If we abandon and neglect these shields of armor we become weaker and ultimately defenseless. Life is a battle that in many cases is not fair, but we fight on. The enemy is the feeling of being alone. You are not alone. We are all soldiers of one kind or another, choosing sides as we go along.
Alienation eventually leads to anger, withdrawal, depression and defeat.
We fight together on many grounds, a human army searching for answers. If we are truly God's Children, there is meaning to these battles of life we fight. Much to overcome, much to rise above. How we get there is up to us. Free will prevails.