Fearfully and Wonderfully Made

Quite a while ago I was enormously moved by a TV programme on body image, presented by ‘How To Look Good Naked’ stylist Gok Wan.   He specifically focused on UK youth and how they perceive their bodies, self-worth and identity.  Particularly memorable was a teenage girl who spent two hours DAILY editing photos of herself, inspired by pro-anorexia websites and dangerous ideals about what body shape/look is perceived as beautiful.  The case of this young lady is not an unusual one, but one example of the body hate that is widespread amongst our youth and which often remains long into adulthood (and which breaks my heart).

Whilst some say that we shouldn’t be overly concerned by low self-esteem (“just get over it!” sound familiar?), feelings of inadequacy actually affect’s someone’s spirit, self-belief and motivation.  It can destroy relationships and friendships through fear, comparison and jealousy.  If someone doesn’t feel empowered and comfortable with themselves, it affects that person’s mindset and what they think they will be able to achieve, and eventually what they will/will not achieve. When I thought less of myself than I should, I shrunk away from doing things (having fun, meeting people, participating in community groups), from expressing myself (I always believed I had no voice & no relevance, which opened the door for people to walk all over me), and therefore from making an imprint on the world around me.  What’s the big deal with low self-esteem? It is all-consuming and eats away at a person, eventually stopping them from achieving their goals and aspirations.  And in actuality, the issue is harmful because some people take their life because they don’t feel good enough/accepted/like they belong.

How do we break free from the cage of low self-esteem, comparison and harmful beauty standards?  It’s a lifelong commitment and vow to reject evil messages about ourselves and to challenge the ones from the world around us (from the magazines, the TV, from music lyrics & videos, from our peers).   It’s a conscious, day-by-day effort to think positively and wonderfully about what you look like and who you are, and to celebrate what your gifts and talents are.  For example, when I observed someone editing a photo of me I refused to let the incident go without challenging the mindset behind the editing.  Of course, the photo was to be uploaded onto a social media networking site, so the idea was that those freckles and blemishes made the picture less attractive to all the eyes that would be viewing the picture.  But I’m not out to impress anybody by conforming to any airbrushed standard, or to win the approval of all the people who will be seeing the photograph, or to be determined by the number of positive comments that would spring from such an airbrushed photo (in fact I get annoyed when someone clicks “like” when the photo of me is clearly airbrushed – “it’s not actually me!”).  So even if my friends or those close to me say otherwise, I am able to confidently say, as I did in the above example, in love and gentleness: “no, this isn’t right. God in His infinite wisdom and mystery created me like this.  I won’t be demeaned or made to feel inadequate.  I know my worth”.

Nobody has it all-together for all of the time.  We have bad days and let the world and remarks get us down, angry, hurt and upset.  I had to chastise myself the other day as my husband reminded me that I wasn’t practicing what I’m preaching, so to speak.  I was consumed with self-doubt, picking at what seemed to be my every flaw.  I even had a dream in which I was criticising my appearance!  But that isn’t a free life.  Nor is it the truth.  The Bible constantly reminds us to set ourselves apart, to not conform ourselves to the world, to fix our eyes on Him, to pursue righteousness rather than worldly pleasures.  This morning I was convicted of those very statutes.

It’s perhaps a cliché, but the truth is that inside each of us there is invaluable worth and on the outside of every one of us is beauty.  By changing the way we think and by purposefully abstaining from and challenging the messages around us which say otherwise – whether through the internet, mags, newspapers, or even our closest loved ones – we can see that God-given beauty in ourselves and in others.

I’m sorry this post wasn’t supported by more Bible verses.  I just wanted to encourage someone today through my own daily thoughts.  Perhaps here are a few appropriate verses to finish with:

• Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will (Romans 12:12).
• Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7).
• Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things (Colossians 3:2).
• Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in them.  For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever. (1 John 2:15-17).

