Why Does This Matter Now?
21,278 Christians have been killed for their faith since January of 2021.
In recent years, violence and deception have intensified, particularly targeting Christians, conservatives, and vulnerable individuals. According to Open Doors International's World Watch List, thousands of Christians face extreme persecution annually, with reports indicating over 4,000 killed for faith-related reasons in 2021 alone, rising to around 5,600 in 2023.
Specific incidents highlight this reality:
On August 27, 2025, two children—8-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moyski—were killed and 17 others injured in a shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis during a Mass, when a gunman fired through the church windows. On August 22, 2025, 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska was fatally stabbed three times in the neck in an unprovoked attack on a Charlotte light rail train by a suspect with prior arrests.
Additionally, conservative activist Charlie Kirk was assassinated on September 10, 2025, during a rally at Utah Valley University, with graphic videos of the shooting spreading rapidly online, including on X, where some edited or fake images and clips gained widespread attention amid calls to curb their dissemination.
These events underscore the presence of physical and spiritual threats through violence and misinformation. This guide provides five practical tools, drawing from spiritual wisdom and everyday vigilance, to help sense danger, protect your well-being, and foster resilience. These approaches can enhance personal safety and mental clarity in challenging times.
Tool 1: Sense Evil’s Presence
Threats often reveal themselves through subtle cues like sudden unease, unusual behavior in others, or an intuitive gut feeling. In the Minneapolis shooting, the attacker had prepared barricades that might have been noticed earlier. Zarutska's assailant sat behind her without interaction before striking, and reports noted no immediate warning signs on the train. Trusting instincts can create opportunities to act preventively.
- Practice: Pause and Scan (30 seconds). In public spaces like buses, churches, or streets, take a moment to observe: Is someone staring intensely, appearing agitated, fidgeting unusually, or creating a sense of heaviness in the air? If you feel off, trust it and calmly relocate to a safer area, such as near an exit or group of people.
- Example: On the Charlotte train, scanning surroundings might have prompted Zarutska to change seats or alert others if unease arose from the suspect's proximity.
- Do It Now: Apply this in a public place today. Note any instance where you felt alert and responded, such as changing your position.
Tool 2: Ground with White Light
Grounding techniques can help center your mind and create a mental barrier against stress or negativity, promoting calm and focus. This visualization draws from longstanding spiritual practices for inner strength.
- Practice: White Light Visualization (2 minutes). Each night, sit in a quiet space. Breathe deeply—in through the nose for four counts, out through the mouth for four. Envision a bright white light enveloping your body, forming an impenetrable shield. Affirm: “I am protected by clarity and strength.” Feel it repelling external disturbances.
- Christian Connection: Align with Psalm 91: “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty,” using it to reinforce a sense of divine protection.
- Do It Now: Practice before bed for seven days. Track changes in your sense of calm or resilience in a journal.
Tool 3: Anchor with a Protective Talisman
A tangible item can serve as a reminder to stay grounded and intentional, channeling focus during moments of vulnerability. This is a common practice in various traditions for maintaining composure.
- Practice: Choose a Talisman (1 minute). Select a small, personal object, such as a stone (e.g., black tourmaline for its reputed grounding properties), a cross, or any meaningful item. Hold it daily while affirming: “This anchors my awareness and safety.” Carry it in high-risk environments like public transport or crowded events.
- Example: Holding such an item might have heightened Zarutska's alertness on the train, encouraging her to move or seek help.
- Do It Now: Pick an item today. Use it during any uneasy moment to refocus.
Tool 4: Pray for Discernment
Prayer or focused reflection can sharpen perception, helping distinguish real threats from misinformation, especially in an era where false narratives spread quickly online.
- Practice: Discernment Prayer (1 minute). Daily, pause for a deep breath and pray: “Grant me clarity to see truth, guidance to hear wisely, and courage to act against harm.” Concentrate on mental sharpness and intuition.
- Christian Connection: Draw from John 8:32: “And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free,” applying it to navigate deception like viral fake content.
- Do It Now: Recite this prayer tonight. Observe any emerging insights or heightened awareness in the following days.
Tool 5: Build Community Resilience
Isolation amplifies risks; collective vigilance and support create stronger safeguards. The Minneapolis attack affected a community gathering, and Kirk's event was public, showing how shared awareness can detect issues early.
- Practice: Connect and Prepare (5 minutes). Engage with trusted groups—family, friends, or faith communities—to exchange safety strategies. Discuss practical plans: Identify exits in venues, establish check-in protocols, and report suspicious activity. Role-play scenarios to build confidence without inducing fear.
- Example: In the Minneapolis church, communal observation of unusual preparations outside might have prompted quicker response.
- Do It Now: Share one safety tip with someone close, such as scanning for odd behavior in transit.
Final Thoughts
These tools empower you to cultivate awareness and inner strength amid rising challenges. Practice them consistently to enhance your ability to protect yourself and others. Share this guide freely to support those around you. By fostering belief in your resilience, you can navigate shadows with greater light.