Photo and Commentary ©2025 by Darren Milam
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
On a recent walk down our driveway, I came across this terrestrial gastropod mollusk, commonly known as a Slug. When I showed the image to my four-year old grandson he said, “Oh, a snail!” I can see where he came to this conclusion, given that my framing of the image, didn’t include the rest of the slug, which would have made clear that this guy didn’t have a shell.
In fact, that’s basically the difference between a slug and a snail — that all-important protective exterior shell. When slugs come across danger, they typically recoil into themselves but still are very vulnerable. In contrast, snails sense danger or harm in close proximity, they “retreat” into their cozy home, providing at least some level of outer armor.
When I apply the same concept to my own life, if given the choice, I would choose having a shell vs. no protection at all. Are we all in agreement? We’d much rather have cover when facing any type of danger. So, what’s our outer shell that we can rely on?
In Isaiah 41:10, I believe we get a glimpse of said protective shell,
“Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
How about that? Fear not? What a promise. We don’t have to be afraid, living on this spinning sinful world. How is that possible? We are surrounded with dangers and possible harm, on a daily basis. Yet, we are not to fear. God is our protective outer shell. When we face the evils of our world, we can feel calm, as God (literally) has our back.