Admittedly, the title of this post seems a bit self-indulgent…and perhaps seemingly a little bizarre, because at 24 years of age I’m presently not actually a great deal older. But in the intervening years, I’ve learned a heap of stuff and God has worked His wonders in my life immensely.  In the journey of life, I’ve also benefitted enormously from those who cared to tell me their experiences to build me up.  And so I write the core things that I would tell my anguished, 18 year-old, struggling-with-an-eating-disorder self, in the hope that someone reading this (who is going through the same) may feel encouraged, or look to the future with greater hope.

• Stop killing yourself.  There are some pretty awesome things waiting there for you in your future: your husband, your daughter, a university degree, abundant joy, lots of travelling and meeting so many interesting people.  You wouldn’t want to miss out on all that.
• Having said some of the great things that are coming your way, don’t for a minute place all your hope in any earthly relationship/activity, or think that anybody else/anything can make you make you happy, or make you complete.  It is only God and His presence that satisfies, fulfils and brings a deep joy.  Your mama, your spouse, your children, your education, your friends, your career, money, acceptance etc. cannot please you always.  After all is said and done, you will lay your head on the pillow at night and will still be left with an emptiness within that gnaws at you.  It’s only the Holy Spirit’s presence and your walk with God that can fill that.  Seek God.  Read His Word.  Pray always.  Just be quiet and wait for Him to move. You’ll find everything you need there, I promise.
• Honour your parents, even when they don’t deserve it or you don’t understand why they are behaving in a certain way.  Your best interest is usually at the forefront of their minds.  Also don’t forget that for them, seeing you emaciated, unhealthy and on the verge of a self-inflicted death is upsetting and hurtful; so be patient when they get angry.  Honouring your parents will also teach you the kind of humility that Jesus lived out himself.
• The approval of society is, in fact, not worth an iota.  Acceptance from men and women is temporary and changes with the wind.  Don’t compromise the unique beauty in you to please somebody else.  There’s something special about you that nobody else has, so don’t lose it in a bid to please society. EMBRACE what makes you different (inside and out).
• You don’t actually have to ‘fit in’.  You don’t.  And why would you want to? It’s kind of boring to act, think, be, and dress like everyone else.  So hold your head up high, be bold and confident.
• Affirm yourself daily and constantly.  Whenever you’ve a bad hair day or feeling pretty bad about yourself, choose to reject evil thoughts about yourself.  Instead of saying “I look ugly today”, immediately rebuke those thoughts which tear you down and appreciate God’s glorious handwork in you, build yourself up: “I am fearfully and wonderfully made. My body is amazing and beautiful for it was the Lord who crafted it. Thank you God, for making my eyes/hair/mouth/belly/thighs/legs…so beautiful!”
• Happiness is a choice.  You don’t need to let anyone take away the joy that is rightfully yours through their actions or words.  Do you want to be happy? Joy is there! You just have to be ready to take it, to choose it, to live it out.
• True love is not a feeling; it’s a lifelong commitment and a choice to stick with someone through thick and thin (whether a family member, a friend, or a spouse).  True love is selfless, kind, and does not rejoice in evil.  Express this kind of love always, with God’s help.  It will be pleasing to God and it will make your relationships healthier and stronger.  It will make you happier, too.
• Treat others how you want to be treated.  Even if someone disrespects or offends you, clothe yourself nevertheless with dignity and respect.  And don’t lose your faith in humanity; there are some people out there who are selfless even to the point of death.  Or selfless enough to drop everything for you, just to help you at your hour of need.
• Look at the children around you; you can usually learn a lot more from them than you can from any adult.  They embrace life and live it to the full.  They run, laugh, eat, and are merry.  They look at themselves in the mirror and smile, even revel in their reflection.  Don’t let life’s circumstances make you jaded.  Learn from the little children!
• You should not tolerate being defined, treated, demeaned, judged, or limited according to your appearance.  For anybody that is more interested in dissecting your body, your clothes, your make-up, and your hairstyle rather than simply hanging out with you and enjoying your company, you may want to re-think whether you want them in your life.
• Don’t let comparison steal your joy (okay, I stole this from an unknown source, but it rings true).
• You’re amazing and beautiful, Rebekah. Inside and out.

