A Force To Be Reckoned With

     This past weekend I increased my confidence in being able to defend myself.  Although a SHTF scenario is always in the back of my mind, I live in the country, and I know that if I am threatened, there is more than likely no one that is coming to my aid in time.  I need to know that I can stop a threat if it presents itself, and that means man or animal.

     So with that in mind, I signed up for a 12-hour training class on Saturday and showed up at 8:00 with my brand new SIG522 semi-automatic rifle.  Now before all you guys start giving your opinions that your AKs and ARs have more man-stopping power, I totally agree!  But hear me out, and let me give you a few reasons why this .22, in a military-style platform, is the perfect self-defense rifle for your wife or daughter.
     First of all, I was one of 25 shooters training that day, and I had no problem running my gun the entire 12 hours we were on the range.  There were a couple of 10-22's that went down; one broke a part and the other just quit running because of carbon and powder build-up.  There was also a Smith and Wesson M&P that was a disaster.  We had to stop the training for lengthy sessions while we first scoured the ground for a lost extractor spring, and then again when the extractor broke altogether.  There were two other Sigs along with mine, and we shot over 300 rounds that day, no stoppages.  The guys with the ARs had periodic problems; nothing major, but they can't claim the same success rate.

     But one of the main reasons that I recommend this rifle is because it allows me to train for that many hours without the recoil of the full-size battle rifles.  I know that the Sig isn't a man-stopper and doesn't have the knock-down power of an AK or AR, but when I can increase my confidence by getting all my hits on the target and keep my gun running, I'm still a valuable asset in any fight.  There aren't too many bad guys that will be expecting a woman who can defend her home and do it with both precision and faith in herself.
     I contend that a woman who can shoot a SIG522 and repeatedly hit her target, using a 25-round mag and a red-dot site is a greater asset than a woman who has trouble training all day with a full-size rifle and can't get her hits.  This rifle also allows me to get off 6 or 7 rounds of rapid fire with recoil management and hitting the target, versus 1 or 2 rounds fighting the recoil of the heavier rifles, and more than likely giving up accuracy.  The one thing I know for sure is this:  I can be a good support system for my husband with this rifle.

     Another aspect of this rifle that appeals to me is the collapsible/foldable and locking stock.  It makes it easy for transporting and storage.  And consider this: the cost of my ammo.  I trained for 12 hours, shooting approximately 300 rounds at a cost of $24.  Other shooters using the AK or AR platforms, shot the same amount of ammo and it cost them around $84.  So owning a SIG522 benefits your wallet, too.  What husband doesn't find that factor appealing?
     And if I still haven't convinced you, and you're hell-bent on diminishing the effectiveness of my new self-defense weapon, well......I invite you to step out there and let me zap you with a few rounds from about 10 yards and see if you still think it's not a man-stopper!  I may not be able to claim the cool factor, or massive firing power, and the sound of my .22 bullet "plinking" against the metal target isn't as formidable as a .223 round, but I guarantee you that I'll make my shots count when they have to and the bad guys will think twice about threatening me or my family.

Psalm 27:3     "Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident."

Personal Protection That Makes A Point

     Although I have a Concealed Carry License, the last thing I ever want to have to use to protect myself is my firearm.  If there is another way to extricate myself from a threatening situation, I'm all for it!  I would rather use any alternative than pulling my handgun; whether it be pepper spray, an ear-shattering whistle that raises an alarm, or just having my wits about me to get the hell out of there!  And now I have another weapon to add to my arsenal....the Hinderer Tactical Pen.
     Rick Hinderer is a master knife maker and an artist.  He was originally known for his beautiful art knives, but now Rick is a huge presence on the tactical scene.  His knives are still a work of art, but they are more that---they are, in the words of my husband, "damn near indestructible."
     And knives aren't his only passion.  In his other life, Rick was an EMT/Fire Fighter and began his journey of designing tactical tools from the experience he gained as a first responder.  Designed with police, EMTs and the Military in mind, his products are pleasing to the eye and extremely functional. Please check out his website.  

