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A few years ago I visited Scotland and while I was there I was enlightened as to the versatility of the traditional Scottish kilt.
The traditional kilt was more like a wrap-around and, as such, had many benefits especially if a Scots warrior wanted to venture off into the Highlands for a period of time.
In fact they were ahead of their time as it was like a modern day all-in-one-travel kit.
Because it was wrap-around and made of warm good quality material it was perfect for doubling up as a sleeping bag in the shelter of the woods.
Should the Scotsman encounter a shallow river crossing or have to traverse wet land all he had to do was to raise his kilt to keep it dry.
A Sporran (pouch) was attached to kilt – this was traditionally used for storing food – e.g. perfect for keeping porridge dry from the elements.
Sgian-dubh – A single edge knife usually worn inside the sock and used to help with eating, cutting material and for protection.
As you can see, the kilt provided all of the requirements for physical survival, heat, food and protection – what more could a man want.
To this effect in the spectrum of spiritual protection I use the symbol of ‘ The Cloak’.
Over the last four weeks I wrote about four aspects of spiritual survival – they were Faith, Hope, Charity and Courage.
What you might notice is that all of these aspects are abstract (intangible – you can’t see, hear, taste, touch, or smell them).
So therefore the cloak that I am referring to is symbolic and intangible in nature but yet it envelopes all of the above attributes.
Faith – Putting our whole lives in the hands of Jesus Christ and following His message of — I Am (is) The Way
Hope – Knowing that if we follow that message that it will deliver reward both in this world and in the next
Charity – Respecting that every other Human Being and life-form should be treated with equality and respect. This includes respect for our planet and environment.
Courage – The willingness to defend all of the above both in word and in deed irrespective of what obstacles one might face.
So when we wear ‘The Cloak’ with honour and dignity we protect our spiritual survival in the same way as the Scotsman wore his kilt with honour and dignity to ensure his physical survival.
Next week I am going to write about – A chance encounter.