Now to you guys, are there any nuggets of encouragement or life lessons that you would tell your younger self if you could? What has this journey taught you that you would pass onto your children/younger ones?  Drop a comment if you feel led to do so.

Peace unto you always, beautiful people.

P.S. You can find us on Twitter at: @Psalm_139_14   and our Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/FearfullyWonderfully

“Who am I,
What is the purpose of my life on this planet?

Many go through life unfulfilled, unfocused, searching..
A blank canvas waiting for a picture of purpose to be painted on it..
What does it all mean?
It was once said that there was a god-shaped blank in all of us,
we looked for many things to fill this, friends, fashion, ballspace, fornication and the facade of drug-induced fantasies, but follow me..”

“Women’s bodies are not our own but society’s”

~ Naomi Wolf.

Boy, I know the meaning and full depth of this quote.  All our lives, since birth into this world, society think it owns our bodies.  Society thinks it has a licence to dictate who fits its standard of beauty and who doesn’t; who qualifies to “fit in” according to their looks, and who doesn’t.  As we grow up, the pressure mounts (for both males and females) to look a certain way and to stay youthful and enduringly beautiful (whatever beautiful means anyway).  We’re encouraged to use whatever “add-ons” necessary (whether fake hair, fake tan, cosmetics, anti-acne cream, hair dye, bleaching lotions, jewellery, designer clothes, the list goes on…) in order to go one step further, to look that little bit more “attractive” or to achieve what fits the fashion bill at the time.

A few years back, appearance was a major obsession of mine – to an emotionally unhealthy degree.  I wouldn’t leave the house without having using all sorts of lotions and beauty products, which would result in a face full of piled-on make-up and excessively straightened hair.  I believed my popularity, self-worth and acceptance from others were all shaped by how I looked, so I took the appropriate steps to maintain some sort of feminine ideal.

However, for the past year or so I’ve been on an “au natural” campaign which involves using no lotions at all, no beauty products, no make-up, no hair styling, no clothes shopping, no visits to the hairdresser…NADA.  It’s not something I manage to keep up every single day in all honesty, but overall I think I’ve become pretty successful in it and I have just a little way to go until I can let go of old habits and obsessive behaviours.   And actually, by not being held down by consumerism and all things superficial, by asking God to pour out His love on me, by asking Him to show me how beautiful I am to Him, I feel liberated.  Finally.

But it doesn’t stop people from commenting on what they think I should change: “but the way you dress isn’t sexy”, “why don’t you do your hair like this?”, “you need to do x, y and z otherwise your husband will start looking elsewhere…”  This post isn’t meant to be a lament or life story, but to encourage anyone who thinks their success or place in life is measured by their outer appearance.   To lift up anyone who constantly compares themselves to a magazine index of beauty or to the pictures of models airbrushed to the hilt or even to their own peers.  For anyone who is being held back in achieving their dreams because of crippling low self-esteem.

Don’t let the evil and lies of this world hold you back or take your joy.  Don’t beat yourself up about how everyone else sees you because God has told us through Psalm 139 that we are fearfully and wonderfully made.  His ways are also higher than our ways and His thoughts higher than our thoughts.  That person rejected by society because of how he/she looks is still beautiful in the eyes of God the Creator and a glorious reflection of His handiwork.

But God doesn’t actually look at appearance, He looks at our hearts.  What is more important is the impact we are making in this world. In Chronicles 4, Jabez stood out amongst a LONG list of unmemorable names because he was more honourable than his brothers, because he prayed for God to be close to Him and because he cried out to God to enlarge his influence. The imprint we make on this world through our actions and how we impact the lives of others is something that will endure forever, but there’s nobody in this life that can hang onto the beauty of their outer appearance; we are living in a perishing world and every one of us is getting old.  What the LORD really requires of us is “to act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8). 

