Safe and Secure

These 2 words probably invoke many thoughts for all of us, especially in this current/recent world situation. On a couple of recent rides I thought about this quite a bit. What makes us feel safe and secure? The answer to that I’m sure is different for everyone based on your past, your physical and mental health, your age, your personal circumstances, what it is you’re doing at the time, your beliefs and a host of other factors. There’s no simple answer that fits everyone.

As I started out on one ride I was soon surprised by a large snake that was slithering it’s way out onto the road. It’s head was raised up and as soon as it realized I was coming it quickly retreated to the tall grass on the side of the road. To the snake the grass was it’s safe secure place. I’ve seen several turtles of all sizes, including a very large one that appeared to stand about 6 inches or so off the ground, all attempting to cross the road headed for what they hoped would be safe places as well I’m sure. Most of them made it but I’ve seen a few of each that sadly did not.

I started writing this about 3 weeks ago and as I get back to it now it’s interesting to me that the title is even more appropriate today than it was then. I haven’t been able to ride as often as I’d like thanks to the monsoon spring rain we’ve been having, but the times I have been able to ride I’ve ridden for much longer each time than normally and it’s truly been freeing, soothing, enlightening and relaxing. On each of these long rides I truly felt like I was “one” with the bike and that’s not always the case. Some days things can feel a little “off” and other days it’s absolutely amazing.

On my ride last week there were 2 instances where as I approached a stop sign on the country roads I was on there was a bit of hesitation coming up to the stop. At the first one there was a car just sitting there not pulling out even though no traffic was coming. I assumed maybe the driver was using their phone and then when they realized I was behind them waiting to go, they turned and went on their way. The 2nd time was a little bit unnerving, actually more so once I got home and told my hubby about it and he told me about some things he’d read about that were similar and didn’t turn out as well. As I approached the end of this particular road, there was a van not just parked at the stop sign, but it was blocking the entire lane. I figured probably he was coming down the other road and pulled off there maybe to check directions or something. He eventually pulled out slowly and I opted to go the opposite way and watched in my rear view mirror to be sure the van kept going the opposite way which it did.

I ride with protection but certainly hope it’s not something I ever need to use. I always pray before I leave my driveway and His protection for my ride is always a big part of that prayer. He has certainly been with me, I have no doubt, based on the number of miles I’ve ridden and the amount of protection I’ve had in circumstances that could have turned out differently. The bike I now ride has just over 32,000 miles on it which means I’ve put 27,000 on it as well as the miles I put on my previous 2 bikes. I’ve been blessed and safely watched over for sure, and will not allow the occasional “what ifs” to deter me.

These recent longer rides of 2 1/2-3 hours have lead to me seeing beautiful scenery and discovering new roads, often not planned, due to road construction and/or flooding that has occured. In light of the most recent evil sweeping across this nation, it was very refreshing while riding this weekend to see ALL bikers still doing the wave, regradless of race. There are way more good people out there than bad, unfortunately the media prefers to report on and it seems in many cases even encourage the ugliness by feeding into and sensationalizing it.

There is a man who is walking across this great nation with an 11 foot cross he made. This is his 2nd trip across the country, but this time I’m sure is very different. My granddaughters and I saw him as he walked through our little town and he made an impression on my 3 year old granddaughter. The next time I picked her up, a week later, she asked if we could go find “the man with the cross.” He was 71 when he started this trip in March and he expects it will take him 18 months to complete. He actually turned 72 a couple of weeks ago and some of his followers threw him a party along the way. Many who are following him on the FB page set up for him have mentioned their concern for his safety, his response is not to worry just pray for him. I’ve listened to his testimony several times and it really got me thinking on my recent rides.

This man has a past like many that he’s not proud of and that caused him to serve 6 years in prison. He could have given up, been angry with God, refused to change, but he didn’t. He chose instead to listen to God and dedicate his life to serving God, even if it may cost him his life, in his own words. Instead of asking what God has done for him, he asks what he can do for God. He’s not letting COVID or the crazy times we’re in stop him from spreading the Word or hindering his mission in order to build a warehouse that will supply food and emergency items to those in need. So many times I’ve seen videos and read articles about those who feel like God has deserted them and not done anything for them. My view is if we’re still living it’s because God’s not through with us yet and the question should instead be us asking Him “what do you want me to do for you?” Why should he do anything for us if we’re not willing to do things for Him or even ourselves? Security for me is about knowing He’s there for me no matter what. I fail Him daily, yet He’s still watching over me, directing and correcting me along the way, and most of all loving me no matter what.

I have seen so much beauty in the miles I’ve ridden and experienced conversations with Him that I don’t believe I’d have had without those rides. The rushing waters from the recent flooding, the beautiful flowers and shrubs coming to life, the leaves in the fall as they turn colors, along with all of the wildlife I’ve seen are memories I’ll cherish always. Never in a million years would I have believed I would be riding my own bike and feeling such peace and tranquility doing it, that’s God my friends. There is no other explanation. If you’re not in a place where you’re feeling safe and secure I strongly encourage you to truly turn to Him, in every aspect of your life, and just see what can happen.

The world, our nation, and each and every one of us needs Him if we’re ever to be truly safe. Safety and security comes through an inner peace that only He can give. If your heart is not at peace, your mind can’t be either. Inner peace can provide what nothing else can, security in knowing who holds the future and that even when chaos is all around us, He is right there as well.

John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

John 16:33
These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.

Isaiah 40:31
But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.

Isaiah 41:10
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.

Isaiah 44:6
Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel, And his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts: ‘I am the First and I am the Last; Besides Me there is no God.

Phillipians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Proverbs 3:5-6