Elizabeth
Ephesian 6:10-20
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the LORD and the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God so that you can stand against the devil’s wiles. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil days, and having done all, to stand.
Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take up the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: praying, always with ll prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints–and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.”
I Dedicate these stories to my Son, Alfonso Ramon Liles, who was born on September 20, 1978, and transitioned to heaven on October 30, 2021.
The Whirlwind
The death of Elizebeth’s son was as sudden and unexpected as a tornado; a heart attack took her only son’s life, leaving behind a wife and family. Before his death, Elizebeth dreamed she was fleeing from several mighty tornadoes, and she saw a child crying in a parking lot where cars were on fire from the destruction. She tried to guide the little boy into her vehicle so they could escape the upcoming tornados, but a wicked man appeared and yanked the little boy from her grip. Later, she would learn it was a premonition that was representative of her fleeing from her abusive ex-husband and the sudden death of her son and faced with the new revelation.
Elizabeth couldn’t process the whirlwind of thoughts that entered her mind. Still, amid the chaos, it was as though a younger part came to the forefront of her mind and had taken her back in time and another dimension where she wasn’t alone. She also saw the father of her child there; he was standing in front of her younger self with his hands at her waist, and she had her hands on his heart; they were looking into each other’s eyes. The place where they stood was like a forest, and children were standing around them. She saw them when they were young before he went away to join the Military. They did not know that she was carrying his child before he left. Now, she sits by the grave of their son alone.
It wasn’t until the fog settled in her mind that she was able to face the reality of their son’s death. Sitting at his graveside, she thought it was strange that the dirt was still freshly packed. The funeral was just a few days earlier, but it seemed like it had been decades before. Shock plays tricks on the mind, and the temporary marker seemed too small for the grave of a grown man. It was as though it was the grave of a baby. “My baby,” she whispered as tears flowed from her eyes, landing on the loosened dirt. The smell of freshly watered dirt brought back memories of her childhood; for instance, when she watered the dirt and ate it because it smelled so good. She also remembered eating a cup of clay when she was pregnant. Her great-aunt said she was lacking iron in her defense. However, she still loves the smell of freshly watered dirt! Elizabeth giggles at the idea of her being so young and naive. She looks at the grave marker, rubbing her hands over his name as though she were caressing his tiny little face like she did when she held him as a newborn baby in her arms for the first time. He was so tiny, with gold and red highlights, and his long eyelashes stole the hearts of the nurses. He had a red mark above his right eye; she knew others would use that mark to make fun of or label him. When she asked the doctor what it was, he said it was a birthmark. Eizabeth would not accept that, so during feeding, she messaged it with her thumb until it disappeared.
They were alone because of the rumors of her before her son was born, after he was born, and again at his graveside. Whether the rumors were true or not, Elizabeth’s life has become a testimony of God’s love, mercy, compassion, and faithfulness to even the worst of sinners as she testifies about herself. Moreover, those who wish her harm are creating a path of destruction for themselves. She finds it strange that her enemies, although she never considered them enemies and even prayed for them, continue dumpster diving into her past and spreading rumors. However, she never asked for anything or cursed anyone to her knowledge. It was by the grace of God that she raised her children to the best of her ability without financial aid or other support from anyone except the LORD. Like the women of Ramah, Elizabeth refused to be comforted by anyone; she no longer trusted anyone. The betrayal from those closest is the second worst of grief. Just as in her dream, her child was pulled from her arms and murdered by the hands of the wicked. Retribution is God’s, and He will vindicate and restore what the evil one stole by the whirlwind of events.
Javan, the son of the devil
It had been a while since she prayed to God, still in shock from the blow of having to escape her wicked ex-husband, Javan. Elizabeth couldn’t process the existence of such evil after seeing the “Evil Eye’ through the eyes of the man she thought she had known for over 35 years. The shock of this realization left her in a catatonia state. She wondered where God was then and now more than ever. Where was God while her son lay on the side of the road, taking his last breath? Through the voiceless shadows lurking about, she could hear the whispers about her faith, God, and her dignity. Elizabeth’s faith was tested beyond comprehension. Questions entered her mind, like, “Why did her son, who was a good man, have to die so young? Why not her? Why do evil men like her abusive stepfather and ex-husband seem to live long, happy lives? Was God punishing me?”
Although some questions remained unanswered, she knew that the God of love and comfort would give her understanding in due time. In the same way, she was abandoned by others because her pain was too deep; she had no words to express the magnitude of her grief, so she sat in silence; no words could escape her lips. Pocessing the death of her only son was a bit much for her shattered heart, and those who feared for their own went on their way as though she was plagued with leprosy.
