The Breastplate

“Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”
— Ephesians 6:13

Three rivets across the chest. Faith. Family. Duty.

Paul wrote this while he was a prisoner, guarded by Roman soldiers. When he needed an image for what a man puts on before he goes out, he described what was standing in front of him — the belt, the segmented plate riveted at the shoulders, the shield soaked in water so fire arrows would not take.

Then he says what it is for. Not to charge. Not to win. Four times in six verses he uses the same word.

Stand.

That is most of it, for most men. You are not asked to conquer anything. You are asked to still be standing at the end of the day, in front of the people who are counting on you, having done all you could.

Cross cut into the face. Riveted at the shoulders. Hammered and worn as though it has already been used, because that is the only kind worth having.

Made to be stood behind.

Specifications

• Solid .999 fine silver, hand poured
• 34mm tall × 23mm wide
• Hand-oxidized recesses, polished high points
• 4mm black braided leather cord, 22", gunmetal magnetic barrel clasp
• Signed Certificate of Authenticity
• Poured and finished in Northfield, Vermont

Worn for a lifetime. Passed to the next.