“Battle maiden, how are you doing?” 

In our family, we make a big deal about the meaning of names.

I think this started with my highschool youth pastor who made a big deal about the meaning of names. He would often call us by the meaning of our name rather than our name itself. So it was not unusual for my cheeks to redden as he would holler across a room, “Battle maiden, how are you doing?” 

“Battle maiden" is the first of two meanings of the name, Lois.  As an adult, when I looked up its meaning, the term used was Warrior Maiden. That sounded a little bit better.  

I have never felt much like a warrior. Strength and bravery would not be found high on my list of character qualities. My personality was similar to Much Afraid in Pilgrim’s Progress. 

God has kindly put battles in my life from which I would have liked to have run. But I could not. I have seen my faith tested and found to be genuine. I have known His provision and strength in my weakness. I have tasted victory.

Mine was not A natural gifting A trait displayed from childhood. It was pleaded for Time after time.

Lord, Be merciful to me. Help my unbelief. Crush not the bruised reed. Please, God, give me Strength for today and hope for tomorrow.

And He has graced me With an entrusted valor For the moment In the Need With lingering layers of residue strength Building faith at my core.

My husband is a dear “comrade in arms.” He cheers me and cheers for me as we do battle together. And oh how sweet are the respites! 

It has been my delight to be a Maiden of Warriors.  I viewed the six children entrusted to my care as warriors in training, and I have sought to aid them in the small battles they fought while in my care and prepare them for battles they are facing now.  By God’s grace, they are stronger and braver than I. 

I have had the privilege of serving both of my parents and my father-in-law as they fought the last enemy and walked their final steps into heaven. I was at each of their sides giving what aid I could so that they finished well to the glory of God.

In high school, I took this verse as a life verse: 

“With God, we shall do valiantly.”  Psalm 108:13

Over the years, I have seen God do wondrous things.