Hello friends! In this post are a few friendly reminders about staying safe today and at all times. We live in increasingly dangerous times. Precautions, along with prayer are more necessary than ever. People are being victimized in all sorts of predicaments.

Road rage is a growing problem. In many areas, gun violence is increasing. Ladies are being stalked, harassed, groped, randomly attacked, and sometimes snatched right off the streets, even in broad daylight. Some ladies are becoming increasingly violent themselves. Many people are becoming more aggressive and violent in general.

This is not about negativity, but about reality. This is not the time to be unaware or overly trusting. It is good to hope for the best, but be prepared for the worst. It is important to look at the good in the people around us and appreciate all of the positives. At the same time, it is important to remain aware, careful, and prayerful.

Many of these reminders are common sense, but sometimes are still not applied in certain situations. Some tips listed are based on my personal experiences or observations.

Specifically, long ago, friends and I used to get tipsy in a bar or club, and after leaving the club, we visited the home of some men that we met out. The purpose was to “just hang out” with them. As if we knew that we could trust them. We didn’t know any such thing.

Yikes! It could have turned ugly and gone very wrong. Although we made out ok, I do not believe this was a wise move for us to make. Other women have gone to the home of strangers, only to meet their demise. Thank God for His goodness, grace, mercy, and protection for us.

Safety is ultimately of the Lord. Regardless, living soberly and cautiously is a necessity.

As a woman, I like to keep these principles in mind and apply these practices. However, they are useful for anyone:

▪︎Keep God first.

▪︎Start the day in prayer for guidance, protection for self, for others, and in praise, and thanksgiving. Pray throughout the day, and end the day in prayer and thanksgiving.

▪︎ Do not automatically or blindly trust people in general in any situation. There is no need to proactively accuse anyone, but people must be vetted over time.

▪︎ Have faith in God. Never place faith and confidence in titles or positions.

▪︎ If frequenting bars, clubs, parties, or any other potentially risky places or events, it is good not to go alone. Instead, go with someone very familiar and trustworthy. Stick together.

▪︎ Never leave a drink (or food) unattended at a bar or club and even other public places. If it is unattended for any amount of time, it is very wise to discard it.

▪︎ Do not accept a drink, pills or anything to consume from anyone when it cannot be verified that the contents are safe for consumption.

▪︎ Remain sober and vigilant. This cannot be accomplished if mind-altering substances have been taken. This includes heavy alcohol consumption.

▪︎ It is wise not to go home or elsewhere with strangers.

▪︎ It is good to be careful about receiving gifts from acquaintances. Never assume a friend is giving gifts only because they want to be casual friends. There is no need to jump to any conclusions either. However, it might be a good idea to politely limit how receptive you are.

They may truly be a friend who gives with no hidden motives, or they may not be. It is wise to be careful about receiving gifts, especially if uninterested in anything beyond a platonic relationship.

For the friend or acquaintance, there may or may not be strings attached to their gifts. Not that anyone is actually being used, but no one wants to feel used or taken advantage of.

One problem is the potential danger in their response if a person feel used at all. Sometimes, gifts are given in hopes of receiving romance and or sexual intimacy. If the gift-giver does not get in return what they anticipated, who knows how they may react.

▪︎ It is noble to be a good samaritan. However, most likely, it is best not to accept a ride from or give a ride to a stranger. This is especially true for women, but it is good for men to be prayerful and careful as well.

▪︎ It is wise not to invite strangers into the home. For ladies, this is true whether a woman is at home alone or not. Strangers include people who may be somewhat familiar, but there is no close relationship.

For some reason, some women are still carefree about this. Some (not all) assaults or worse have been the consequence of a lack of knowledge, lack of understanding, naivety, and carelessness.

▪︎ Use prayer, God-given discernment, wisdom and intuition in all endeavors.

▪︎ Remain alert, observant when out and about. Keep posture straight and confident. It should be obvious to others that you are aware and paying attention.

▪︎ Drive offensively, defensively, and safely.

▪︎ Lock doors and windows. Yes, it is a good idea to lock car doors when inside or not inside the car. Yes, it is very wise and a good idea to keep your home locked, even if you live in what is considered a “safe” area. This is called wisdom; not paranoia.

▪︎ It is wise to keep curtains and shades pulled or closed at night. Also, it is especially important to do this at any time when scantily clad inside the home or when privacy is needed for any reason.

There are numerous incidents of women being spied on as they parade around in their homes with little clothing on. Yet, blinds are left open enough for someone to spy on them. Yes, there is something called voyeurism.

▪︎It is important to stay alert and live in awareness of reality; not in blissful denial, ignorance, or in fear.

▪︎ Personal safety devices can be very useful.

I pray and hope for all to remain safe at all times.

“A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.”

Proverbs 27: 12 (NLT)