I am a mouse. A shell of myself. I cower in the corner, afraid of strange noises. Oh! It is only you! I straighten out my uniform, and hold my sword aloft. I am Reepicheep, the great mouse warrior from The Chronicles of Narnia.

At least, I am when you are looking. When you are gone, and your shadow and creaking noises of the floor when you walk have faded, I retreat into my mouse hole. Sword – where is it now? Somewhere on the floor. My uniform is disheveled. Fear grips me again.

No! The kind man bends down and puts his face closer to the mouse hole, urging me to pick up my sword, gently encouraging me to be ready. I step closer. His eyes draw me.

My sword is the size of his thumbnail. Hold it, He urges, acceptance of me oozing from his eyes. His warm breath close to me makes me stronger.

Yes! I am Reepicheep the mouse! I feel bolder, stronger. He stands next to my mouse hole, keeping guard with me. He shows me how to use a sword and I mimic his movements.

Keep the sword out, He warns me. Always have your sword nearby. Be watchful. Be ready.

And I feel bolder, stronger now. The sword helps me to remember whose I am. His presence, though so large, I can barely see his feet, helps me to be stronger, to place my head feather straight, to be alert. I can sense his love, though I sometimes forget He is nearby. He is so large that I don’t see Him clearly.

Crumbs of delectable cheese are thrown from His hand into my mouse home. I rest and eat, feeling stronger.

I am ready now, to be whose I am.

I choose to meditate on what He says about me, on the cheese thrown into my hole because with each bite, I am being transformed into a whole new little mouse. And I don’t have to be afraid anymore. His cheese changes who I am, from scaredy mouse to Reepicheep the brave.

What cheese has He tossed your way that strengthens you when you feel afraid? How has His presence made you stronger than fear? What motivates you to feast on His word?

Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. . . God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. . . Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out. The Message

May our fear be turned to dancing as we hold our swords aloft, and remember that He is near!

For now, ask Him what food would nourish your soul today, which word fallen from His mouth will transform your identity, into a brave little mouse. Will you feast on that piece of cheese today, remember His presence, and gain strength as you hold your sword aloft, remembering whose you are? May you be brave, another little Reepicheep, again this day, dear friend!

Three reasons why we should let go of our fear and embrace strength instead will be discussed in the next post.