P – Primary Projectile A – Alternate Blade C – Contingency Less than lethal E – Emergency Bare Hands Let’s pull back the curtain and examine what this could mean with each. Primary. As for everything in the life saving equipment category, I recommend the best and most reliable and highest functioning gear within your budget. We discussed the idea of a baseline vs ideal. Or effective vs effective and efficient which varies with time/place but knowing what you should strive to carry for you and having matching skills is very important. Primary should always be the most “killy” (technical term) but it will depend on what you have with you, (Can’t always carry concealed handgun while traveling) and how proximate distance to threat(s). (I.e. if your at contact distance, I don’t recommend going for your gun when you have decent empty hand or knife skills) As a rough outline, for our purposes this will be a modern, magazine fed handgun of 9mm or higher caliber. (Personally not a fan of revolvers or the 380 cartridge or something similarly wimpy) Of course, you do you Boo, this is just my definition. Should include a reliable holster. Bonus points if it’s quick to draw from, concealable, able to deploy with both hands, from seated position, or lying on your back. (BTW the Inside the Waiste Band (IWB) appendix holster fits all of the above for most) Now as a baseline, this should be something that you can depend your life on, while carrying a round in the chamber, (AKA not a Sig P320 or High Point) Hopefully we’re all in agreement so far. When it comes to what is ideal in this category, I opt for a full frame (Not as easy to conceal, but better magazine capacity and easier to perform with) 9mm, with RMR, Weapon Light, threaded barrel for suppressor… insert your favorite add on here. Something that you can really perform with, even when the threats deserve an extra serving of lead, or you have to operate under less than ideal circumstances. Also a back up mag, both filled with quality hollow points, (this video was helpful comparison on that note. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgvrzHV73rI) I carry G9 but again, it’s your choice.

We've started something local to Spokane area, by invite only, a brotherhood. A gathering for encouragement and discussions of faith for Christ centered men. It also serves as a continuation training outlet for defensive skills. I've included the flier for more info as well, I'll be posting content from the group as well as resources from discussion. All members who attended are encouraged to use this, (Post in new "Development Group" category) as a way to share encouragement, gear or anything that the Lord leads you to. For those in the area that haven't made it, but want to, just DM me. We keep time/location specifics to a Signal group chat. This is by invitation only but costs nothing besides your valuable time. I also wanted to showcase what we're doing in our local area in case others outside of our area are interested in starting a group with similar mission statement, this thread serves as an example of what could be done. Our mission statement is: "Development Group is an invite only, brotherhood of Christian men committed to spiritual growth and mutual accountability. Our Mission: As iron sharpens iron, we challenge and encourage one another to walk boldly with the lord and embrace our calling as men, brothers, husbands, fathers and especially as protectors.”

The Fear of the Lord was the topic that was discussed. Really appreciate all of you opening up and being vulnerable. I believe this took more strength than not. God's presence was clearly there and I'm excited to see what becomes of this effort. Here's the notes: Fear Of the Lord · To fear God is to hate sin.To fear God is to hate injustice.To fear God is to depart from evil in every sense—thought, word, and action. It is to refrain from speaking deceitfully. It will not say or put on an appearance that is untrue to one’s heart and thoughts. It keeps our outward behavior congruent with our inward thoughts, motives, and beliefs. · To fear God is to walk in authentic humility before God and mankind. · To fear God is to give Him the praise, adoration, thanksgiving, and worship He deserves. · To fear God is to give Him all that belongs to Him. · To fear God is to tremble before Him in wonder and awe. It is to give His Word and presence our full attention. · To fear God is to obey Him. It’s not just a desire but an inward force determined to carry out His will, no matter the cost. We eagerly, willingly, and immediately obey—even if we don’t see a benefit or it doesn’t make sense—and we carry it out to completion. · To fear God is to abstain from any form of complaining, murmuring, or grumbling. · To fear God is to respect, honor, and submit to His direct and delegated authority. It is also to obey the delegated authority, with the only exception being if the authority tells us to sin. · The fear of the Lord shapes our intentions, thoughts, words, and actions. Benefits of Holy Fear · The fear of the Lord is the starting place for an intimate relationship with God. We become His friends, and His secrets are made known to us. · The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, understanding, and knowledge. It gives foresight and clear divine direction. · The fear of the Lord is how we mature in our salvation and are conformed to the image of Jesus.