I am not what you would call new to ministry. As a matter of fact, I have been in ministry my whole life. As the daughter of a pastor, and now the wife of a pastor for over 37 years, I've seen a lot. And I've learned a lot. I've learned what to do and what not to do. Trial by fire? YES! At times. Abundant blessings? YES! All the time. I am eternally grateful for the journey God has taken me on - the highs and lows are what has shaped me into who I am right now. And God is not done with the shaping - He will refine me until the day I am with Him.

God has strategically positioned my husband and me at the same church for over 27 years. My present calling is to be a mentor to the wives of our staff men. If these precious women love ministry as much as I do after serving many years, I will feel I have made a significant and worthy investment in these wives who God ordains to be at our church for a short time...or a long time.

As I pray over and think about our staff wives, I am struck by the youthfulness I see. Many of them are around half my age! I know their struggles because I've been there. As busy as we all are, our ministry wives take time once a month to gather for fellowship around the lunch table. This is a vital time of re-connection and much-needed "sister" time.

This fall, our luncheons will revolve around the theme "One Word." Each month, I will choose a different word to consider practically, spiritually, and in ministry life, as it applies to our callings as wives of those in ministry. Here's a glimpse of our word for September. . .

SAFETY

Is it really possible to obtain safety in this world? Safety is something everybody desires and no one is guaranteed. But what if there were some things we as minister's wives could do that would increase the likelihood of safety in our lives?

If we allow ourselves, we can become paranoid with the dangers "out there," whether we are referring to the dangerous world we live in or our fears inherent to ministry life. God doesn't want us to live in fear. His desire for us is to live life abundantly. And I believe He has given us some safeguards to practice that will benefit us as we seek safety for our families and ourselves.

SAFETY

What a dangerous world we live in. When I was kid, we played outside after dark, rode our bikes without helmets, and even left our homes and cars unlocked! But today, we have so much focus on fear in our society. Fear of strangers, fear of the dark, fear of the unknown. Here are a few practical safety tips that we can all put into practice:  

1. Be aware of what and who is around you all the time.
2. Avoid areas known to have a high degree of criminal activity.
3. Keep your head up when walking - don't look down at your phone or get distracted.
4. Lock your doors during the day as well as at night.
5. Keep your garage door down when you are home.
6. If necessary, use your car keys as a weapon.
7. Carry pepper spray with you.
8. Avoid shopping alone after dark.
9. Make sure other family members are aware of your departures and arrivals.

Satan wants to drown us in fear. He is the creator of unbiblical fear. In Scripture, the command "Do not fear" appears numerous times in scripture.  Where do we go for the right answers to this big problem of fear? Where do we find comfort and strength? Scripture. Always. We find the tranquility we seek in the Word of God. You can't guard your heart and mind against fear without the renewing power of the Word. If you don't spend time immersed in it, you won't reap the benefits of the safety therein.

There are numerous scriptures that can be applied to our lives in the area of safety. I've chosen just a few to share with you, but there are numerous others to claim. Memorize them so you can pull them out of your mind at a moment's notice. Pray them over your loved ones.

Psalm 4:8 "I will both lie down in peace, and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, make me to dwell in safety."

Proverbs 18:10 "The name of the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous run to it and are safe."

Proverbs 30:5 "Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.

Proverbs 14:3 "Foolish words cause you trouble; wise words protect you."

Isaiah 33:21 "The LORD will be our Mighty One. He will be like a wide river of protection that no enemy can cross, that no enemy ship can sail upon."

Praying "safety" for all of you. . .Jeana

Jeana Floyd is a wife, mother, grandmother, pastor's wife, and breast cancer survivor.  She has served alongside her husband, Dr. Ronnie Floyd, in ministry for over 37 years.  They have served at Cross Church in Northwest Arkansas for 27 years.  She is the author of "10 Things Every Pastor's Wife Needs to Know" and "An Uninvited Guest.