Evil In This Twisted World In Which We Live

Evil exists.

According to CNN, “at least 31 people were killed” and at least 300 were wounded in a pair of attacks at the Brussels Airport and the Maalbeek metro station. The victims—male and female, young and old—spanned some 40 nationalities.

Yes, evil exists—and it does not discriminate. And once again, our heads are reeling by another senseless act of terror.

You and I both know it’s highly unlikely we’ll ever be the direct victims of such attacks, but that hasn’t stopped me from thinking a lot lately about the what-ifs. See, I understand and acknowledge that carrying a firearm for self-defense or defense of others probably won’t do much to stop a crazed terrorist strapped with explosives from attacking an entire airport or subway system.

But then again...maybe it can.

Remember:

Action beats reaction.

I’d also argue that it’s better to be wrong than to be dead. Here’s what I mean:

Pay attention to your surroundings at all times. Trust your gut. Respond to that voice in your head or that feeling in the pit of your stomach. Take action on the information that you have available to you.

For example, if you’re walking through a dark parking structure to get to your car and you see something or someone that sets off the alarm bells in your head, use your flashlight to catch the other individual(s) off-guard. Or, if the option is available to you, simply turn around and go back to a well-lit area until you can be certain there is no longer a potential threat.

If you’re wrong, and you shine a flashlight in someone’s face, you might get a dirty look. (You can always smile and apologize.) If you’re wrong, and you head back to a place of safety, you might add a little extra time onto your evening commute. But if you’re RIGHT...you may have just avoided a dangerous situation altogether. And if you do end up in a situation you can’t avoid...well, you’re already ahead of the game and can move quickly into action.

Remember:

Action beats reaction.

It’s not about paranoia. It’s about preparation. Even in the face of terrorism, there ARE things we can do to recognize threats and respond accordingly.

And I don’t know about you, but I’d rather be wrong 

than dead.