Don’t allow low self-esteem or insecurity stop you from making your impact on the world or stop you from living a joy-filled, abundant life.  When people reject or put you down, ask God to renew, fill and satisfy you with His love. Ask Him to help you reject the lies that the world/people feed you and to give you strength and wisdom to walk according to His truth.

For anyone struggling in this area, I furthermore encourage you to read the poem I posted a couple of posts ago called “His image, His likeness” by Ayo Oduniyi. Try browsing the categories at the top of the page. Also, fill out the contact form and be in touch.

“Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised” (Proverbs 31:30). 

Today I have the privilege of being able to share this inspirational poem beautifully written by my brother in the Lord, Ayo Oduniyi.

His Image, His likeness

Dedicated to everyone who has tried everything to look good, but never feels or thinks their good enough.
For those whom the word ugly has become their second name.
To those who need a word that will transform their lives.

LORD, I repent, for not seeing me as you see me,
For rejecting this image, that’s made in your image,
For testifying that ugly is what I see, handsome is far from me,
That you couldn’t see me and desirably smile,
For everytime I confess this,
In thought or word,
I confess that God didn’t make anything of worth, and He himself is worthless.

For I believed the lie from early,
That I don’t have this or that,
That nobody would see and desire this,
That all that I am, echoes what the olders say,
“Damn your ugly”.

Yes, there’s a gap tooth,
Ok you may be light skin,
But you wear glasses,
Neither do you have the latest garms,
Courtesy of coco butter & dax you have waves,
Please remind me, when have you last been stopped?
My mind structured to feel if I don’t tick societys boxview of beauty,
I don’t match up to it,
But YOU said I’m altogether beautiful my darling, and there’s no flaw in you.
You said I’m made in your image, and your the essence of perfection,
There I’m perfectly made, made in the image of the perfect one.
His likeness, therefore I’m handsome, therefore I’m beautiful.

Take my mind, crucify my flesh, allow me by grace, to look in the mirror and say,
“Yes I am beautiful because He is the beautiful one,
And I am made in His image”,
May your word mould me, not the TV
May I meditate on it, and not be a slave to the latest magazine.

Bring me my identity that isn’t found in the vain of just being ‘beautiful’ according to what I see,
But that Christ, hope of glory, is shining in me.
Let it be that who I am is beautiful, that it radiates through time,
Even though my beauty (outer) may fade.
My Inner beauty, character, righteousness,
Shall endure forever.

God you see me and rejoice, because you see a reflection of yourself, perfect beauty because you are the beautiful one.

Heal me from every lie, restore every loss, cleanse my eyes, that I may truly see, that true beauty shines from within, for all to see.

He says to me: “My beloved, you are altogether beautiful, and there is no flaw in you.”

Brother A. 2012 © All Rights Reserved.

Please share this post on your facebook and twitter to spread our brother’s poem for the glory of God.

I was reading the book of Ephesians the other day and a certain verse really struck a chord with me: “Remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world” (Ephesians 2:12).  As I read it I remembered those dark, fearful, hopeless days when I did not know Jesus; when I put my trust, hope and energy into other things.  But those things never did bring me joy, peace or security. I was without hope and without God.  I looked back at those times and how God intervened in my life and saved me from destruction (even though I didn’t even ask Him into my life or know much about Him at all).  And I was overwhelmed by his mercy and love.

It could be addiction, fear, anxiety, paranoia, depression, insomnia, low self-esteem, lust, a difficult marriage, financial insecurity, worry about the kids, or any other thing that afflicts you daily and steals your peace.  Whatever you are burdened by, there’s nothing and no-one else in this world that will ever wholly release you from troubling thoughts other than Jesus: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27).