Furthermore, as she sat silently by her son’s graveside, the sound of a bird singing nearby brought her such comfort and peace as though God Himself was singing over her. How could it be? She thought that God could forgive her for the angry things she said to Him the day her son died. She will never forget how she felt a loving embrace around her when she was on the floor screaming to God to give her back her son. No one could truly understand the pain of loss but God, who gave His Only Son. “Why!” She cried, “Why did my son have to die?” While God embraced her lovingly with mercy and compassion, others whispered condemnation about her and her child behind her back. That, too, was by the grace of God that He opened her eyes to who was for her and who was against her.
It wasn’t until later that she learned the truth and realized it was not God who killed her son; it was the sin in him that led him to his death, the sins of the flesh. As was her sin and the iniquity of her ancestors. The wicked man she saw in her dream that took her son was the same addictive spirit she saw when she attempted to quit her addictions. She saw that evil man pointing a gun at her, but a man of light interceded, pushing back the spirit of death. Was it through the prayers of the saints? Elizabeth’s grief became more intense as she pondered on the power of prayer, “Could have her son’s death been prevented if she had only prayed more fervently? Did unbelief hinder God’s answers? Had she been more faithful to God and consistently served, would God have saved her son?” Regardless of the many questions in her heart, and yes to many of them, she rested on the one thing that never changes: God’s love remains, and her son is with JESUS. YE SHUA was with him and delivered him to heaven after he took his last breath because her son gave his life to the LORD many years ago; he was washed with the Blood of the LAMB, and JESUS saved his soul.
Rodrigo
Elizabeth thought about Rodrigo; he was the keeper of her heart, but now she had to bury their past as well. It was difficult to forget about him when her son was alive; their son was so much like him. His playfulness, laughter, and the tenderness he showed toward her were evident in their son’s personality. Like his father, he couldn’t stay mad at his mother; it was as though Rodrigo was speaking to his spirit, saying, “Be kind to your mother. She’s doing the best she can.” Rodrigo took the death of their son hard; he was trying to know him but lost him too soon. He carried the guilt on his shoulders as a burden of punishment for the sins of his past. She thought about all the questions he would ask, but cognitively, it would not be easy for him to get answers; her mind was too fragmented for her to try to piece together. Maybe someday, he can lay these burdens at the foot of the Cross so that God can use him mightily for His Kingdom.
When they were young, he was like an anchor for her; life for Elizabeth was unstable, and she had no one to keep her grounded until she met Rodrigo. Rodrigo was a handsome man with light skin, golden hair, and a tad of red and light brown eyes, like their son. He and Elizabeth were both of Spanish descent. The only way someone could honestly know him was if he let them get close to his heart; he was very guarded, but Elizabeth felt a deep connection the first night she saw him standing under the street light in front of her house. It was like witnessing a glimpse of his soul, a ray of light shining through the invisible shield covering his heart; it shot into the darkness of her soul like a lunar eclipse. He called himself a “Moon Child.” That name fit him perfectly because the light of God showed through him into the darkness of her heart and her dark world. Although he was very handsome, she was not drawn to his beauty; it was the tenderness he displayed toward her. He could melt her icy-cold heart at the sound of his voice. Together, they created stories that flowed like refreshing springs; they laughed at how they described their characters. He called her an Ice Queen, but her heart became like melted wax, and she said it was him, her prince, who melted her heart! She never met anyone like him. He gently unwrapped her like a precious jewel, not sexually as some would instantly think; he desired to know the things she liked and what made her smile, like waiting for hours for a flock of geese to fly overhead, and sending her pictures; these are the things that caused her to stand in awe of the goodness of God, and made her happy, true love speaks to the soul.
Their laughter echoed throughout the mountain park when they sat on the car’s hood, watching the night sky. When he left, she would look up at the sky, wishing she was a star so she can see where he was. Eizabeth chuckled as she remembered their fearless and unstoppable young hearts, like skywalkers who somehow got lost in the universe. How she wished she could go back. However, by the grace of God, it was only a short time until they’d meet again. Like a solar eclipse, their hearts would cross paths again, giving one another spiritual nutrition. After the death of their son, he was far away and couldn’t be with her, but Elizabeth felt a loving embrace, as though he was reaching through the universe to touch her heart, and they grieved together. They both made decisions they regret. However, in her defense, she was young and didn’t feel she had any other options; it was to lose her first love in life or death. The latter was too great a loss for Elizabeth even to consider. She grieved him and let him go. Elizabeth set those thoughts aside and, with her head bowed, prayed:
“LORD, You are the creator of LOVE, in whom all You have created and manifested Your divine love and sent Your Only Begotten Son to save the world from their sins, through Him who never sinned. Your love is pure; it remains as pure and unblemished as purified gold. And now that our son is dead guide me with Your love toward the widow, orphan, and the needs of others. Your love is not like the world defines love, which is the lust of the flesh. Your Perfect Love casts out all fears and does not seek its desires; it seeks the desires of Your heart. You are faithful until the end. O LORD Of Hosts, don’t let the death of my son be in vain; be exalted LORD in and through my grief, Heavenly Father.”
