He Is Not Safe, But He's Good

He Is Not Safe, But He's Good

Understanding God's wild and reckless love.
Grace Jicha
Grace Jicha Nov 21, 2017
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I remember picking up C.S. Lewis’s "The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe" as a mandatory school reading assignment in fifth grade. The story follows the adventures of four children who discover an Enchanted world called Narnia. What I’ve learned since that fifth grade summer reading assignment is the complexity of the story and brilliance of C.S. Lewis in his writing.

The novel in its entirety is an allegory alluding to Christ and redemption; the lion, Aslan, symbolizing Christ and the White Witch symbolizing the devil. Aslan rules as the King of Narnia and embodies the essence of love, justice and mercy. His actions reflect the ultimate sacrifice Christ made for us on the cross and the love he shows us daily.

One of the most impactful passages of the story occurs during a conversation between the youngest child, Lucy, and Mr. Beaver.

“‘Aslan is a lion- the Lion, the great Lion.’

‘Ooh’ said Susan. ‘I'd thought he was a man. Is he quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion...’

‘Safe?’ said Mr Beaver … ’Who said anything about safe? 'Course he isn't safe. But he's good. He's the King, I tell you.’

He is not safe, but He’s good. This resonates in my heart as it illustrates that God’s love is not safe, but we can trust Him because we know that He is good.

Christ’s love is wild and reckless. It is overflowing, enduring and never ending. But why is it that we characterize God’s love as reckless?

During Jesus’s time on earth, he pursues those who reject Him, loves those who hate Him and serves those who never acknowledge Him. This love seems confusing and irrational, why would Jesus chase someone who does not want to be chased? His love is reckless in that he acts so selflessly. He doesn’t care if he gets hurt in the process.

We are called to love like Christ loves us, with reckless abandon not caring about the consequences or the aftermath. We are called to walk on treacherous ground in His love knowing He will never let us fall. He works for the good of those who love Him.

His love is not safe but He is always good.

Cover Image Credit: Grace Jicha Photography
Grace Jicha
Grace Jicha Nov 21, 2017
At Millennials of New Jersey

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17 Empowering Bible Verses For Women

You go, girl.
Julia Waterbury
Julia Waterbury May 22, 2017
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We all have those days where we let the negative thoughts that we're "not good enough," "not pretty enough" or "not smart enough" invade our minds. It's easy to lose hope in these situations and to feel like it would be easier to just give up. However, the Bible reminds us that these things that we tell ourselves are not true and it gives us the affirmations that we need. Let these verses give you the power and motivation that you're lacking.

1. Proverbs 31:25

"She is clothed with strength and dignity and she laughs without fear of the future."

2. Psalm 46:5

"God is within her, she will not fall."

3. Luke 1:45

"Blessed is she who believed that the Lord would fulfill His promises to her."

4. Proverbs 31:17

"She is energetic and strong, a hard worker."

5. Psalm 28:7

"The Lord is my strength and my shield."

6. Proverbs 11:16

"A gracious woman gains respect, but ruthless men gain only wealth."

7. Joshua 1:9

"Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

8. Proverbs 31:30

"Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised."

9. 1 Corinthians 15:10

"By the grace of God, I am what I am."

10. Proverbs 31:26

"When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness."

11. Psalm 139:14

"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made."

12. 1 Peter 3:3-4

"Don't be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God."

13. Colossians 2:10

"And in Christ you have been brought to fullness."

14. 2 Timothy 1:7

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline."

15. Jeremiah 29:11

"'For I know the plans I have for you,' says the Lord. 'They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.'"

16. Exodus 14:14

"The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm."

17. Song of Songs 4:7

"You are altogether beautiful, my darling, beautiful in every way."

Next time you're feeling discouraged or weak, come back to these verses and use them to give you the strength and power that you need to conquer your battles.

Cover Image Credit: Julia Waterbury
Julia Waterbury
Julia Waterbury May 22, 2017
At Miami University

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Calling People Hateful Is Not A Productive Dialogue

Universities have become a breeding ground for intolerance.

Kristina Bolton
Kristina Bolton May 15, 2019
544
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The political climate is rough. I don't enjoy commenting on it because of how controversial it has become. Every once in a while, however, I come across something that rubs me the wrong way.

As I was walking through campus the other day, chalked on the side of a cement wall was a phrase claiming the College Republican club on campus was a hate group. I don't know anything about the person who wrote this statement or anything about the College Republican group on campus, but I do know one thing: this statement is false.

Universities have become a breeding ground for intolerance.

Just because someone has a different opinion from you doesn't mean they are hateful. There is room for disagreement.

A psychology professor of mine once said something that impacted my perspective toward both political parties: "Both sides think they're right, but both sides can't be right." Both sides make decisions based on what they think is right. A person's opinion is not "wrong" if it differs from yours. It's just different.

It's important to recognize that people won't always agree with you, and that's okay. That doesn't give you the right to call them mean or hateful. It allows an entrance into discussion. Besides, if you want to persuade someone that your belief is more accurate, name calling won't get you anywhere. It will only cause the other person to view you as inconsiderate and unwilling to understand.

How can you convince someone to believe you when you won't listen to their perspective? How can you expect people to listen to you when you won't do the same in return? Not only is it important to recognize a person's beliefs, it's important to understand why they believe what they do.

In order for people to engage in productive dialogue, both sides need to listen to each other and respect each other. Tossing labels around progresses nowhere and doesn't benefit anyone.

Kristina Bolton
Kristina Bolton May 15, 2019
At University of Washington

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