I passed a sign today that read, “Somebody told me that this is the place where everything’s better and everything’s safe.”  I recognized it as soon as I saw it; one just like it hung over the door in Karen’s Café on One Tree Hill.  As a long-time fan of the old show, there’s a part of me that really wanted to have it!  However, in the spirit of not wanting to be labeled Crazy Lady, I moved on.

I like to feel safe.  Maybe it’s because there’s a moment in my life that I will never forget when I was keenly aware of just how unsafe I was and I never want to feel that way again.  I was constantly reminded of that quote today as images of unsafe moments in my life flashed in my mind.  I also quickly thought of my Mars Hill Mom’s home.  She epitomizes this like no one else I’ve ever known.

I then quickly wondered whether or not I’m a safe person.  Meaning, when people are around me, do they feel like everything’ better and everything’s safe?  Or do I make people nervous and unsure if they can be themselves, say anything and know it’s not going anywhere beyond our conversation?  When someone shares a secret with me, do they feel the need to tell me it’s a secret or can they safely assume that everything they ever tell me is treated like a secret, not getting repeated to anyone else?  Do I try to fix people or do I genuinely listen, knowing they’re capable of learning something on their own and probably weren’t looking for advice anyway?  Do I listen with a judgmental ear or do people find grace and unconditional love when we talk? 

I think we’ve all been scarred by moments of sharing our hearts with unsafe people.  I know I have!  I have spilt my heart in times of feeling incredibly vulnerable, only to discover that it has been shared by the listener with someone else.  I have learned that’s not the way it’s supposed to work and I don’t want to be like that!  I want to be the kind of person where, when we’re together, everything’s better and everything’s safe because you have found that I extend only the same grace the Jesus offers.

What about you?  Are you a safe person?

 “And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.” (Luke 6:31)