Stress.
Worry.
Dread.
Senseless violence.
Trauma and re-traumatization.
Repeat offenders freed to kill.
Assassins taking aim.
A justice system more corrupt than fair.
Bystanders participating by actively doing nothing.
Racism weaponized to defend offenders and silence victims.
Mental health struggles exploited to advance questionable agendas.
Body mutilation and brainwashing in the name of gender identity.
Dark web and deepfakes.
Scams and scammers.
Soaring costs; stagnant paychecks.
Feeling trapped.
Feeling isolated.
Loss of authentic community.
More cynics, less encouragers.
Lies and lawlessness.
Indifference… a most dangerous coping mechanism.
Fear… a horrible decision maker.
We act blindsided to abuse in homes, schools, churches, etc.
Yet, we have willingly closed our eyes to debauchery and then have the gall to appear shocked by its outcome.
We have watched this monster grow, feeding it with tolerance.
Now, we blame the monster.
Who can cry foul when few have stood against that which tries to destroy us?
Most remain in their comfort zone until chaos comes knocking on their door.
Rap. Rap. Tap. Tap. Bang. Bang.
Only then do we adjust our eyes to reality, look around, and ask, “Where are the safe places?”
Division, distress, and disorder are weapons of mass destruction.
Many have been losing ground in a war they have yet to realize they’re in.
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12).
The pounding upon the door isn’t going away.
Satan wants to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10).
Devils are on the battlefield — where are you?
It’s time to stand in faith, shoulder to shoulder, not in how we are different, but in how Christ died for us all (Romans 5:8).
We must give attention and intention to “whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable…” (Philippians 4:8).
May your voice be a roaring light that quells the darkest shadows that attempt to distort truth, love, grace, and mercy.
And may we each put on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18) and “live a life of love, just as Christ loved us” (Ephesians 5:2) and “serve one another in love” (Galatians 5:13).
We should not see ourselves as weak, but rather as soldiers engaged in a battle, confident that God has already won the war, because He has.
No longer can Believers remain passive.
Where are the safe places, you ask?
Create them. Protect them. Be them. And then… invite others.
Live your faith with such boldness and authenticity that it inspires others to seek a deeper relationship with Christ, empowering them to forge meaningful connections in His name.
Where are the safe places, Believers?
Look to God, suit up, then look in the mirror.
This column was initially published by CherryRoad Media. For more inspirational articles, follow ©Tiffany Kaye Chartier.