“The Pendulum of Preparedness”
A word from Extra Second Inc. VP J.M. Kline
How aware are you of your odds of becoming a crime statistic? How safe is your family when you're not home? What is your plan of defense should you find yourself in a dangerous situation? How safe and secure is your house of worship, workplace, school, or home?
In speaking with leadership in various church and faith-based organizations about safety and security, I’ve encountered two very different responses. I’ll call it the pendulum of preparedness. One direction is in the establishment of extreme precautionary measures. Budgets are tapped to build multiple layered defenses, high tech cameras, uniformed security, biometric access, and metal detectors for starters. A fortified complex.
Then there’s the “just trust in Jesus” extreme, where hearts are open as well as the doors. God will allow what He will allow. We can depend on His protection, or His permissive will in allowing us to confront danger, perhaps even becoming a victim.
There are merits to both extremes of the pendulum. Many others, however, are seeking a balanced approach.
At a recent training, the executive director of risk management for a global missionary organization used the analogy of using a seat belt. In the United States we are required by law to wear our seat belts. We automatically wear them, never thinking about the many miles traveled, never having had to use them. However, if and when the time comes that we need them, they could potentially save our life.
For the “trust in Jesus camp”, even though God is ultimately in control of all things, that does not mean that we stop locking our doors at night, using smoke detectors, brushing our teeth, eating clean, or purchasing health or life insurance. For the fortified complex camp, how welcoming are you or your house of worship? How heavy are security features and the feeling of hyper vigilance? Are heads on swivels, always looking over shoulders rather than to the foot of the cross? Is the environment conducive to worship?
Christ Jesus instructed the twelve apostles to be wise or wary as serpents and harmless or innocent as doves (Matt. 5:16). Although contextually He was not teaching about risk avoidance, as a mindset it is instructive, knowing that we may find ourselves as sheep among wolves.
Where can you find a balanced approach to protecting those in your care? At Behavioral Defense systems, we’ll bring you back to the fundamentals, and that starts with human behavior. God already created our brains and bodies to protect themselves, and to be used to protect others. Our certified S.A.F.E. training is top of class and an easy and effective way to begin your journey.
Most of the training available, including many of the three-letter agencies, offer what to do when or after something bad happens. It is important to know what to do in those instances, although that approach is reactionary. But what if you, and those in your care, understood what 99% of the human population is oblivious to? What if you could learn to use your mind to speed up decision making in a crisis situation? Would your peace of mind increase if you could proactively discover and avoid dangerous situations and people?
What is your current approach to your safety and risk management? What would a balanced approach look like, especially one that’s been field-tested, science-based, and harmonious with holy scripture?
Visit us today at www.behavioraldefense.com, for a free e-book. And for a limited time, take advantage of a free consultation call to discover if our balanced approach and your vision are in alignment.
You can also reach out to us via our contact page with any questions.
"I attended this S.A.F.E. training because we are living in a less safe era than previously. I want to be as prepared for 'bad' things as possible. I found the discussion of J.M. Kline on anomalies and body language constructive. I highly recommend it.” -D. Rundle, church elder and author