I’m not crazy about this new “goodbye “. It seemed to emerge into the vocabulary in the early days of Covid, when people began to fearfully come out of their houses to venture into this new and dangerous world.

Pete Buttigieg, our esteemed transportation czar, spoke recently about his goal for transportation in the U.S.; no deaths. Admirable goal, right?

Is it, though?

Since when did we begin to measure our lives upon the idea of being safe?

Staying safe seems to mean hiding away from anything that might harm you.

Viruses we can’t see.

Or block with cloth masks.

Accidents on the roads.

Accidents in the air.

Accidents with ladders.

Attacks of red wasps.

Knife cuts.

Twisted ankles.

Broken bones….

Make your own list.

The problem with being safe is living in fear of pain.

Or fear of anything.

Life comes at you from all sides, in all ways, and it comes at you quickly.

You don’t usually see it coming.

Sometimes it will knock you down, take away your happiness, cause grief, sorrow, and pain.

Sometimes, it will force you to look beyond yourself to find some kind of meaning, some sort of answer to the question, “Why do these things happen to me?”

Sometimes, your eyes can be opened to a world of challenge and hope, and in the process of walking through this scary, scary world, being guided by the One who designed your inmost parts and made plans for your future, for your purpose, you will find joy.

Sorry, Pete, I’m not interested in your type of safe life.

I will not be afraid.

“BE BRAVE OUT THERE!”

“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you;

I will help you;

I will hold on to you with My righteous right hand.”

Isaiah 41:10