To begin with, this is a win, nothing happened, no one got hurt, killed, or went to jail. Most of the feedback that we have received has been positive, praising what a great job she did, and that there was not much that she could have done differently. However, in keeping with our philosophy of teaching you how to think, not what to think, and always trying to do better, let’s take a closer look. Her awareness and observations before her exercise routine were great, she took the time to look around, saw the truck, made note of it, and went along with her day. When she saw the truck the second time, and it caused her some concern, is where this story should have ended. We tell women all the time to trust their “gut.” Why not turn around, walk back to your car, and exercise another day or in a different place? If you have time and distance, avoidance is usually the best, safest, easiest, and the first choice you should make. She decided to continue her walk and approach and pass the truck. Prior, she moved her safety gear to her dominate side (bear spray) and opened her coat so that she could access her firearm if she needed it. This implies that they were not in a spot where she would have been able to get to them as fast as necessary should a life-threatening situation arise. The sole purpose of carrying these items is to be able to use them as quickly as possible to save your life. If you cannot get to them in an emergency, they are useless. It would be prudent to start your walk with them in a place where you can get to them when needed without having to adjust or move them to make it easier when the threat appears. She did this “casually… Just like I’m going to unzip my coat, no big deal.” Bad guys, like bears, are usually looking for easy prey. Appearing “casual” while approaching a potential threat is the opposite of what you should be doing. You want to appear to be the hardest target possible. Hopefully it gives the attacker pause before deciding to take the risk of a fight and carry out the crime. This isn’t to say pull your gun out and point it at them as you walk by, but a least have your spray in your non-dominate hand to reduce the time it would take to use it, and leave your dominate hand free if you were forced to use your gun instead of the spray.

Questions Worth Asking Yourself: - Are you in fighting shape? - Could you move fast if you had to? - Close the gap and stop an attack? - Create distance and get to safety? - Are you capable of overwhelming the threat with force and violence if the moment demands it? - Could you deliver a quick strike just to break contact and create distance before engaging further? - Do you have the speed, balance and enough gas in the tank to keep moving? Honest questions that require honest answers. According to the FBI's 2024 reported crime statistics there were approximately 1,980,149 recorded assaults involving "personal weapons" (hands, fists, feet). - You are 13.7 times more likely to be assaulted with personal weapons than with a handgun. - You are 15.5 times more likely to be assaulted with personal weapons than with a knife or cutting instrument. - You are 25.9 times more likely to be assaulted with personal weapons than with a blunt instrument.  Our first weapon system is the one we live in everyday, make sure it doesn't quit on you when you might need it most. S&J

One of our group sent this to us and asked what we thought. Before we answer, we'd really like to hear what you guys think. Post your comments, questions, reactions, and we'll cover this in the upcoming days. S&J

How Normal Moments Can Quietly Endanger You Family's Safety - And What to Do Instead: We recently witnessed a moment that’s been quietly bothering us. We were in line at a local store behind a young woman. When it was her turn at the register, the clerk asked for her rewards number. She gave her phone number out loud. The clerk responded with her name — “Sarah?” — and casually confirmed her street: “Still on 7th Ave in X-City?” She said yes. Sarah completed her transaction and walked out to her vehicle, a newer white Escalade, Lic. 123XYZ. In less than five minutes, we knew her name, phone number, street she lived on, vehicle make and model, and even her license plate. This wasn’t some elaborate sting operation. It was just... a normal Tuesday. Think about how often this happens — not just to you, but around you. How many times have you given your phone number or email at checkout for a rewards program? Has the clerk confirmed your name? Address? Birthday? To most people, this feels routine — even harmless. But as Vigilant Families, we need to be aware of how our routines are affecting our families safety and how we can reduce the chances of something bad happening to us. Let’s Be Honest: Would You Ever... …walk up to a total stranger and hand them your full name, phone number, home address, and vehicle description? Of course not. But when this same information gets shared casually in public settings — at the checkout, over the phone, or online — the risk becomes invisible, normalized. And while most people around you are decent and distracted, a predator only needs one moment of opportunity. A “Bad Guy” has one job, to be a good at victimizing innocent people, and they are always working. A career criminal sees patterns others miss. They don’t look like villains. They don’t wait for “ideal” conditions. They observe, collect, and act — all while blending in. That young woman didn’t do anything wrong. But she was unknowingly exposed — by a system that prizes convenience over caution, and by a culture that tells us not worry, everything will be fine.

We’re so glad you’re here. This space was built for families who refuse to leave their safety up to chance—or to algorithms that silence what matters. Here, you can learn, share, and connect freely with other parents, grandparents, and protectors who care about building stronger, safer families. Here’s how to get started: 1. Introduce yourself below. Tell us who you are, where you’re from, and what brought you here. 2. Ask questions. Big or small, your questions help everyone. 3. Share scenarios. “What would you do if…?” posts spark some of the best discussions. 4. Engage often. Comment, like, and add your voice. The more we all participate, the stronger this community becomes. What to expect here: - Training resources and lessons on awareness, self-defense, and family safety. - Live discussions and group challenges. - Real stories and solutions from families just like yours. - A community that supports—not censors—you. ⚡Remember: Confidence is contagious. By engaging here, you’re not only helping yourself—you’re equipping others to protect what matters most. Drop your intro below and let’s get this community moving! 👇 We Teach Confidence™ S & J The Vigilant Family™