Lions and Tigers and Bears, oh my!

Well, my recent twelve day stay in north Florida has made the familiar chant from The Wizard of Oz", Lions and Tigers and Bears, oh my.... take on new meaning.

Let me explain...My sister lives in Florida on a river. For years now I have been worried about the safety of her children living, swimming and playing in the river. Historically, I have fretted over the thought of alligators attacking one of them, as many of their family pets have disappeared. Four years ago, during another visit, two snakes greeted me on the stairway to the house.

Then a few months ago, I learned about sturgeon. A prehistoric fish that swims in the river and jumps into the air, often injuring boaters and swimmers. This weirdly armored fish throws a punch that is equivalent to being hit with 100 pounds of pressure, breaking limbs, causing concussions and serious damage to humans who are hit by them.

If that wasn't enough, last week when leaving her driveway around dusk a bigbear crossed the dirt road about 10 feet in front of my car. As I turned the corner onto the next road, our little bear friend stopped to watch the car. Wow, it was the second time in my life I have had a bear cross a road in front of my vehicle, but never as close to a home. Just the thought of a bear encounter is a little scary.

This weeks bear encounter has made me even more concerned about my sister's family and their safety. Alligators and Sturgeon and Bears, oh my!

The real truth is that we live in a world filled with darkness and danger all around. The scripture says that "the devil roams around like a roaring lion, seeking who he may devour." Whether the danger is real, visible, not visible or danger that we can not even recognize, it still exists all around us. As believers, we must daily ask God to place us in His protection, to guard our hearts and minds, to keep us from evil, and to make us aware of the evil one.

My prayer today is that I would never become lax about the evil of this world and the evil one who wants to destroy, and that God would protect and keep my family, friends and those I love. "But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you." Psalm 5:11

P.S. I am also thanking God for my home in the city!