Through her tears, she saw the shoes of her evil ex-husband, Javan, standing before her. When she looked up, his cruel face grinned at her. It wasn’t long before the death of her son that she had escaped the grip of his control.
“Why are you here?” she exclaimed, trying to hide her fear.’
“Your prayers couldn’t even save your son,” Javan said sarcastically with an evil grin,
“Why do you continue to pray when God doesn’t hear your prayers.”
“God hears my prayers; He saved my son years ago,” Elizabeth said, composing herself on her feet.
“You broke God’s laws and sinned by conceiving a child while unwed. Javan laughs out loud and says, “God took your son away from you! Who is going to protect you now that he is gone?”
Elizabeth smiled and said. ” God took him to heaven. Where he will fight against you and other demonic forces, he is like his father, a soldier here on earth; our son is a soldier for Christ in the heavenly places. Elizabeth, filled with the Spirit of God, spoke the word of God in Psalm 149, “Let the saints be joyful in glory; let them sing aloud on their beds. Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand, to execute vengeance on the nations, and punishments on the peoples; to bind their kings with chains, and nobles with fetter of iron to execute on them the written judgment-this honor have all His saints.”
The prayers of the saints bring justice and judgment. God’s mighty angels protected me from you. I prepared my children and grandchildren for the Kingdom of God while you were devouring everything; I saw that you were the son of the devil years ago, so I learned how to survive and keep my children safe from the likes of you!”
“Ha, Javan laughed out loud and said, “I am also saved, and God has protected and blessed me,”
“Your mouth confessed, Jesus, even the demons confess the LORD! Your heart is wicked, and like a coward, you hid beneath the umbrella of protection and blessings of my prayers. Like a glutton, you consumed the fruit of my labor. You are on your own now; the sword you used to try and destroy me will pierce your heart.” Elizabeth said while looking around for anyone to call for help.
Instantly, Javan morphed into the demon that resided in him, laughed aloud, and said, “Who will protect you here on Earth now that Ramon is dead!? I have full access to you after I ambushed him at his weakest moment, and I have isolated you. I turned everyone against you. Even your mother and daughters believed me when I convinced them you were insane! I know your secrets; they were a great tool to keep you isolated. I mastered your shame. I saw your heart’s longing, and your tears made me sick.”
Elizabeth boldly spoke, “Heaven and Earth are His, and He makes all things good for those who love and trust Him. You killed my son’s physical body; Jesus saved his soul. You were building a physical fortress that couldn’t hold anything; like a web, you entangled yourself. I was building my spiritual fortress with the help of the Holy Spirit.”
At that moment, Javan lifted his hand to strike her; darkness filled that place, and fear consumed Elizabeth; she was trembling and dropped to her knees and cried out to God,
“Who will fight for me? Who is going stand up and defend me in my hour of need? You gave me my son and raised him to defend me; now I have no one to shield me from this wicked man, Lord.”
Suddenly, she heard what sounded like an army of horses approaching her. She looked up and saw what looked like Mighty Warriors all around her. They came dressed in the armor of God. Elizabeth saw her son standing beside the Commander and Chief of the Lord’s Army, Jesus Christ. Elizabeth worshipped the Lord in Spirit and Truth. She saw two worlds collide: the spiritual and physical worlds as one and the Lord’s Heavenly Army, and then, in real-time, friends, family, and even strangers formed a wall of protection around her.
A strong wind stirred, and Javan saw the Mighty Warrior, Jesus. When Elizabeth stood up, she morphed into a warrior woman of God Almighty with a sword in hand, and Javan saw her son standing behind her like a mighty warrior with a shield and sword and fled in terror.
Elizabeth saw a door to another dimension open, and the tribe of warriors she remembered as a child came and fought for her in the spiritual realms. Without any doubt, God was always fighting the battles of His beloved, and with her hands lifted, she declared The Blood of YESHUA over her children, their children, their offspring, and every gift from heaven above, as well as the blessing given to me, to God alone be the praise and glory!