Issue #9 - When Instinct Speaks
The Moment It Hits You
You’re standing in the church foyer after service. Families are chatting, kids weaving between adults, the room alive with noise. And suddenly — without warning — that thought cuts through the warmth:
“What if one wrong person walked in right now?”
That tightness in your chest? That’s not paranoia. It’s instinct — God-given — nudging you to notice what matters. And instead of dismissing it or drowning in fear, you can learn to turn that moment into steady, practical confidence.
Why This Matters
Parents, volunteers, and leaders often tell me:
“I don’t want to overreact, but I don’t want to be caught off guard.”
“I wish I could trust my gut without second-guessing.”
“I just want peace — not constant worry.”
This is where instinct and insight meet. Instinct whispers. Insight helps you act on it wisely.
The Wake-Up Call
A dad once told me about a moment at his daughter’s school concert. The gym was crowded, the music playing, but he couldn’t stop scanning the exits. He didn’t want to feel that way. He also didn’t want to ignore it.
That’s the pivot point: when fear tempts you to freeze, but preparation lets you breathe.
The Principle
Fear is not the enemy.
Fear is the signal.
Preparedness is the response.
When you shift from “I’m nervous” to “I know what to do,” the weight lifts. And your kids notice that peace more than you realize.
Try This This Week
Notice the nudge. Pay attention to one small moment when your gut speaks — in a store, a parking lot, or at church.
Pause, don’t panic. Take a breath and remind yourself: this is information, not an emergency.
Act with clarity. Decide one small step you’d take if you needed to — leave, move closer to someone you trust, or observe quietly.
You’re training your brain to see instinct as a gift, not a burden.
Takeaway
God gave you awareness for a reason. When instinct speaks, confidence listens — and peace follows.
Share This Thought
"Preparedness doesn’t make you paranoid. It makes you peaceful."
Next Step
If this resonates, reply and tell me:
What’s one moment this week when your gut spoke up?
I’d love to hear your story — and it may encourage someone else who feels the same.
Closing
Fear may knock at your door, but peace decides who you let in.
That’s peace-first preparedness.
Stay safe, stay grounded,
—Jim
