I used to be a minimalist. If I used a handbag at all it would be the smallest I could fit my possessions into. Not anymore! These days we need protective equipment wherever we go.

I had a lovely present arrive in the post a few weeks ago; a dear old friend sent me a new bag, a cross between a tiny rucksack and a lightweight handbag. Now I can fit in my hand sanitiser, gloves, face mask and a random twig (for pressing pedestrian crossing buttons) along with the more usual possessions of a bag.

With all this for protecting the body it reminded me that we also need to protect the soul in these distressing times. What finer verses can we find than Ephesians 6:10-18 “The whole armour of God” but especially we need to remind ourselves of verse 18 “…be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people”. Enid