Teresa Odden

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War Monuments Dream - Part Two

I woke up suddenly in the night on June 23 with the need to read my 2016  War Monuments Dream, which includes statues and memorials dating back to the Civil War. This was originally posted to the blog on November 30, 2017. This dream has been a reminder to pray for my nation and those living in darkness who need Christ as their Savior.

After the death of George Floyd and in protest against the treatment of African Americans and other minorities, a new wave of tearing down of statues began. God was waking me up and reminding me to not lose sight of this dream. I’m not saying I’m a prophet, but I know what God’s voice sounds like and what this dreamt meant in 2016 continues to unfold today. 

My prayer at 2:38 in the morning was, “Lord, what do you want me to do with this dream?” “What’s the point of bringing this up and highlighting it again in this polarized culture?”

This God-dream, like many others, reveals how good and glorious the love of God is. I believe the Lord is having us revisit this because of the message it conveyed in 2016 and what remains the focus now and forever; the forgiveness and salvation of man. “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” I Peter 3:9

War Monuments Dreams July 2016

It was dark outside. I was walking around a war memorial of monuments and tombstones. The grass was overgrown, covering the inscriptions on the flat tombstones. I came upon an extremely large statue of a man sitting on a horse, dressed in full military uniform. The time frame appeared to be a man from the Civil War. I took a particular interest in the horse and helmet.

I glanced to my right and saw another gravestone hidden in the grass. I kicked the grass out of the way and said, “These are so old I can barely read the inscriptions. I wonder who they were and what they did?” I continued to make my way around the tombstones, pushing the grass aside, trying to determine how long these individuals had been dead. When I came to the last one, I commented that it must be as old as Civil War days, possibly WWI.”  

As soon as I finished saying “WWI,” I saw an invisible circle, a globe of the world, hanging in the air amidst the black sky like the stars hang in the atmosphere.

Hundreds of pieces of cut mirrors and crystals were suspended, one-by-one in the middle of the globe. The mirrors were black as night but still distinguishable. The crystals also hung one-by-one and shone as bright as the stars. My first impression was how much I dislike modern art (which is true). I stared at this invisible globe that hung on its own and questioned how this could relate to the monuments as they would date back to the Civil War. Instantly I understood the significance of what I was seeing. The mirrors and crystals represent two groups of people in the world: those who are saved (represented by the crystals) and those who are spiritually dead/lost (dark mirrors). 

End of dream

I have extracted sections from the post and inserted an update in [italics] of what God was sharing with me in the midnight hour. Friends, whatever God has called you to, ensuring it aligns with his Word, do not grow weary during these uncertain times. Galatians 6:9

Excerpt from War Monuments Dream:

There are two distinct interpretations to take away from this dream. There is the literal, prophetic word that came to pass thirteen months after this dream when Americans began destroying statues that were originally erected to remember the lives of those who fought in the Civil War. The other takeaway is spiritually symbolic; to recognize how God views the past and our present hope through the physical bodies (buried/dead) and the spiritual bodies (souls/spirit). 

[It is now 2020 and there is division and discord in America. Discord is from the enemy. Evil protestors and those causing destruction are from those living in sin and darkness, represented by the mirrors and those who are redeemed living in righteousness in seeking justice are represented by the crystals.] 

Interpretation:

War memorials tend to honor those who have served in battle. The old military statue represents the past and captures a moment in time that is meant to never be forgotten. [Several statues and images that were erected decades ago to honor soldiers, many controversial historical figures, have been illegally torn down or defaced from the west to east coast by protesters against the treatment of African-Americans and other minorities. This dream setting was at night. Most of the violence has been at sundown. This primarily represents what is taking place is shrouded in darkness; both physically and spiritually.]

The overall theme of the dream represents the battle for the souls of man. I was unable to determine who these unknown soldiers were. The eroded tombstones reveal that I cannot judge the living and the dead. I don’t know what they lived and died for. I don’t know if they sought redemption in Jesus Christ or died in their sins. Only God knows, and God will judge accordingly. [Sadly, a person’s legacy tends to be tied to their sins. Thankfully, God extends mercy and grace to all. Like the two thieves who hung on the cross next to Christ, some of those individuals from centuries ago may have asked for forgiveness of their sins at the end of their lives, some may not have. “All men have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory.” Romans 3:23] 

[I don’t want people to define my family by their sins. I hope I’m not remembered for my sins, but by what God did for me and what I did for the gospel. I also don’t want to forget where God brought me from.]