From what I know and my testimony, there’s nothing that can fill the emptiness of the soul but Jesus.  No-one that can give perfect love like Jesus does.  No-one that can bring comfort in times of anguish like Jesus does.  No-one who has a name as powerful as Jesus.  No-one who can bring a fragmented life back together like Jesus can.  His is the sweetest name you could ever know.

I’d like to share this song with you.  It’s really simple, yet really powerful.  This song has strengthened me through some tough times and I hope it will bless you too.

Peace!

“Everywhere you look you see people searching for love… but they’re looking in the wrong places. God is love, and they will never find what they’re looking for until they find Him” (xxxChurch).

“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson wasn’t wrong in the above quote.  Society constantly sends out the message that being yourself just isn’t good enough.   It teaches us to continually compare ourselves with one another.  Even to compete.  Turn the pages of any secular magazine, browse the internet, walk along any high street, and there’s probably something there that will tell you how to fight the signs of ageing, how to stay slim and sexy, how to achieve someone else’s ‘look’, or more crudely a list which tells you who is hot and who is not.  Hey, quite a few corporations make big money through making you believe that the God-ordained, natural “you” just isn’t good enough to get along in this world!

Child of the Most High God, you are a wonderful work of the Creator of all things.  The One who brought the universe and all of creation into being also made you, and He made you fearfully and wonderfully.  “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well” (Psalm 139:14).  You were not destined to constantly demean yourself (or to allow anyone else to demean you).  Nope. It wasn’t part of His great, good and wonderful plan for you to live in a perpetual cycle of self-hatred, insecurity or comparison to others.  It wasn’t His intention for you to be judged and treated in a certain way on account of your outer self.  The Almighty uniquely and wonderfully knit you together in your mother’s womb! He crafted all of your features because that’s how He wanted you to be.  He doesn’t want you any other way.  He made you and saw that you were good...A marvellous work…One that glorifies His unfathomable handiwork.

Don’t feel alone, because the Lord your God has been with you since the beginning and He is still with you.  Don’t feel unaccepted, because He takes great delight in you.  Be comforted because He will calm all your storms and quiet the voice of insecurity with His love.  Be strengthened because your Father in Heaven rejoices over you with singing.  (“The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing” Zephaniah 3:17). 

Precious handiwork of the eternal Creator, apple of the Lord’s eye, you are fearfully and wonderfully made.  Don’t let anyone or anything convince you otherwise.

(I’ve posted this video before, but I don’t think we can tire of hearing the truth).

There is great power in knowing the truth.  Whenever a negative thought or emotion enters your head, counteract it with Biblical truths so you don’t allow them to spiral out of control and trigger past habits.

When you feel rejected or unaccepted by your peers, focus your mind on the fact that: “In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him” (I John 4:9).  His love is the only unshakeable, pure, perfect, sacrificial, eternal, immeasurable love that we can receive.   Meditate on His love and how to please Him rather than seeking the changeable love and respect of others.

When you fear what other people will think or say about you know that the Creator does not want you to be conformed to, or controlled by, the pattern or worries of the world.  His greatest desire is that you should put Him first in your life, fellowship with Him, trust Him and love others as He has loved you.  “What does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8).

When you feel insecure and worthless, reflect: “for You formed my inward parts; you covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvellous are your works, and that my soul knows very well. My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth” (Psalm 139:13-15).  The Master of the universe, the heavens and the earth created you.  How precious and wonderful you are!

When you think you’ve got no strength left and can’t fight your eating disorder any more, realise the power of: “Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world” (1 Thessalonians 4:4).   The power of God is greater than the issue you’re struggling with and greater than the evil that is in the world. You can overcome through faith and with the help of the Almighty.

Don’t allow any negative thought or emotions to control your life.  Take charge of them and fight them with God’s word.   Fix your heart and mind on the Word of God and seek His presence.   Avoid films, books, magazines, music, tv programmes or places that trigger such negative thoughts.  Turn to activities and resources that edify and encourage you, such as http://www.365promises.com/

“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).