     But today I want to concentrate on one of his tools that I personally own---the Extreme Duty Aluminum pen.  When my husband first presented it to me I thought, "Wow, this is a real sturdy pen; I like the design and it feels good in my hand."  Then he showed me its dual purpose:  built as both a pen and a kubaton (a high-impact rod designed to strike bony surfaces, nerve points or tissue), it has the ability to cause temporary paralysis or extreme pain to the attacker, thereby allowing an individual more time to escape a possible attack.
     My Hinderer pen is made of aircraft grade aluminum, with Military Type 3 Hardcoat Anodizing for durability.  Translation:  it can do some damage!  There are a variety of end attachments and the one I own is called the Bullet.  It looks like a .50 caliber muzzle loader bullet and it works great as both a striking tool and a compliance technique (think pressing it with considerable force against any soft tissue area of the body).
     The nice thing about this tool is that it can be customized to fit any function or method of defense that the user needs.  The pens are well worth the $60 they cost, and you get the most bang for your buck by buying the Modular Kubaton Deluxe Set, which includes the kubaton body with the pen attachment, two end attachments of your choice, the pocket clip and the 550 cord for the Koppo stick option (a martial arts technique that attaches the kubaton rod to your hand, making it an effective weapon)---the Deluxe Set costs $125.

Long Strike Bezel

     The end attachments offer diverse attributes, from the Long Strike Bezel (a "DNA Scraper") to the Warhead (the sharp point takes my Bullet end to a whole new realm of pain).  But the bottom line is that this tactical pen offers you a non-lethal alternative to carrying a firearm and provides you with another layer of protection.

Warhead

     The quality of the product, the functionality, and the effectiveness make it an obvious choice for your self-defense arsenal.  It's something you can keep on you at all times and it's affordable.  Now signing your name, or "leaving your mark" takes on a whole new meaning!


Philippians 3:15    (Following Paul's example)  All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things.  And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you."

Gun Culture 2.0: OODA Loop and Getting Off The X

     One of my greatest accomplishments this past year was completing the 3-day Defensive Training course offered by John Farnam.  I won't lie, I didn't get much sleep the night before we began the intense gun training.  I had heard the stories....both John and his wife, Vickie, were no-nonsense, passionate, and sometimes harsh instructors.  Did I even belong here, with men and women who knew more than I did?  Would I be able to perform to their expectations?  And most importantly, would I get yelled at? 

     Because, you see, for more than 30 years John Farnam has been teaching defensive firearms techniques to police departments, federal and state agencies, and even foreign governments.  I knew I had a lot to learn!  And they are serious task-masters; there's no holding your hand or soothing words.  The information this man and his wife have to offer has been battle-tested, so to speak, and what they teach you can save your life.  Today, I want to share a couple of the important concepts they taught us.
     I can hear John's booming voice in my head:  "You need to understand that, when you are attacked, the assault is taking place for two reasons:
1)   The attackers believe they have something to gain, and
2)   You are where the attackers want you to be.
     In order to give ourselves the greatest advantage for staying safe, John and Vickie taught us to apply a method called OODA Loop.  This is what it stands for:

OBSERVATION --  Scan the environment and gather information from it.

ORIENTATION --  Form a mental image of your circumstances.

DECISION --  Consider options and select a subsequent course of action.

ACTION --  Carry out your decision.  Once the result of that decision is observed, you start over.

     So what are we to take away from all this information?  First of all, we have to realize that most criminals will pick out their victim and then stalk them until they perceive they have them in a weak position.  They will then begin to get aggressive, probing for an advantage, and then proceed to a full-on attack.  You need to get this picture!  The bad guys wouldn't be attacking if you weren't where they wanted you to be.
     If you're aware of your surroundings, you should pick up on this threat and get to a place where the criminal doesn't want you to be or didn't expect you to go --- such as a strong covered position (perhaps, behind a parked car, or a low wall).  But you need to remember something else, and again I hear John's direction:  "Anyone, in any position, armed with any weapon, can be successfully attacked, provided attackers are willing to pay the price."  His advice?  "Make the price so high, that no sane attacker will press the issue."
     So, if I've picked up on the threat, put some distance between me and my attacker, and positioned myself behind some protective covering....and he's still advancing, what do I do?  John and Vickie offered a simple, but effective method of frustrating your attacker.  Remember that if your attacker is still pressing forward, he perceives that he has the advantage.  The simple act of quickly moving laterally; taking a step or two to your right or left, is always advisable, no matter what your situation.
       Just getting away from where you were positioned will frustrate the attack plan of most criminals.  You have to take the advantage away from the attacker.  The second or two it takes him to adjust to your move, could give you the time to successfully fire and stop the attack.  John refers to this method as "Getting Off the X!"

