When my boys were small, I learned to look at the world through their eyes.
It was fun to examine the little rocks or tiny flowers that as a busy, distracted adult I would have overlooked. I took time to let go of grown-up concerns and schedules and to experience moments of wonder with them.
Years later, I learned to observe my surroundings in a different, perhaps cynical, way.
Know where the exits are. Never let a creepy person block the door. Keep my car keys in my hand ready to run or use them as a weapon.
In other words, I became street smart. Well, maybe not smart but at least more careful, less trusting and more aware.
A few nights ago I attended an outdoor religious service in a lovely park setting.
I could not relax and enjoy the service. I was consumed with thoughts of a shooting attack.
Instead of losing myself in the fantastic music and beautiful scripture readings, I found myself scanning the perimeter of the crowd looking for suspicious characters or activities.
Too much bad news, too many visuals. I am scared.
But, I am not a deer in the headlights.
I will make informed, careful decisions about my activities.
I won’t hide out at home experiencing the world through television talk shows or surfing the net.
I will live my life. Not unafraid, but in the game.
Lori Greer in Portland 
Very well said! Many of us feel exactly as you do; thanks for giving us a voice 🙂
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I feel you so
I can’t begin to say
It’s so easy to get swept away
And forget where you are at
And why you were there in the first place
That’s why it’s so important not to watch so much tv
But at least be informed
Great post
As always Sheldon
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I feel exactly like you do. My kids wanted to go see a movie recently and I thought about it for a moment and said I would rather wait until after we return from our vacation and take them to the drive in. The thought of being closed in, even with a kids movies, makes me feel anxious. It’s hard to find a balance between fear and being more aware. It’s times like this I have to rely on my faith to pull me through! Tina
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I feel a similar anxiety and determination to live! It’s hard, though…even sitting in a jury pool room at the Multnomah County Courthouse, I feel like being in this large group of people makes me a target.
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Good attitude, Lori.
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Poignant and timely. I teach my own children, “Always alert, but never afraid.”
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They want us to cringe in fear. So we must not. Well written, Lori.
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It is a hard balance to find between placing yourself in needless hazards and not circumscribing your life. This is the new normal for us as citizens.
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Very good. A warrior spirit.
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A warrior spirit – I like that. The warfare in our world today can never be won by fear or violence only by a love stronger than all hatred. The rainbow image across a sky after the violence of disaster or storm always reminds us that LOVE is the encompassing overwhelming force in the world. Human sexuality and politics are as ‘nothing’ in the light of a greater dimension of Divine Love. The weapons of our warfare are not carnal but of the Spirit.
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I’m all about play. Considered play. Yet is it a game?
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Bravo! I applaud your spirit and determination. We should be cautious and vigilant but never live in fear.
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It is smart to be cognizant of your surroundings. I want my children as well as myself to enjoy the moments that truly matter but I also have a responsibility as their Mom to make sure they are paying attention to what’s around them. 🙂
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I imagine anyone not feeling similarly is either delusional or dead. I feel it every time I step outside and I keep walking. Very well written, Lori. ❤
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I enjoyed this post. It is getting harder and harder to balance being safe and being able to live without fear.
Teaching it to children is even harder. You don’t want them to be afraid to do anything and everything. They need to be aware of their surroundings.
I liked the warrior spirit.
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Thank you so much for reading. Yes, it is a delicate balance especially when it comes to our children. We do the best we can in a scary world. Raising children who are aware but not fearful is challenging. Happy Monday!
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Just like Sara Bareilles says, “I want to see how big your brave is.” ❤
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Hey Jacob, I love that song. The lyrics, words and the meaning just get to me. Thanks for reading…hope your world is good!
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Thanks Lori! Did you like my most recent post?
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Yes, it was clever!
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What up comment 1950.
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Reblogged this on Still Another Writer's Blog.
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That was a very understandable “reaction”. I remember a time that I was so afraid but because I wanted to help make a change, I went out just the same.
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Yes, I agree and applaud you for going out. I am living my normal life with friends and family. However, at times, I am stopped in my tracks by another account of violence. Yet, we must live as everyday is a gift!
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So sad that we are made to feel this way- and brave of you to think it through and just go for it.
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Thank you. It is sad that the world is now so violent. It makes me empathize with people in war-torn countries where this is all they know. I hope all is well in your world. Lori
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Well said. Thanks for following Humorous Interludes. 🙂
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Truly my pleasure!!
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Your not alone in your thinking….you me and everyone else feels exactly the same way….makes me sad that our kids are growing up in such a volatile state of mind…keep smiling, it helps…..xxkat
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Great post! I completely understand where you’re coming from. There was a time when my children were small and we never locked our doors when we left. We lived in a small town where we all knew each other or familiar with each other. No crime or nothing to really speak about. These days, my daughter carries a concealed weapon when out by herself or with her little one. My husband carries a concealed gun sometimes, depending on where we are. Crime is plastered on the news and our doors are usually locked more often than not. I try not to think about it and still enjoy be in public crowds but I am definitely more aware of my surroundings more than ever. I have faith God is watching over me❤️
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Great post.Times have changed but we must believe in goodness
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It saddens and alarms me that I’m living in a swell of history that is combusting with violence, fear, greed, and environmental destruction. But, then I think, I’m uniquely placed to shine my little light that much brighter. Love and light to you and everybody, always.
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