My eyes blinked twice. The camera automatically seemed to focus on a strange sight. I clicked quickly, and then looked more closely. Roses–roses with each bloom wrapped separately. Why?

The scene is an outdoor market in Viet Nam in 2013. The aisles were crowded with merchants selling everything from carrots, cabbages, pots and pans to shoes, tea, and fresh olives. What made this booth so special?

This was an absolutely an original sight for this photographer. Why would anyone take the time to carefully wrap a small piece of paper around each rose in the bouquet? After a bit of reflection, my “little” brain made an assumption — These precious blooms were fragile. The creator of the bouquet wanted to protect their beauty until the blooms reached their new home. Someone cared enough to willing go the extra mile to protect the delicate petals.

Confined basically to home during these days of semi-quarantine, I searched for tasks to keep me busy. Bingo-photos from several past trips needed sorting and inserting into a create your own on-line photo album. Several trips had been completed but stacks of information were waiting for attention.  I’m busy sorting through about 2650 phots from the Viet Nam and Cambodian trip, and attempting to reduce the number to around 500.  The roses pop up. As I insert them onto a page of the future album, my mind wanders.

During the coronavirus episode many people become rather fragile, worried, and/or depressed. Folk begin to seek protection, whether it is buying up a hundred rolls of toilet paper or completing their will. A bit of fear and nervousness results in sleepless nights. Perhaps they even pray with more fervor or reach out to a caring friend. They are seeking some protection from a fragile stage in life. They need a “protective” covering.

What do Christians have as a protective shield? The psalmist David quickly reminds us. “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold” (Psalm 18:2).

This warrior, who faced many challenging moments, continues again with the following, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging” (Psalm 46:1). God will shield us during times of danger.

My favorite verse, however, is found in Psalm 91:4. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be our shield and rampart.” Just imagine, as you begin to shake and tremble, the arms of the Lord (soft like the wings of a bird) reaching out and protecting you. You begin to relax and remember to trust the promise that he will always be present to care for you. Your heart rate lowers. Your eye lids stay closed through the night. You are safe.

For a moment you are that paper protected rose in the Viet Nam market  place. Isn’t that a joyful promise and blessing?