I owned it for fifteen years. One hundred and fifty-eight thousand miles. The front bumper kept trying to come off, the windshield was cracked, the heater didn’t work, the transmission slipped in third gear, it was banged up from a wreck, and the trunk wouldn’t stay open without a stick. It had to go.
The vehicle we got to replace the old one is smart. Like really smart! I have a feeling it is smarter than me. It must be loaded with “Albert Ienstein.” (A.I.) It comes with a safety system that tells me all kinds of things. Today, while on a day trip, it kept sounding an alarm, thinking I was distracted, and perhaps I was. I’m beginning to think there is a camera watching my eyes. The steering wheel will shake as if I am in California during an earthquake when the vehicle is in reverse, and another car is approaching. It can scare the crud out of ya. It will even alert me if I leave a pet or April in the back seat and try to walk away.
I wonder how in the world we drove to the store before these cars had safety systems. Or, are we that stupid now? And the way some people drive, yeah, probably.
Life with God comes with a safety system, too.
Psalms 91 You who sit down in the High God’s presence, spend the night in Shaddai’s shadow, Say this: “God, you’re my refuge. I trust in you, and I’m safe!” That’s right—he rescues you from hidden traps, shields you from deadly hazards. His huge outstretched arms protect you— under them, you’re perfectly safe; his arms fend off all harm.
Fear nothing—not wild wolves in the night, not flying arrows in the day, not disease that prowls through the darkness, not disaster that erupts at high noon. Even though others succumb all around, drop like flies right and left, no harm will even graze you. You’ll stand untouched, watch it all from a distance, watch the wicked turn into corpses.
Yes, because God’s your refuge, the High God your very own home, Evil can’t get close to you, harm can’t get through the door. He ordered his angels to guard you wherever you go. If you stumble, they’ll catch you; their job is to keep you from falling. You’ll walk unharmed among lions and snakes and kick young lions and serpents from the path.
“If you’ll hold on to me for dear life,” says God, “I’ll get you out of any trouble. I’ll give you the best of care if you’ll only get to know and trust me. Call me, and I’ll answer, be at your side in bad times; I’ll rescue you, then throw you a party. I’ll give you a long life, give you a long drink of salvation!” (MSG)
God’s safety system is calming, comforting, and definitely not scary. I hope you have him in your life and His way of living, too. He doesn’t need Albert Ienstein (A.I.) either. There is nothing artificial about God’s intelligence.
Copyright © 2026 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.
Remember going to your mother, or father, and asking them to kiss your boo boo? To make it go away? Or do you remember your own child asking you? My son, when he was about one year old, fell on some hard plastic toys, and hurt his bum. He cried as he climbed up on the sofa, laid back holding his legs up in the air and said, “Mommy, kiss my butt.” We know a kiss from a loving parent didn’t do anything, but there is something comforting knowing one who loves you, knows you are hurting.
I got remarried yesterday evening, after being divorced for twenty-three years. I no longer have to check that dreaded little box, “Divorced”. I married a wonderful woman of God who is a Filipino. The only problem is, I’m an American, and she is not allowed to enter the United States without a Visa, which could take a year or longer to arrive. When she said, “I do,” she became an “IR”. Instant Relative. This status gives her priority over everyone else trying to enter America by any other means. Work Visa, Student Visa, Fiancé Visa, etc. It also gives her access to a “Green Card” and two weeks after she arrives in America she will get her Social Security card. Being an “IR” has instant privileges.
There is something powerful about an invitation! Receiving one can strike a number of emotions within us. It all depends on what we are being invited to, and who is giving the invitation.
Be quiet mind,
It happened again. The explosive temper from one I am supposed to love, and I do, but the pain. I left their presence, but I was a “walking wounded”. I kept rewinding the scene and playing it over and over in my mind. Why? This didn’t need to happen. I begin seeking comfort.
brady, mark a. 