a complete daddy’s girl, therefore I would whine to him, even when I didn’t need him to fix the situation (daddy’s girl privileges).

What’s Already in Your Hand?

It brought to mind the fact that although my daddy isn’t here, there are so many things that he taught me, like how to stitch. Even more important than stitching or my coat, my daddy taught me morals (both naturally and spiritually) that I must now continue to carry on today. So many great things associated with my father that are now on me because – I’m his daughter.

This ordeal made me wonder how the disciples felt when Jesus left them here, on this earth, to lay hands, heal, teach, cast out devils…. you know? The stuff they watched Him do in front of their very eyes – it made me wonder the weight they carried knowing that what they had were blueprints and examples, but not Jesus to do it for them anymore. There were many great things associated with Jesus that were now placed on them (and us) because they were His followers.

I suppose this is how I feel about fixing my own coat. It’s not that I can’t, but the weight of putting what I’ve learned to use is heavy. Carrying that mantle… Following great examples can be a burden. Now, don’t get me wrong, I don’t mean that in a disrespectful way, but more so in a “big shoes to fill” kinda way.

You are Chosen

Here are a few things to keep in mind when we feel the weight of carrying a mantle we don’t quite feel ready for:

1. Remember that God, Himself, called you. I have found myself in awe of the fact that God chose me (John 15:16) for all that He has called me to. But, I find comfort in knowing that He knows best, and I am His choice. “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee, and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.” Jeremiah 1:5
2. God is your strength. When I look at the size of the task at hand, I always seem to have a moment (or 43) of weakness. You know what I mean, that feeling that maybe… just maybe, you can’t. Let God’s strength become perfect for you in those moments. “And he said unto me, my grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly, therefore, will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9
3. Accept God’s peace. This may not seem relevant to my story or point, but trust me, it is. When you feel the pressure to perform, God’s peace will sustain you in ways you cannot comprehend. “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7
4. Ask for understanding. So often we feel so bogged down by expectations that we just take what’s thrown at us. It’s okay to ask God to reveal things to you, to show you how to handle it, or even just flat out what to do. “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” Proverbs 4:7

I pray that along with the weight you feel that you also feel God helping you. You got this… use what you’ve learned, Team.