Well Traveled

“I’ve come a long way got a long way to go; because I’m so well-traveled. Wherever life takes me I’m willing to go, whatever it takes for me, I’m going to let it all go.” – Lyrics from Well Traveled by Janet Jackson

I was on a flight recently and this song came on by Janet Jackson called, “Well Traveled”. As I listened to the above lyrics, I truly thought how far I’ve come, but I know I have a long way to go. I’m well traveled because this journey I’m on, I could not have done it without my Lord & Savior Jesus Christ by my side. The places I have been to and the many people I have encountered so far is only because of Him.

During my flight, I pictured the plane as taking me through life’s journey. God as the pilot and Jesus and the Holy Spirit as the co-pilots. The flight attendants are my brothers & sisters who God places in my life that help me along the way. They spiritually feed me when needed and are there whenever I hit the call button. The seatbelt represents the blood of Jesus which covers and protects me at all times. The turbulences are the trials and tribulations that come to test my faith. For those of you that fly, you know that any time the plane hits those air pockets, the plane begins to shake. While the turbulences are happening, the pilot turns the fasten seatbelt sign on and you are encouraged to stay in your seat with your seatbelt fastened. If you remove your seatbelt or get out of your seat, you can potentially get hurt especially during severe turbulences. See, when the turbulences of life hit us, as long as we remain covered under His blood, we are safe.  Remember, the Apostle Peter did not begin to sink until he took his eyes off Jesus and focused on what was happening around him. As the scripture says: “Come,” He said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out His hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” He said, “why did you doubt?” (Matthew 14:29-31 NIV). 

Your flight might not be as smooth as others; trust me I know; there’s been times I wish my flight could be a bit smoother. I’ve said to myself on a few occasions maybe I should change planes. But we have to keep the faith and stay buckled in (eyes fixed on Jesus). You are not a bad person if you have days where you have a layover for a few hours before jumping back on your flight. We all have days where we grow weary. It’s ok to not be ok. Just don’t forget that you are well traveled. You are on a flight to something greater. Your beginning is not your end. We are headed to an eternal party. The hurts, pains, tears, losses, rejections, misunderstandings, etc. may not feel worth it today, but He’s going to wipe away every tear from your eye, every disappointment, every betrayal, and every lie. As the scripture says: “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death, or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (Revelation 21:4 NIV). 

I know the true definition of well traveled is: having traveled widely. But think about it spiritually; we truly have traveled widely. How many times have you traveled to and from different churches? How many times have you traveled to people’s homes to encourage them or bring food when they lost a loved one? How many times have you traveled to the homeless shelters? How many times have you traveled to hospitals to visit those who were sick? How many times have you traveled to work and gave an encouraging word to a colleague? You are well traveled.

Some of you may be saying, “I have been praying for this to happen and it hasn’t” or “I’m tired of being mistreated” or “I’m tired of not being heard”. I can attest because I too have said those very same things. I’m going to say the unpopular thing. It may not happen during our lifetime, but it does not mean God loves you any less. I had to get to a place where regardless of what I feel; I believe that God will right every wrong and He is not the people that have hurt or mistreated me. And He loves to hear my voice even when others don’t. I will never say it’s easy, but I will say if you can’t do anything else, just stand. Remember His strength is made perfect in our weaknesses.

I’m praying with and for you that during your turbulent flights, you will remain seated and locked in His blood. Keep fighting the good fight and keep the faith. I’m rooting for you. At the end of your flight, a crown of righteousness will be awaiting your arrival. No Oscar, Golden Globe, Grammy, Emmy or title promotion at the office can compare.

You are well traveled.

(c) 2021 by Jackie D. Lowe. All rights reserved.