I have an award on my shelf.  It’s one of my most treasured possessions.  It’s not a gold cup, or a blue ribbon, or an engraved glass dish commemorating years of service.  And I am quite sure that there is no other award like it anywhere to be found.

It’s rather odd looking. It’s a rough wooden plaque with spike heels from a pair of women’s shoes sticking out of it.  They were sawed off at the base, spray painted gold and hot-glued onto the wood.

Underneath it are the words “The Digging in Her Heels Award – presented to Sharon Virkler”.

I love it. The “award” was made by a co-worker and bestowed upon me when I left a job many years ago.  Seems I had gotten the reputation of digging in my heels when I felt strongly about something.  Most of the time, I was laid back and relaxed.  But when it came to anything I felt passionately about, I stood firm.  And apparently, others noticed.

But I love the award for another reason.  I want it to be true about me in other areas of my life.  It reminds me to dig in my heels when I feel passionately about God’s promises.  It reminds me not to back down when I know that God can be taken at His word.  I’m not talking about being ornery or obstinate.  I’m talking about unwavering trust in God.

I want to dig in my heels when the storms come, when I’m tempted to give up, when it would be a lot easier to take off my shoes and take it easy for a while.  My “Digging in Her Heels” award might not be the prettiest one on the shelf, but it’s the one that reminds me to do something that God has told us over and over again to do. 

Just stand.

Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will accomplish for you today.  Exodus 14:13

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  Ephesian 6:11

Always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.  Colossians 4:12

Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.  1 Corinthians 16:13