"Feeling Safe"

 

“Feeling Safe”

 

Early this past summer I saw a news story about a bride who withdrew an uncle’s invitation to her marriage ceremony because he had different political views from hers and she said (using her own words), “I don’t feel safe!” She then was offended when he didn’t send a generous monetary gift as was his practice when he attended family weddings. An advice columnist responded to her that her uncle was under no obligation to send a gift once he was excluded and told the bride to “Get over it!” This serves as a prime example of the “culture of entitlement” in which we’re now living.

“I don’t feel safe” seems to have become culturespeak for “I don’t want to talk about it!” Rather than backing off sometimes our response might be, “Why don’t you feel safe talking about ___?” “I just don’t!” is a common response. I can think of some reasons one might want to avoid a given topic: a reluctance to hear a viewpoint different from one’s own, resistance to changing one’s mind, fear of being challenged or they’re simply repeating what they’ve heard rather than investigating the source or facts. Solomon may have had such thoughts in mind when he wrote, “A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions.” (Proverbs 18:2).

The late news commentator Paul Harvey published many anecdotes under the theme “The Rest of the Story”. (See the early posting, “Never Too Late”, for my attempt at this technique.) Again we turn to Solomon’s counsel: “The first to present his case seems right, till another comes forward and questions him.” (Proverbs 18:17). The “rest of the story” can make a big difference—don’t overlook it!

There are circumstances in our lives in which we may not feel safe or secure. How do we handle these times of stress and uncertainty? Again let’s listen to Solomon: “Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but to trust the Lord means safety.” (Proverbs 29:25, NLT). If our thinking is grounded in our faith as found in the truth of God’s Word He has our back. In the words of a yesteryear chorus, “Safe am I in the hollow of His hand.” What better place could I be?

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan