![]() As things turned out, the plan was not needed, but it was a wise precaution. * The Bible relates how Jacob carefully prepared an escape plan to follow if his brother Esau became violent. What can you do if you fear a violent husband? It may be wise to have an escape plan in case your husband’s conduct should suddenly threaten your health or life or that of your children. He “took to flight and went on outside.” ( Genesis 39:12) If leaving is impossible, you could say: “Stop that!” or “Keep your hands to yourself!” or “I don’t appreciate that kind of talk.” If you can, avoid places where harassment is common. You may need to take your leave, as Joseph did when an immoral woman grabbed him. If you are harassed by someone who makes immoral suggestions, tells obscene jokes, or tries to touch you, it is best to reject him firmly. ( Matthew 16:26) It is worth remembering, too, that when crowds gather to express anger, they are dangerous and unpredictable.- Exodus 23:2. If a mugger holds you up, it is wise to remember that life is more valuable than possessions. If somebody could overpower one alone, two together could make a stand against him.” ( Ecclesiastes 4:9, 12) If you live in a dangerous area, can you arrange to walk home with someone? The Bible also says: “Two are better than one. Maybe you can walk home using the best-lit streets possible, even if it means walking a little farther. For example, it says: “As regards anyone wise, his eyes are in his head but the stupid one is walking on in sheer darkness.” ( Ecclesiastes 2:14) It makes sense to be aware of who is around you and to avoid dark places when possible. Interestingly, although the Bible was written long ago, it contains many principles that are still practical in avoiding dangers today. The Bible says: “Shrewd is the one that has seen the calamity and proceeds to conceal himself, but the inexperienced have passed along and must suffer the penalty.” ( Proverbs 22:3) What are some practical measures to take? ![]() ![]() We can take wise precautions, however, and by reducing our risks, we may reduce our anxieties. ( 2 Corinthians 11:25-28) Likewise today, most of us have to face dangerous situations. For example, during the first century C.E., the well-traveled apostle Paul mentioned that he experienced shipwreck, dangers from rivers, dangers from highwaymen, and dangers in the city. Even people who have faith in God face dangers that cause anxiety. I think I’d have had to come home carrying a limb before he’d think it was an emergency.CAN anyone living in today’s dangerous world be completely free from fear? Hardly. I imagine his perspective was on injuries I sustained in childhood was compared to those he’d seen. Serving overseas during the Second World War, he had seen more horrors than he’d ever encounter in Nova Scotia. Perhaps it was my father’s casual manner that saved me. All I know is that by the time I was 16, I rebelled hard against it and if she told me not to do something, I made a point of doing it even if I hadn’t planned to do it. I don’t know where I drew the strength to fight off the fear she constantly tried to instill. I can still see her sitting there, crying, wishing I wouldn’t go. I went anyways, leaving her crying and shaking with grief in the living room chair. When I went to the Rockies for a winter, her biggest fear was someone would grab me, and I’d never return home. It didn’t matter where I was going: driving alone to our camp, meeting up with someone to go to the cinema or going downtown to watch a hockey game. It meant a man would kidnap, rape and murder me. I rebelled fearing I’d be enslaved to fear.Īll my life, my mother’s greatest fear was someone might ‘grab’ me. I know because my mother lived in it, and she tried to instill that master within me.
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