     Applying this method, after implementing OODA Loop, can quickly stack the deck in your favor.  We practiced different scenarios of being approached by a potential attacker; how to be observant, orient ourselves to the situation, decide how to act, and then follow through.  And over and over and over, you heard, "MOVE!  Get off the X!" I want you to get this!  By moving off the X, you instantly take the advantage away from your attacker. And that simple move can save your life.
     After two days of this repetitive training, it stuck.  I graduated with my Red Pin; a symbol that proclaims to all that I have successfully completed a Farnam Defensive Training course.  I have to admit.... I walk a little prouder now!

Deuteronomy 23:14    "For the LORD your God moves about in your camp to protect you and deliver your enemies to you."
             

It's A Dangerous World Out There! What Will It Take To Make You Feel Safe?

     I don't know how to express it any other way... I am so proud of my fellow females for facing their fears and overcoming false ideas of what it means to own a gun.  We each have our own story and reasons for why we resisted gun ownership.  When I began my own journey, over two years ago, I will admit that fear was not one of my deterrents.  I wasn't afraid of guns; in fact, I was a pretty good shot, and I occasionally joined my husband for target practice.
     I just thought it was too much trouble to haul a weapon around with me all the time, and why, if I wasn't willing to do that, would I need to take the time to get trained?  It was not high on my priority list.  Then as I began awakening to the instability of the world and the threats to my safety and my freedoms, I knew that I was living in a new reality, and this skill was absolutely necessary.
     But the most amazing thing to me, has been seeing the growing numbers among my female friends who have had their own "aha moments"; their reasons may have been different, but their resolve and their determination to be responsible gun-owners has been remarkable.
     I decided to let them tell you in their own words, why this has been a life-changing decision for them.  These are real friends of mine and they have given some careful thought to what they want to tell you.  Cynthia was a self-avowed hater of guns.  She nearly lost a friendship over someone carrying concealed in her apartment.  She had strong opinions about guns, and they were decidedly negative.
     Then, she admits, "things began to change."  Threats, verbal and direct, from a family member woke her up.  She saw the parents of this disturbed person in fear and denial, and realized that if she was going to protect herself, she needed to get serious.
     "That's when I decided to get a gun.  And if I was going to get a gun, I wanted to use it right.  I was lucky enough to know Belle and her husband, and they hooked me up with a fantastic handgun training class.  I learned to safely handle the gun, and then learned to shoot it.  I can still feel the overwhelming fear of picking up that loaded gun for the first time.  I'm not even sure I hit the target, I was shaking so badly.  But as the weekend went on, I got better, and I found that I was actually having fun!"
     When Cynthia picked up that loaded gun for the first time, it changed her life.  "No one saw me move, but I crossed over from the land of nothing will ever happen to me because I'm a good person, into the land of knowledge and wisdom.  I'm not a prepper, or maybe I am one, but I'm still in the closet.  What I do know is that being prepared is not paranoia; it's power."  (BTW, Cynthia, if you're taking the steps to teach yourself new skills and adopting a new mindset, I think that qualifies you as a "prepper".  Welcome to our ranks!)

     And then there is my friend, Pat, who is a petite professional woman.  But don't think she is a pushover; she has a black belt in Tae Kwan Do and will kick your ass!  For Pat, the trigger point (so to speak) was the breakdown in society.  "I see my neighborhood declining, and crime encroaching.  Break-ins and robberies are no longer an inner city problem.  It's in my own backyard."
     Pat has approached owning a gun in the proper method.  She is the proud owner of a Generation 4, Glock 19 and has spent countless hours and days taking tactical handgun training classes.  Her next goal is to get her concealed handgun license.  She feels (and properly, I think) that there are too many people out there with CHL's who are a danger to themselves or others because they don't know how to properly handle their gun or how to protect themselves if confronted with a threat.  So she decided to gain proficiency with her weapon before taking the serious step of carrying concealed.
     And her thinking process is one we should all consider.  "For now, I keep my gun at home.  I'll be candid here, and say I'm not sure how I will respond if posed with a threat.  I feel I have to be more firm in my understanding of gun ownership, and have confidence in any decision I may make, if I feel the need to use my weapon.  So even though I plan on getting my CHL, I still have some more thinking to do before I find myself carrying all the time."
     Pat admits that it is the mental aspects of owning a gun that weigh on her more than the physical.  Her advice to you?  "Owning a handgun and responsibility go hand in hand.  Get training; get comfortable handling your gun; and give a considerable amount of thought and reflection to whether or not you can aim it at someone and pull the trigger.  So much goes into that split second decision."
     So, as you can see, both of these women are not gun-happy, bullet-slinging fanatics.  They have been confronted with real-life situations that have caused them to question their ability to protect themselves.  And they know the value of training.  Perhaps you are where they once were.  It is not, nor should it be, an easy choice to own and carry a weapon.  It's up to you and the time is now to make that decision.

