January 12, 2026

Lessons from Flight Safety

I’ve traveled a lot. I’ve flown around the world. I’ve practically memorized the safety speeches they give at the beginning of each flight. The one that stands out to me is the one about changes in cabin pressure that require the deployment of oxygen masks.

The flight attendants make it clear that if there is an incident, the first thing everyone should do is to secure their own mask. And if you are traveling with someone who cannot secure their own mask, always make sure to secure your OWN mask first.

The Underlying Principle

For me this translates to a simple truth.

We cannot care for others well, when we do not care for ourselves. We set up unhealthy habits and codependence’s based on guilt-savior complexes that can ultimately break us and stifle the growth of those we are aiming to care for when we compromise caring and loving ourselves well.

Secure your own mask.

Encouragement for Caregivers and Leaders

So, if you are a parent, a caregiver, a manager, or a ministry leader, I encourage you to ask for support and seek prayers from those you trust. But when these are missing, do NOT feel bad or guilty about taking time to care for yourself. This is not selfishness; this is wisdom.

Secure your own mask.

The Overlooked Needs of Supporters

While prayers are easy to remember for those who are struggling, those who are ill, or for those who require special care, sometimes prayers for those who provide support and care are lacking. And oftentimes, the actual support for those who care for others is conspicuously absent.

So, the wisest and most compassionate thing you can do for yourselves and for others is to learn to…

Secure your own mask.

We cannot help anyone if we are incapacitated. Get it?

We love others AS we love ourselves.

Matthew 19:19

Now, secure your own mask.

Good Morning, I love you all.

ihs,

just adam