Put them on. Next, we're told to take up our shield of faith. It's appropriate that the metaphor for faith is a shield. Unlike the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness and shoes we choose to wear as we proclaim the gospel of peace, our shield of faith is not strapped securely to us. It's entirely possible that we can lose our shield.
Many soldiers lose their shields as they fight against attackers.
The attacks upon GLBT Christians are sometimes so fierce, so powerful, so decimating, that we often lose our shields. In fact, it's usually the first thing to go. When the attacks get strong, our faith can become weak. We can lose our faith. Our shield will not be lost when we rest, with absolute dependence, in God and God's unconditional and undying love for us.