[God is the judge. We don’t have to be, nor should we be.]

[When the dream began to be fulfilled in 2017, the statues of Robert E. Lee were being torn down. Since May 2020 the number of Civil War statues being torn down increased. In my dream there was a brief mention of WWII. Nothing surprises God and four years after the dream, in the midst of the chaos, a few WWII statues were defaced.]

“Tell all the nations, “The Lord reigns!”  The world stands firm and cannot be shaken. He will judge all peoples fairly.” Psalm 96:10

People forget the good and people forget God. [Whatever the cause, do not forget God. Remember to lift up the name of Jesus more than any other name or cause. “ In offering this service you prove to these people that you glorify God by actually doing what your acknowledgment of the Good News of the Messiah requires, namely, sharing generously with them and with everyone.” 2 Corinthians 9:13 CJB]

Ephesians 6:10-18 [All evil is derived from the enemy and our nation is in a spiritual battle with demonic forces. “For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12]

The modern, invisible circle/globe depicts the present day. The crystals are those who reflect the image of God’s light; the saved, the redeemed. The mirrors represent the dark, lost souls of man and that the world is shrouded in darkness and sin. But, even in darkness, God’s light shines bright (brilliant crystals). Psalm 139:11-12 [Don’t fear or lose hope because of the evil you see in the world. “Wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.” Lamentations 3:26] 

Looking at this as modern-day art the battle is not just a reflection on the sins of the past, but the present. Many died in sin, and many are dying in sin today. The focus should always be on those still living in sin and darkness. [Which one am I? Does my life, voice, actions reflect Christ?]

[I feel like the globe suspended in the air in the night also represents how believers are not doing enough to let their light shine for Jesus. John 17:16-17]

When it comes to our own spiritual well-being it doesn’t matter what our forefathers did. It’s about the now. We must make our own decision today. Do we choose to live and die in our sins? Or, do we choose forgiveness, redemption, and to live firmly grounded in the Word of God, the hope of everlasting life? 

Sometimes people say, ‘Here is something new!’ But actually it is old; nothing is ever truly new.  We don’t remember what happened in the past, and in future generations, no one will remember what we are doing now.” Ecclesiastes 1:9-11 NLT 

[God asked the Israelites to erect memorials so they would not forget what He had done for them. “Don’t let the excitement of youth cause you to forget your Creator…” Ecclesiastes 12:1 The structures were meant to help His people keep their focus on Him.]

[Pray our nation does not remain shrouded in darkness. I’m hearing repeatedly things such as, “we’re in a revolution,” “be prepared for a civil war.” The Ninja & Flags Dream from 2016 depicts how the “revolution” would occur. These dreams are one.]

REFLECTION:

Spend time reflecting on the promise of the resurrection in I Corinthians 15. 

  • All who belong to Christ will be raised when he comes back. [It will be a great day if that includes those we know only because of a statue or a tombstone we’ve walked pass. Perhaps before they took their last breath they asked Jesus Christ to forgive them of their sins. “Just as everyone dies because we all belong to Adam, everyone who belongs to Christ will be given new life. But there is an order to this resurrection: Christ was raised as the first of the harvest; then all who belong to Christ will be raised when he comes back.” I Corinthians 15:22-23]

  • Beth Moore asks an important question of us. “What is God going to prioritize when you see him face-to-face?” May all we do be to “bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen.” 2 Timothy 2:10

  • What does God see in my heart and is he pleased? “Keep vigilant watch over your heart; that’s where life starts. Don’t talk out of both sides of your mouth; avoid careless banter, white lies, and gossip. Keep your eyes straight ahead; ignore all sideshow distractions. Watch your step, and the road will stretch out smooth before you. Look neither right nor left; leave evil in the dust.” Proverbs 4:23 MSG

  • What is your role and purpose in the kingdom of God?

Photo by sue hughes on Unsplash, George Washington


Post November 30, 2017