PREPARING FOR THE WORST TO COME!!

    God cannot prevent horrible things from happening as mankind had to be given free will. But, what we do when bad things happen will make a difference of life or death: or our pain becoming worse.

PART 2: Preparedness and Prevention.
In my story shared in Part One of a Restless Heart; the truth of how my journey led me to being traumatized or raped started with being 'naive' to the ways of the world.
     Today, girls, guys ---well all people: "we want to be liked!!" We want to be loved, and wanted. Those deep needs are a part of our normal human nature. That is why it is so important that parents raise their children in the Ways of the Lord. We need wisdom, understanding and knowledge to lead and guide us. To prepare us and protect us from going into dangerous territory. We send children to school to be educated. We train and teach them ourselves, when it comes time for them to learn any of life's skills. You know how important KNOWLEDGE is. Knowing what is right and wrong is crucial in the lives of your children. Hopefully you are doing your best to raise them in God's Ways too.
    A teenager needs to have certain guidelines as they go forth into dating. First ---my parents did not let me date until I had graduated from high school. I thank God for giving them that wisdom! Now, however, it seems--parents are rushing adulthood on their children, giving in to that peer pressure, 'everyone else is doing it.' We did the same thing to our parents didn't we? Our society too, has put the emphasis on being "PICTURE PERFECT."
     I see pictures of my granddaughters, 9-12 years old, looking like they are young WOMEN, for pictures can now be enhanced on the computer. They look GORGEOUS!!! The boys, they look like boys, but for some reason mothers what to enhance the 'child' to show her off.  Not only Moms, but the way others pose for their online pictures--come across very suggestive.   WE are WARNED that in computer technology ---there are those searching for the right one to snare into their traps.
   WAKE UP--parents. Keep the children off of technology!! It is being used to ensnare them into addiction and loss of their mental health. AND as you know or should know by now---EYES are everywhere watching and you are unaware of those all seeing EYES.
     Teach your teenager and CHILD too, what are ways to be careful going into the public world. Never be alone with a person you do not know well. (Also teach them how to protect themselves from being abused by a person they trust too.)
    Last year, as a teacher of religious education, we were taught "Circle of Grace" guidelines and teachings from the Church.   Please google this for the help you need in how to proceed with even the youngest of children in keeping them safe.
     Teach your children about dressing and acting in appropriate ways. In other words, if you don't want to give the message 'look at my body,' then don't dress in revealing and tight clothes. And please do not say or do things that will make someone think ---"easy catch." Our behavior does speak volumes. Choice of words spoken, phrases used and things you 'LOVE' to do--could indicate you are someone who loves to have fun and party. Speaking of which, stay away from parties where the alcohol is flowing and you do not know what can be slipped into that drink.
    I also have never understood how a person will accept an invitation to a hotel room, or personal house and then wonder WHY they were assaulted.     BE wise --people of all ages--do not go behind "closed doors" of someone's private offices or homes ALONE!  As teachers, we are taught to keep doors open and never be alone with another's child. In this day and age, you could be accused of wrong doing.
     As a private duty nurse, we were given training on ways to be on guard and careful. Carry that heavy flashlight at night, keep keys with ALARM to car ready in hand. Even a high pitched alarm going off sends most flying away. Teach your children and heed this advice too---GO PLACES in GROUPS. My parents let us teens go to dances and visits to friends houses--but only together in a group. I thank God for their wisdom.
      AS you walk, taking a nice stroll for exercise or fresh air, say a rosary, or talk to God out loud, as you walk. One evening, I missed my bus and it was the last to run that night, so I was walking the 12 or so blocks home, after my shift.    A car with some young men stopped to see if "I was interested in going with them." Avoiding eye contact, I kept saying the rosary out loud, and walking---they eventually lost interest, and drove off. Soon after, a police officer, stopped to see if I needed help.
I do not need to go on with what you can do or what needs to be taught---your own experiences should have the LONG list of lessons to be passed on.
Next Prevention---if you find yourself in a situation that is threatening----CALL out to GOD for help!!! Stay calm, for fear is what the other person feeds on. Also fear keeps your mind from receiving from God what to do to be rescued. (I have read of two incidents of child abduction being stopped because the children kept singing or saying Jesus Loves me over and over. Others too have gotten away from bad people by speaking the Word of God and staying calm.)
     You may also be in a situation that is being caused by weather, war or unexpected events. Stay calm and stay CONNECTED to the SOURCE of all Wisdom and Knowledge. Pray out loud as I was led to do. Pray the Word or Scripture out loud--to calm you and to use the SWORD that will do the job it is to do. Breathe deeply and stay calm. Remember "I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS."
I am going to end this chapter with a truth. Each of us, has a guardian angel assigned to us. Make that angel your best friend---give the angel a name even. Say daily the Guardian Angel prayer and the Prayer to St. Michael when you start your day. I even have a traveling prayer we pray as we start on a trip, and say it now to start our daily walk in the morning. PRAYER, the Word of God is your SWORD. Faith is your SHIELD.  

  Part 3 to come.