Alongside the devotionals that we hope and pray will encourage you through your eating disorder recovery, we also want to use this blog as a platform to bring you news of campaigns and social movements that fight against media / corporate pressure to conform to their ideal of beauty and perfection.   We believe that the messages they send out about our bodies are lies, as we are “fearfully and wonderfully made” people of the Most High God.

So far, we have identified two suitable campaigns that we believe are worthy of support.  Here’s a reminder:

OPERATION BEAUTIFUL

http://operationbeautiful.com/

The mission of Operation Beautiful is to post anonymous notes in public places for other women to find. The point is that WE ARE ALL BEAUTIFUL. You are enough… just the way you are!

CAMPAIGN FOR BODY CONDIFENCE

http://campaignforbodyconfidence.wordpress.com/

Campaign for Body Confidence believes that the pressure to conform to impossible stereotypes is damaging our sense of well-being and leading to increasing unhappiness, anxiety, low self-esteem, depression and eating disorders in women, particularly amongst young people and children – and men.  It pledges to influence the fashion, beauty, diet, and media industries and the government by campaigning for Body Confidence. This site also has an interesting blog.

These are not the only campaigns out there and we will be promoting appropriate others in the future.  We would also love to hear from you about similar campaigns.

Looking forward to hearing from you soon!

“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2).

From a very early age we are duped by the world’s ideal of beauty and perfection, and pressured to conform to such.  From the princesses in storybooks and films, to beauty pageants for children, gyrating pop stars, the modelling, fashion and film industry, and the World’s top 100 beautiful women/hottest men lists, we are bombarded by the message that we must fit a certain standard or behave in a certain way in order to be loved, recognised, respected or successful.  Unfortunately, this message has seeped into many places where we are supposed to feel the safest and most loved: our homes, our circles of friends, at times even our Churches (though it’s sad to say).

Thank God for the liberation from these lies that we can attain through Him and His word!  Romans 12:2 directs us to not abide by the standards of the world, but to be wholly changed and renewed through a transformation in our attitudes and ideals.  True, it’s not easy to stand against the lies of the world when we are confronted with them every day simply by walking down the street or opening a newspaper, and come into view of numerous images of size zero or nearly-naked (and at times naked) air-brushed models.  But followers of Christ ARE freed from, and not expected to follow, these worldly standards.  Instead, we are to offer our “bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God”.

God is not a man that he should indulge in satisfying fleshly lusts.  His ways and thoughts are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:9).  His concern is not with size 0 or with the outward appearance, but the Spirit and attitude that we cultivate within us.  All those things that the world celebrates, enjoys and promotes – immorality, impurity, debauchery, hatred, conflict, jealousy, drunkenness, selfishness, and orgies – is what God wants His children to lay aside.  What is truly beautiful in His sight is love, joy, peace, patience kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.  Worthy, lasting and true beauty in God’s sight is a gentle spirit and a servant obedient to His Word (1 Peter 3:4).  How liberating in a world that is obsessed with the beauty of the outer self, which will inevitably fade with time and age, no matter how much money one has for plastic surgery.

What’s more, the lies that the media and the world feeds us with are only temporary and will fade away, but the word and truth of God endures forever (Isaiah 40:8).  So stand firm in the word and truth of the Lord and don’t worry about whether your breasts are big enough, stomach flat enough, or whether your torso ripples or not.  Fix your eyes on the One who loves you, formed you and preserves your life (Psalm 121).  Seek to please and bring joy to your creator, the greatest lover of your soul.

If there’s anything that feeds your eating disorder or makes you feel worthless or ugly (celebrity gossip/diet magazines, TV programmes, certain websites) avoid them/throw them away/switch them off.   

“I will lift up my eyes to the hills – from whence comes my help?
My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth.

He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber.
Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.

The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is your shade at your right hand.
The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night.

The LORD shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul.
The LORD shall preserve your going out and your coming in
From this time forth, and even forevermore” (Psalm 121).