Category: security

Posted in Life, security

Tied with a tie

Posted on by William Douthwaite

So if you’re going to take you bicycle along with you, get a good rack. This Bell trailer-hitch rack looks awesome.

Next, be sure to fasten it securely to the rack. Bungee cords are great. This cyclist used them effectively with one unconventional adaptation: a neck tie.

I had never seen that adaptation, so I snapped a quick picture before the light turned green and we were on our way.

I like imagining the driver in a very nice suit and open neck shirt, without the formality of a neatly tied tie around the bike rack.

Or a student heading back to the campus of the University of Florida, grabbing one of dad’s ties for the bike. Dad has lots of them hanging in the closet. He won’t miss one.

Maybe the tie already had a spot on it. They’re expensive to clean, so why not just use it for the bike?

When I had a couple of bikes on the back of a car, I used the fabric-covered chain with combination lock. Too much stuff disappears from cars when you’re inside the convenience store for some coffee and a snack.

Posted in Israel, security

No drones

Posted on by William Douthwaite

On our way into Capernaum to see the traditional excavation of Peter’s house, I saw this interesting and detailed sign. Visitors speaking any language would understand appropriate dress and behavior, including a very modern “No drones.”

Clearly this sign is a recent addition. I’m thinking the powers that be posted it after someone complained about drones buzzing around this popular tourist destination. A photographer could get some amazing shots from the air. But how annoying that could be to those desiring to walk where Jesus did. Plus, who knows what harm could be done where crowds gather?

One of our tour group who lives in a condo upper floor mentioned that they often see drones hovering outside their windows. Disturbing. Who’s watching? And why?

Better watch your step.

Posted in security

My safe place

Posted on by William Douthwaite

We’ll be hearing about and getting ready for a hurricane to hit Florida for the next four or five days. It’s the kind of event that has many wondering how to be safe in the path of a storm.

Hit the road and get out of town? Shutter the windows and stay inside? Seek out a shelter made to withstand a storm like this?

We too often hear about mass shootings in public places, from movie theaters to outdoor concerts to schools and church gatherings. How can we be safe in a world where violence could walk in the door at any moment? Hire security? Keep the doors locked? Carry a weapon to protect yourself?

It’s dangerous to drive on an interstate highway. There are constant warnings about traveling abroad. Those who call or email may not be who they claim to be, trying to take advantage of us.

We will never find a truly safe place in this world. But we can find security in someone. Lest we forget that truth, the psalmist reminds us that “God is our refuge and strength” (Psalm 46:1). He is our safe place.

It takes a little faith to grasp this truth, doesn’t it? My mind doesn’t think of God as a place. He’s more like a person. But those words remind me of Jesus’ teaching, “Abide in me” (John 15:6). He calls himself a place where we can hang out. Or how about Paul’s words from Romans 8:1 “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” And “if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation” (2 Cor. 5:17).

Of course, those words speak of faith. But they also create a faith I can picture, where some of those threats I mentioned can’t really hurt me. Physically, sure. Life has all kinds of aches and pains and eventually death. But in him, nothing can really rob me of life. So he is a very safe place.

I try to keep that in mind when people or the news try to make me install a security system or arm myself. I have nothing against any of those things. But ultimately, he is my safe place.