Lately, it goes a little something like this: Wake up, receive CNN alert, eat breakfast, watch news broadcast, eat lunch, scroll through Facebook timeline and maybe receive another CNN notification by the end of the night.
In today’s society, it’s hard to escape the bad news. The news outlets and newspaper publications would be out of a job if they reported only good news! Upon what have been and continue to be classified as terrorist attacks throughout our nation, all in the span of sometimes a short week, it is easy at times like these to just stay home, stay safe indoors, avoid all risks and ultimately stop living life. #IChoose to live.
This #IChoose movement is more than another hashtag to put on your Instagram posts or Facebook statuses. This is what you can do as a 20-something to tell society and show the enemy that you are still living, and that the terror happening worldwide has not paralyzed you. Turning to scripture, the Bible reminds us as Christians, that in the end, we have already won! So why worry? It all ends 100 percent great for us! “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).
After the attack in Nice, France and rumors of violent protests in Washington D.C, it is difficult to not become worried when terrorism seems to be hitting close to home. Every public event becomes a risk, from Christian conferences and concerts to even a simple evening at the movies. It’s true. Nowadays, you never know when, how or where.
But my dad (who sometimes knows what he’s talking about–don’t tell him I said that) helped calm my nerves one morning, when my friend and I began questioning attending the Together Christian Conference on the National Mall, on July 16. As a potential high-risk event, and what we thought was an obvious target for radical anti-Christianity groups, we weren’t sure if going would be a smart move. My dad pointed out that the terrorists want us to lay low and stop living, but that would be us, Americans, letting them win, continuing with, “Do not become timid.”
One thing I admire about my dad is that he is a strong man, grounded in his faith and always appreciates a good adventure. He encouraged my friends and I to go to represent our faith, but also be smart about our travels.
Here are a few tips I am passing on to you when #YouChoose to live!
Precautions:
1. Stay prayed up!
2. Use common sense–be aware of your surroundings
3. Keep your hands free
4. Plan an exit strategy
If something begins to happen:
5. Stay calm
6. Put away your phone and other items
7. Hold the hands of those you are with
8. Communicate where you are going and how you will escape the situation
9. Move together intentionally
10. Do not stop moving until you're away from the crowd and secure in a location
11. Call for help
I hope these travel tips help and I encourage you, more than ever today, to never stop living your life! Be adventurous! Be spontaneous! Show the world that America is freedom and you are taking it by storm, killin' the game and living the dream!
Today, #IChoose to live. Do you? Include this hashtag on social media and spread the word. Let’s see you #choose!
