In Uganda, the leading cause of death is HIV-AIDS killing 64,000 per year. The twelfth leading cause of death in Uganda is boda-boda wrecks, killing around 8,000 per year.
A boda-boda is a small dirt-bike that serves as public transportation. Around 300,000 of them
crowd the streets of Uganda, moving its people from place to place. There are not many traffic rules there (I am tempted to say there are no rules), which results in a pretty terrifying ride. I remember the first time I drove through town on a boda-boda. I thought I was going to die. Sadly, that feeling never went away as I become more accustomed to the culture - I quite often thought I saw my life flash before me as my driver whipped in and out through traffic.
Thankfully, I only fell off of a boda-boda once. It happened to be in the village on a dirt path, so it didn't hurt so bad... but sadly, not all stories end that simply.
With the knowledge of its danger (and both the fear that comes with the ride), you would suspect to see people taking caution. Doesn't it just make sense? That is not the case. In fact, it is shocking each time you see someone wearing a helmet.
Months went by in Uganda where it never even crossed my mind to wear a helmet. To you, that seems extremely stupid. To you, you can't imagine boarding for a ride without one on (and maybe knee pads and a bubble-wrapped body also). Because it wasn't a social norm, I never even thought about it.
This was until one day it hit me - "I should definitely buy a helmet." I assumed that they would be hard to find seeing that no one wore them. I came to find out that isn't the case. Not only are they easy to find, they are also extremely inexpensive. So I bought my helmet and strapped myself in.
I remember riding down the street and seeing people staring. I remember giggles that I am sure accompanied thoughts like, "look at that scared little white girl." I remember the time I stood still in traffic and saw a group of people actually point and laugh. People did not think any more highly of me for wearing a helmet... in fact, if anything they thought less. They saw me as someone set apart from there culture. Someone breaking a social norm - and quite frankly, it was uncomfortable for me.
.............................
While reflecting on my time of helmet wearing - I realized how similar this is to the christian life. As christians, we are called to be set apart from the world (Rom. 12:2) and to put on the armor of God (Eph 6:13).
Somewhere in the middle of making christianity cool and trendy, we have have failed to use protection God has called us to use. We have tried too hard to be apart of the world in all the wrong ways. We have misused and abused "religious freedom" and have found ourself in a mess (in my opinon).
If I tell you that one of the leading causes of death in Uganda is boda-boda wrecks, and that I have decided I don't think I should wear a helmet - you are going to call me a foul. You are going to tell me to put on a flippin helmet.
Similarly, you should use "protection" in your decision making to protect yourself from sin.
I remember going to college and thinking that I would just go to all the parties but not partake in the things that I thought sinful, while there. I think many christian college freshman think similarly. It doesn't work that way. When you surround yourself by sin, you will fall into sin. Don't go to the parties.
While fleeing from lust and sexual sin, don't watch inappropriate movies that tempt you and harm your thought process. When striving for abstinence, don't stay that night with your boyfriend assuming you are strong enough to fight temptation. When you know you struggle with drunkenness, don't continue to drink, assuming you will not once again fall into the same sin. The list goes one.
The sad fact is, that when you do this it might be uncomfortable. People may giggle. They might stop and stare. They may point and laugh. Not only is it worth it, but it is commanded. God tells us to be set apart and to look different (2 Cor. 6:17). In fact - he tells us to look like him (1 John 2:6) - and Jesus himself was mocked (Luke 22:63). Embrace the giggles and point them to Christ.
Use protection. Guard your heart. Put on your helmet, and protect yourself from sin. Doesn't it just make sense?
xoxo,
Jordan
