When on a plane, I want to fly safe! To ensure this, there are all types of safety procedures in place. One of those procedures is to check a passenger and their baggage through a security checkpoint.

I’ve been through countless airport security checkpoints over the years, and this routine occurrence has never bothered me. I see its purpose.

In my times of being checked, I have never been found guilty in attempting to smuggle an illegal anything anywhere. This is because I am aware of the banned carry-on items, and I choose not to carry them.

On my most recent flight, two armed guards stood at the start of the security line in uniform, bearing arms. They appeared intimidating as I walked past.

When it was my turn, I laid my hand luggage on the conveyer belt and walked through the body scanner. To my surprise, as I went through, the siren went off and a red light came on. A lady came over and ran a wand around my body and questioned what I was carrying on the left of my chest. Looking puzzled, I could only think of my heart racing a hundred miles an hour.

As I quickly thought on it, my face turned the same colour as the light - bright red. I sheepishly drew a dozen coins from my bra that I had placed there only a short time earlier, attempting to free my hands to help one of my kids open a drink bottle. I then had forgotten to take them back out to put in my purse.

It wasn’t illegal, but most certainly embarrassing. The security guard chuckled as I became accountable for my actions and then she let me go.

I realised that day, that security checkpoints are important for us, so we know where we are at, as well as being important for others to know where we are at. It keeps all of us safe. I can tell you; I won’t allow myself to be caught in this way again.

Sometimes in friendships, we are in a position where our character is searched. It can feel like an assault to the heart. But it is not. It allows us to be accountable for our words and actions. It prevents strains and damage long term in our friendships. It prevents complacency and allows trust to grow or be established.

It only takes one hidden bomb to explode to do irreparable damage. It’s worth being searched by a friend in the boundaries of love, care, and respect.

If you find yourself being searched, accept that it is ok. We don't always know the failings of ourselves or the insecurities of others, that has led to the reason for being searched. If you have nothing to hide, nothing will be found to incriminate you.

And, if a hidden something is found, allow yourself to be corrected. People can exercise forgiveness, and Christ has offered a gift of grace that can be taken up too.

If you struggle to believe you can be forgiven, it’s your time to search. Search and question Christ’s character. You will find freedom.