The truth is that we live in a mostly safe world. The reason we know this is that we have time to discuss it. In times of War, Hiding, or Scavenging for food, there is no time to discuss philosophical issues or how to do anything better.
It's very important not to get too wrapped up in the idea that danger is all around us. It is and it isn't. There is a difference between Fear and Worry.
It's an important conversation to have since one of the main points of Protective Offense is to figure out what we can actually do to make ourselves safer so we don't have to worry.
What is the difference between Fear and Worry?
Fear is an alert system that notifies us of imminent danger. It is loud and clear.
Worrying is a crutch - a way to feel like we are doing something when we are instead leaning on powerlessness and inaction. In a way it is a form of laziness. Worry can be assuaged instantly through action. If you're worried about the hurricane the weather channel says is heading towards you, do something about it. Make a plan, shutter the windows, run to the store for supplies (candles, food, water) or evacuate.
Gavin DeBecker talks about worry in Protecting the Gift (not sure if it's in The Gift of Fear as well). He says, "When dreaded outcomes are actually imminent we don't worry about them, we take action.... Seeing lava from the local volcano make its way down the street towards our house, does not cause worry... it causes running!"
