Day five of the Write 28 Days Challenge. The prompt for today is the word safety.
safe·ty ~ is a state in which hazards and conditions leading to physical, psychological, or material harm are controlled in order to preserve the health and well-being of individuals and the community.
Vs.
care·ful ~ making sure to avoid potential danger or mishap or harm; cautious
When I was growing up, as part of the generation who played outside barefoot and rode their bikes around town, but always made it home by supper time, our parents would typically remind us to be careful. I knew I was expected to be responsible for my choices and behavior; thus, my safety depended on me making good choices. This thought process taught me to be responsible and accountable. This type of thought process allowed me to grow up and become an adult who faced consequences for my choices and decisions. In the words of today, I was learning all along to become an adult or adulting.
Today, from what I observe in our culture the idol of safety is paramount. I understand the incredible dangers of society today with human trafficking, drugs, crime, abductions, etc., however, I wonder how the expectation of providing safety for everyone in at every turn, at every event is even possible. Does the idol of safety cause a debilitating fear of not being safe? Is always being safe even possible? Do the world, society, and culture owe me safety? Has that historically ever happened? Will it happen in the future? Is freedom lost in order to provide safety, the illusion of safety, or a safe utopia?
I have questions. I have thoughts. I have memories. When I combine them on the topic of safety, I am immensely grateful to have grown up in a small town, where being a kid was simple. Playing outside was the norm and being barefoot defined summer.
I’m grateful for learning to be careful and realizing safety isn’t always possible…
Blessings to you ~ Carrie
Linking up with Anita Ojeda.
Leave a Reply