Proverbs 1:5    "Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance..."

"Like-Minded" is the Key

     Last night, I accompanied my husband on a little expedition at dusk.  And what I learned was way beyond some lessons in how to hunt varmints.
     We have an infestation of coyotes and wild hogs where we live.  The coyotes hammer our deer population, and the hogs devastate the land, rooting and leaving huge craters in the earth.   So we dressed in camo and I was the keeper of the electronic game caller, while my Peace-Loving Warrior carried the weapon which would hopefully dispatch the unwanted and troublesome intruders.
     We sat at the base of a rotted-out tree and settled in.  I hit the button for a distressed kid goat.  We stealthily scanned the horizon for any movement....nothing for over 5 minutes.  But when I switched to the bleating fawn, we quickly saw motion in the corner of the pasture, where an opening in the fence led down to a creek bottom.  Before long there were two, then four, then eight, then up to 13 deer congregated in the corner.  Their heads were up, their ears alert and their eyes scanning the ground before them.  They slowly advanced as a group; cautious and vigilant for any danger directed at them.

      It was interesting and informative to watch.  They moved as a band, one or two out front as scouts, then others moving up and out to replace them----always advancing slowly towards their target, (the sound machine placed in the middle of the pasture).  Their alertness and attention to all that was going on around them impressed me.  Once they determined that the perceived danger didn't exist, they moved out as one cohesive body and regrouped on the other side of the field, still watchful and observant.  They moved again past the pesky machine and finally decided there was no threat, and left the field to regain their cover.
     And that's when the light bulb went on in my head!  As we perceive the dangers to our freedoms, we, too, must come together with like-minded people and work together as a cohesive group to discern the dangers and pitfalls.  Some of us need to be out front as scouts and watchmen, ready to sound the alarm to those who believe the same as we do.  And we need to work side by side to determine what our plan will be.  And if no danger is detected, then we continue to support our goal --- our mutual survival.  But if the peril does prove to be real, the only way we will survive it is to come together with others who value the same principles, truths and tenets that guide us.  We need to pool our resources, our minds and our moral convictions to stand for what we believe in.  Only then can we avoid the deception of the enemy.

Luke 21:36     "Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man." 
          

My "Get Home" Bag....I Don't Leave Home Without It!

     I know I've talked before about being prepared for any emergency situation, and today I just want to show you this short video that highlights the basics in my "Get Home" Bag.  I prefer to use this term rather than "Go Bag", because my survival decisions center around being able to get back home, no matter where I am or what my circumstances.
     So, I've thought about the items I would need if I'm traveling and am faced with any kind of emergency---weather, car trouble, civil unrest.  What could I use to make sure that I give myself the optimum chance of getting back home?  As I say in the video, the items in my bag change, depending on my situation and how far I'm traveling.  I also keep a pair of sturdy hiking boots or walking shoes in my car in case my vehicle is incapacitated and I have to walk.  My small carry pack (see post on January 31st), provides additional items such as a flashlight and my concealed carry firearm.
     So, as you can see, there are different levels of being prepared, and different strategies; this is just one more way to give yourself the best chance of success.

2 Chronicles 15:5-7      "In those days it was not safe to travel about, for all the inhabitants of the lands were in great turmoil....But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded."    

If You Don't Know Your Rights....You Have None!

     That's a line written in a handy little book called You and the Police by Boston T. Party.  My husband ran across this slim little paperback, after reading another of his titles, Molon Labe.  And it has had a profound affect on the way we perceive the world around us.
     By the author's own admission, You and the Police is not an exhaustive legal handbook.  Rather, it is important case law that has been condensed and neatly packaged so you can understand your constitutional rights and the power of the police.

