This blog post is for a friend who is going through a crisis right now.
Safety, is it possible to be safe as a single in the dangerous world in which we live? I think it is. Here are some practical tips I have heard over the years.
Photo Credit: Claudio.Ar via Compfight cc
Be Aware
One of the first things they teach you in self-defense class, be aware of your surroundings. You can prevent a lot of problems safety wise by just being aware of who and what is around you. Being aware means you note the people and objects around you. Does something stand out as out of place or wrong? Might want to avoid or run from whatever it is.
Trust Your Instincts
God gave you those instincts for a reason. Use them wisely! Something does not look or feel right? It might be better to run than to hang around and find out what is wrong. I have heard many times that a woman’s instincts were telling her something was wrong and she ignored them to her sorrow.
Do Not Travel at Night
Especially for a single woman, traveling at night can be dangerous. This piece of advice was given to me by another single missionary who has been traveling alone for years. Stop before the sun goes down. Make hotel or accommodation arrangements ahead of time. Get gas before stopping for the night. That way if you travel early in the morning you will not have to fill up in the dark.
Your Safety is in God’s Hands
A few years ago, I found this verse in Proverbs.
The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD. Proverbs 21:31
To me this verse says, Do all you can to keep yourself safe, but God is the only one that can keep you truly safe. Whether traveling in the States or overseas, God sees all and knows what situations you will face. If you are in His will, the only things that can harm you are the things He allows. Yes, this may mean facing trials like Job faced, but God is in control and He will give you what you need to come through the trial.
If you are going through a tough situation safety wise, remember that you are not alone. God walks right beside you. You must trust that what He allows is for your good and that He will be glorified through you if you only remain faithful to Him.
If you have any safety tips to share, please comment!