We talk a lot in society and in the church these days about being safe, safer spaces, safer recruitment, safeguarding. Being safe is something that we all crave, and while many of us might say that we are safe I wonder what being safe means for you? Maybe that is a physical sense, or it could be about feeling safe within yourself at where you are in life right now, it could also be linked to the passage we have just read that spiritual inner journey of safety, why not ponder on that?
But as we do, i’m also very much aware of the places and situations where the idea of being safe is not a reality at all. And in recent months the situations around the world are more precarious than they have been in a long time. And so I wonder what situations in the world are troubling you? I think it’s also important to highlight other issues today that we don’t really talk very much about in the church issues related to domestic abuse and violence against women.
As we continue to move through advent the idea of being safe reminds me of these short words from Matthew 1:22-23
“All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”)”.
God with us… i wonder what that means to you today, i wonder what that means in the midst of all that is going on in the world or within some of the personal situations we have reflected on?
Photo Challenge: Take a picture of something inspired by the word Safe. Use the hashtag #woryem
Safe
Safe in the midst of external realities
Safe in the midst of internal anguish
Safe
There is a place to be safe, inwardly? outwardly?
Stop for a moment
Where is that today?
We are a community of faith.
Strandlopers on a journey.
There is rest in this season of advent
By God’s grace we go.
Amen
Image by Evan Cornman from Pixabay
Rob Wylie is the founder of BeachcomberFX and guides its leadership team. He has worked in the North East for over 20 years and has vast experience from various roles he has held. He has a passion for Fresh Expressions of Church and Pioneer Ministry as well as beer, beaches and Miniature Schnauzers.
