Feeling Safe in a Cruel-Crazy Beautiful World

Jesus found ways to help those around him feel safe while simultaneously confronting them, or teaching them, or asking them to take risks with him. They knew that he loved them. They knew that he would not leave them. And, they knew the grace and forgiveness he breathed. Ultimately, they trusted him and He believed in them.

It has been said that feeling safe is key to being able to be the best you possible. I think safety is important to be able to express one self. Unconditional love, acceptance and the knowing that the world will not come tumbling down if you mess up-these thoughts and actions create a place of safety. It is what I seek and strive for in the place I call home.

So, how do we cultivate a welcoming, loving, safe space at home (our inner sanctum)?

• The first thing I realize is that we need to listen to each other, so we each feel heard. Feeling heard is key to feeling safe.
• I suppose another thing is for us to recognize that no one is perfect.
• If we expect those around us to change for us, on some level we are not appreciating who they are.
• Yet there may be some need to alter our actions a bit to accommodate and respect one another.

I gather the recipe for a safe harbor is a delicate balance of these things and more.

There is a great song called, Cruel- Crazy Beautiful World (lyrics below):
Johnny Clegg (I think this was intended to be sung to a child)

You have to wash with the crocodile in the river
You have to swim with the sharks in the sea
You have to live with the crooked politician
Trust those things that you can never see
Ayeye ayeye jesse mfana (jesse boy) ayeye ayeye

Chorus:It's a cruel crazy beautiful world
Every time you wake up I hope it's under a blue sky
It's a cruel crazy beautiful world
One day when you wake up I will have to say goodbye
Goodbye -- It's your world so live in it!

Beyond the door, strange cruel beautiful years lie waiting for you
It kills me to know you won't escape loneliness,
Maybe you lose hope too
Ayeye ayeye jesse mfana ayeye ayeye

Chorus: When I feel your small body close to mine
I feel weak and strong at the same time
So few years to give you wings to fly
Show you the stars to guide your ship by

Chorus: It's your world so live in it!

If we truly live in this world we need to try

swimming with sharks in the sea.

Trusting things we cannot see.

Take risks each day.

Yet we long for a safe place.

A place to let our hair down, be who we are

And, be loved-even though.

~Even though and maybe even because of who we are.