     I would venture to guess that if you read this little book, you would know as much as the average beat cop.  That is not an insult!  And let me make it real clear --- I am pro-Police!  We are fortunate in our state to have friendly, professional and principled law enforcement officers.  But during a trip through Arizona a couple of years ago, my husband, Peace-Loving Warrior, had quite a run-in with a borderline "Rogue Cop" (a term Boston uses) over a weight issue with our single-axle 6 x 8 Wells Cargo trailer.
     It seems that in Arizona a 3/4-ton Dodge truck, pulling a measly little 6 x 8 trailer, qualifies as a commercial rig---which requires a log book, medical clearance, a fire extinguisher, and orange reflective safety triangles, among other compulsory items.
     PLW put on an admirable display of walking the fine line between cooperation and maintaining our legal rights; and all because he knew the law.  We were eventually cut loose with 6 warning tickets.  Go figure.  Guess he saw the out-of-state license plate and thought he could throw his weight around that day.
     Before reading this book, we were like most Americans, sadly deficient in knowing our rights and how to assert them.  The reason I like this book so much is that Boston explains the game in an easy-to-understand format that can be instrumental in keeping you out of jail.  Here is a short list of some of Boston's key topics:
1.   Know the three kinds of cops:  The Good Cop; The Rogue Cop; The Intimidating Cop.
2.   Understand a Cop's Fears
3.    Prepare Your Person
4.   Car Preparations To Make In Advance
5.   Never Consent!
6.   Contact, Detention, Search and Seizure; the Terry Frisk
7.   Arrest
8.   At the Airport
9.   Checkpoints
10. You and Your Guns
     These are just the high points.  The main objective of the book is to teach you to deal with the police on an equal level of civility.  But you need to know how to play the game.  And I think this book is especially important for women.  Typically, we are easy targets for those less-than-ethical members of law enforcement.  So if you want to gain more practical knowledge than most police officers or attorneys, then get this book.  If you want to carry concealed in the car, get this book.  If you don't know what a Terry Frisk is, get this book.  If you don't know what "Articulable Reasonable Suspicion" or "Probable Cause" are, get this book.  If you don't want to waive your rights, either intentionally or accidentally.... then please, please get this book!   


Proverbs 17:27    "The one who has knowledge, uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered."

My Everyday Carry Items

     I've really struggled with deciding what items are essential to keep with me, and how to manage them. I have to admit that I still haven't discovered my ideal solution, but here is an interim resolution to the problem.
     I bought this little bag at Cabela's and it is designed as a carry bag.  You can wear it around your waist, attach it to a larger BOB if you're truly bugging out, or sling it over your shoulder for convenient transport.
     As you can see in the video, it has a compartment designed for carrying your firearm, which in my case is a Glock 26.  The velcro straps provide easy access.  The bag also has plenty of room for extra 10-round mags, my Blackhawk holster, and a canvas belt, should I decide I want to carry on my person.  Some of the other items I make sure I have with me are my Fenix flashlight, and my Spyderco knife.  Recently, I've added my little Exotac fire-starter.
     I realize these items are not everything I need in an emergency, but they are good foundational tools for solving a myriad of issues.  I actually have a larger Go Bag that is more extensive and stays in my car.  I will be featuring it in an upcoming post.
     For now, this is just one of my devices to stay ready and prepared.  And I'm sure it will evolve through time, as I discover new and functional products.  Stay tuned!

Isaiah 33:6       "He will be a sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the LORD is the key to this treasure." 

Light Up Your World!

     In the Fall of 2011, I decided to take a Defensive Training gun class, taught by John and Vicki Farnam.  And that necessitated buying some extra gear that would be used in the course of our instruction.  Thanks to the recommendation of my good friend, Claire, I purchased the most awesome little LED light, which we would need in one of the drills where we were taught how to shoot in low-light or dark conditions.

