This is an experience had by Sister Rosanne Champine.

It was 1999. We were approaching the new millennium, and there was much speculation about what might happen. Some felt that the year 2000 would usher in tremendous change. Others prepared as if the world would come to an end.

But especially significant that year was the tragedy at Columbine High School.  Two high school teens opened fire on their teachers and classmates in an awful planned massacre.  As the mother of two young children, the images and reports were extremely disturbing. To my knowledge, nothing like this had ever happened before, and I have to admit, I was shaken.

Late that night, I was watching an interview of a parent from the high school.  She was explaining that she and her husband had specifically chosen to raise their family in this community. She extolled its virtues, its schools, the quality of life, and the sense of security it provided. At the end of the interview, she asked in utter desperation, “If something this terrible can happen in a place like this, where in the world can we tell our children they can be safe?”

Immediately, the Spirit spoke to me and said, “SAFE ISN’T A PLACE.”

My fear was replaced with God’s peace. By the next day, the Lord had given me a song:

SAFE 

We’re living in uncertain days,
With cries through the land about what might be.
Some scoff at the warnings quite foolishly.
Just, “Eat, drink, be merry,” they say.

And others are driven by fear.
They plan in their panic,
They stock and store—
Put bars on their windows and chains on their doors.
But can you ever do enough to be safe?

SAFE isn’t a place; it isn’t a town that you can live in.
SAFE isn’t how strong or how smart you might be.
SAFE is knowing the Lord,
And knowing you’re living a life that will please Him.
I’m held safe in God’s arms,
And that’s good enough for me.

With wars and rumors of wars,
Worry and conflict are in the air.
Even the children cry out in despair.
Asking, “Where in the world is it safe?”

But SAFE isn’t a place; it isn’t a town that you can live in.
SAFE isn’t how strong or how smart you might be.
SAFE is knowing the Lord,
And knowing you’re living a life that will please Him.
I’m held safe in God’s arms,
And that’s good enough for me.

It isn’t about being in control.
But it’s placing your trust in the One who is!

SAFE is knowing the Lord,
And knowing you’re living a life that will please Him.
I’m held safe in God’s arms,
And that’s good enough for me.
THAT’S GOOD ENOUGH FOR ME.

I’m so thankful for the understanding that no matter the storm, I serve a living God and He will be my refuge.

This is His promise.

This is what we can teach our children.

May God bless all those who are suffering, and may He bless us as we strive to bring HIS peace and hope to the world.

“Safe” words and music copyright 2000 by Rosanne J. Champine.