fleur-de-lis

Fleur-de-lis ( according to Wikipedia):

"The fleur-de-lis (or fleur-de-lys; plural: fleurs-de-lis) is a stylized design of an iris flower which is used both decoratively and symbolically. In the Middle Ages the symbols of lily and fleur-de-lis (lis is French for "lily") overlapped considerably in religious art. Michel Pastoureau, the historian, says that until about 1300 they were found in depictions of Jesus, but gradually they took on Marian symbolism and were associated with the Song of Solomon's "lily among thorns" (lilium inter spinas), emphasizing important connotations of 'female virtue and spirituality' ."


Lately, I've been drawn to the fleur-de-lis symbol. Maybe it is a bit of Louisiana and French culture that is rubbing off onto me. It is seen everywhere down here, and has always appeared to be a powerful, unique creation. I never truly knew what it meant, but just that it looked pretty and that I have them all over my house. So, I decided to look it up - and I found out how truly powerful this symbol can be.

Over time, the fleur-de-lis has been used by so many people groups, but what caught my eye was the main reason was that it was found when Jesus was drawn in art. Now, I don't know how the symbol was shown- was it shiny? Dull? Just an outline? A solid figure? Not sure about any of that, but if it was there, it was there. And as I thought about that, especially to it's reference to Song of Solomon, I thought about how much I long to be that symbol. I crave to be a fleur-de-lis that represents God, not this culture. I desire to be that "lily among thorns" and not be wrapped up in the world. I struggle with that every day here- moreso than I've done in the past.

In showing off this great symbol all around the streets of BR and NOLA to friends the last few weekends, I've been refreshed and encouraged as to how to be that "lily among thorns" again. I think their presence again made me realize just how far God has brought me, and how much He has yet to call me to. As well as how much responsibility I have to represent Jesus to these people, to be that shiny fleur-de-lis, because of God's great name.