      John Farnam stressed that if you're going to carry a gun, you have a duty to carry a light for two reasons:  1) Most attacks statistically happen in low light.  You have the duty to identify your target before you use deadly force.  2)  The use of a light prior to the use of deadly force will stop most attackers.  
     And my friend, Claire, saved me lots of time and research in finding the best light to fit my needs.  She stressed the fact that you don't want to go cheap on an item that could be used to literally save your life.  She endorsed the Fenix PD30, which I bought on Amazon for $58.  This little light is amazing!
     It has different settings; from low beam to high beam to strobe; even SOS.  On high, it is as powerful as any larger, more industrial flashlight.  But this small, lightweight model makes it much more desirable for carrying.  It was perfect for taking my defensive training course.  It comes with a carrying case that velcroes on your belt like a Leatherman and gives you easy access.  I had no problem handling both my weapon and my light during the night-time drills.

     For the techies among you, the Fenix uses Cree LED technology, which is the latest available.  It perfectly combines high brightness and long runtime (a lifespan of 50,000 hours) with 4 levels of brightness (257 lumens in turbo mode; and 124 lumens (high), 67 lumens (medium) and 10 lumens (low) in General Mode.
    For me, the bottom line was functionality and dependability.  The size, light weight, and power of this compact light makes it the best choice for me.  It's perfect for your Go Bag, or to carry in your purse, if you're out late at night.  It's also a great alternative for those big, bulky flashlights on your nightstand.  But perhaps the biggest benefit of owning the Fenix PD30 is that it is one more important component in your line of defense. 

John 12:46     "I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness."

Situational Awareness 101

     My husband has started this little game with me.  Actually, it is more of a test, and I have to admit I have failed it more times than I have passed it.  It is as important a component for my personal safety as my carry weapon.  It's called Situational Awareness.

     Just the other day, after coming home from a week-long business trip, I was returning a rent car, with my husband following me in our vehicle.  I turned the car in, received my receipt from the attendant and began walking towards the parking area where I knew my husband would be waiting for me.  I strolled along, thinking about unpacking our luggage, doing the laundry and all the household chores I knew would be waiting for me when we returned home.  Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a movement, and then heard him say, "Situational awareness.  You had no idea I was coming at you from behind."
     Of course, I had some lame excuses..... "There were people all around me, I was safe"..... "It was broad daylight, no one would try anything" ..... "I knew you were there".....  Yeah, right!  I did become aware he was at my side, but if he had intended me harm, I would not have had time to react to defend myself.
     Now, I have not always failed so miserably, and have been successful in being aware of his sneak attacks.  But more often than not, I have placed myself in a compromising situation.  What should I/we be doing when we are out in public?  Ask yourself these questions:

     1.  Do you regularly scan your environment for potential danger or threats?
     2.  Do you take note of entrances and exits when in a new location?
     3.  Do you make a point of noticing the people around you?
     4.  Do you check behind yourself while walking?
     5.  Do you avert your eyes when approached by a stranger?
     6.  Do you sharpen your observation skills by taking note of hair color, facial hair, eye color, license plates, etc.?

     7.  Are you often startled by people who are suddenly in your space?
     8.  Do you check the back seat of your car before getting in?
     9.  In the event of an incident of violence at your job or school, do you have an escape plan?
     10. If stopped by a police officer, do you roll your window all the way down to hand over license and registration?
     11. When in a restaurant or crowded public place, do you orient yourself where you can see the main entrance?
     12. When stopped in traffic, do you allow enough space between you and the car in front of you to maneuver out of your lane if need be?
     These are just a few of the questions that will give you an idea if you need to sharpen your Situational Awareness skills.  My #1 advice would be to always be aware of your surroundings.  Play little mental games with yourself, figuring how you would stay safe in any given situation.  For example, when standing in line at the grocery store, ask yourself what you would do if an armed robber burst in the store at that moment.  Or test yourself at a crowded mall -- how aware are you of all the people within your immediate space.  And remember, averting your gaze marks you as easy prey.
     Above all else, listen to your instincts.  If that guy crossing the street towards you gives you the creeps, then avoid him and put as much space between the two of you as you can.  Place yourself in a group of people until he passes by, and don't be afraid to ask for help.  And always make sure your cell phone is charged!
     Just remember that your first line of defense is being aware of what is going on around you at all times.  Create a mindset that you will not be an easy target.  Walk tall and confidently, and be prepared to face a threat head-on.   Remember, Situational Awareness is as powerful a weapon as pepper spray or a Glock 26.  And it can be just as successful in securing your safety.


     2 Timothy 4:5      "But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry."