Our world looked one way last Monday, and today many of us have come to the realization that our reality looks very different. In my line of work, the death of Charlie Kirk had not been officially announced yet, and I was getting texts and calls about what comes next.
People make their best preparations in the wake of a tragedy, and this tragedy is no different. After every mass shooter incident, or in this case, the assassination of a public figure, those who feel they may be at risk immediately start looking for someone qualified and willing to protect them. And more and more people are realizing they need protection, it seems.
The challenge for most people, in my experience, is accepting that our cities, communities, and neighborhoods are populated by ever-expanding groups of people who are violent and hold very little regard for the lives of others. I won’t waste time debating why that is; the immediate issue is acknowledging that there are people around us who are dangerous, and we must all consider taking prudent measures to protect ourselves.
I have no desire to be in a car accident, but I buy insurance and wear a seat belt to protect myself in the unfortunate event that I am. I have no desire to punch anyone, but I have learned and I train consistently, so I am capable of defending myself if I am attacked. I have absolutely no desire to shoot anyone, but I am armed whether I am working or not, and I train frequently so I will be highly capable and proficient in the event that I am required to defend myself and others from a deadly threat.
Being prepared and being armed does not make you a gun-freak, bloodthirsty, paranoid psycho, or any other abhorrent danger to society. It only makes you reasonably prepared to protect yourself and defend or repel a threat, deadly or otherwise. Just like it’s prudent to have extra food, water and a generator during hurricane season. Or an extra supply of toilet paper, and gasoline, like we wish we had during the covid pandemic. It doesn’t mean you have lost faith in humanity. Recognizing potential risk is no different than looking at a weather report. If there is high percentage risk of rain where you are going, you take your umbrella or rain coat with you and taking that protection with you does not mean you are crazy or over-reacting.
My only advice is that if you wish to be prepared, train so you are safe, capable, and proficient. Whether you learn a fighting style or martial art, or you decide to buy a gun, get lessons from a certified instructor, and then train, train, and train some more so that self-defense becomes a natural part of your lifestyle. That way, you will be effective if you are ever called upon to use it.
“Blessed be the Lord my rock, who trains my hands for war and my fingers for battle”
Psalm 144:1 (NKJV )
