Not sure how many people have heard the saying “I got your six” I found this great explanation on Dave Ramsey’s blog.
In the military, they use a clock to inform position. Twelve o’clock is straight above you. Six o’clock is straight behind you and sets up the best strike zone. WWI pilots were the first to say, “I got your six,” meaning they’ve got you covered so the enemy can’t come up behind your back and kill you.
“I got your six” means “I got your back.”It declares a story of loyalty . . . I’m loyal to you. I’ve got you covered. You’re safe from enemies stabbing you in the back if I’m around.
As a servicemember, it is a given you will hear this but as a survivor, I never imagined hearing it. But I actually just heard it for the first time and it felt so AMAZING.
At church, I am on the contribution committee. Basically, after the contribution has been collected we count up the money. Usually, there are 4 people. 2 to count the money. 1 to log all the information and one to look over the shoulders to ensure it is being done correctly.
This process can be overwhelming for me. Not that I am doing something deceitful. Just as a survivor it is hard when someone is watching my every move. But I try to push through it and just do the task.
There is usually me, another sister and 2 brothers that are on this committee. . Well, the other sister was out of town today so there was another brother in her place.
It took me a moment to realize I was the only female in a room of brothers. I kept repeating in my head “You are safe. You will not be harmed.” But even the repeating in my head was not helping.
I miscounted the money. I calculated it incorrectly. I had to refill out the form 4 times. And even the fourth time I left a few things blank. I kept on wanting to leave. But I knew I had to stay until everything was counted and correct.
And when the brother overseeing it gave the thumbs up I jetted out of that room.
I got to the bathroom and broke down in a whale cry. I got all that junk out, washed my face and headed back out to the sanctuary.
After leaving the bathroom there was a sister that I stopped to talk to for a minute and explained to her what was going on. She was so loving and compassionate. And of course I cried but I got myself together.
I then went back to my seat to gather my stuff. And there stood one of the brothers that are on the contribution committee with me. He asked me if I was okay. I have been building a friendship with him. But I had no intention of letting him know this part of my life so early in our friendship. But I also felt this was a great opportunity to let him know about it.
So I started the conversation “I am about to tell you something about my life” I then explained to him that I had been gang-raped in the army and when I was in the room counting money I started having a panic attack. I was so scared of telling him this. But like I said I felt i needed to let him know what happened.
He did not say anything. But he opened up his arms and gave me a comforting hug. He then said, “Don’t worry I got your back” I really did not think much about that statement at the moment. But I did reflect on it later. Those four words speak volumes. He’s got my back and he will make sure I am okay and safe. He did not specifically say “I got your 6” BUt I knew that is what he meant
As a survivor, I have not heard someone say those words specifically. Those words affirmed so much at the moment. So I encourage anyone that might encounter a survivor. Give a hug. Validate how they are feeling. But most importantly in your own way make sure to let them know “I got your six”
