Written By: Toni Crawford

Have you ever found yourself face to face with danger? There have been many times when I have, but I’ll dive into that a little later.

I grew up in a not-so-nice neighborhood in North Philly. Yes, there were good moments there, but if I’m being honest, it was still a rough neighborhood. Moving right along, there were times when I tried to get some vitamin D by sitting on the porch. However, those moments were often short-lived. Many times, there would be groups of people hanging inside or outside the Chinese store located directly across the street from my house. Other times, there would be people sitting on the bottom steps of my home—either waiting for the bus or just hanging out.

Hear me out—no, I didn’t go back inside because I thought I was better than anyone in my neighborhood. I got nervous at times because a lot was going on around us: fights, shootings, and other dangerous situations. Being an introvert also played a role. Lastly, I wanted no part of potential drama, any guy trying to talk to me, or even look at me. I guess you could say I was preparing for the “what if.”

So, face to face with danger.

I was minding my own happy business, heading to the corner store—what we used to call the “Papi store” back then. I’m not sure what it’s called these days, but there was one located down the street from my house on the corner. It was popular and, at times, a hangout spot for people. I don’t remember whether I was going for myself or if my mom had asked me to go for her. After purchasing whatever it was I needed, a guy approached me outside the store and asked for my number. I kindly turned him down.

He was persistent, and I wasn’t impressed or intrigued. Then something happened that caused the soft tone in my voice to change—he grabbed my wrist to stop me from walking away. I looked at him and said, “You don’t have to grab me.” The look on his face was intense, and he had the audacity to lift his shirt, revealing a gun tucked into his pants. Inwardly, I thought, Wow… is it really that serious?

He looked at me while his shirt was still lifted, and I continued to look back at him. I was scared, but thankfully, he pulled his shirt back down and let go of my wrist. I don’t recall if any more words were exchanged, but I have no doubt that Jesus was with me that day. The Bible says:

“You shall not fear them, for it is the Lord your God who fights for you.”

—Deuteronomy 3:22

I don’t remember my life flashing before my eyes, but I do remember being scared. I was a believer—a Christian—and at that time, I truly believe I was walking with the Lord. I couldn’t believe this man was willing to take things to such an extreme, especially when he was the one who grabbed me. I’ve heard many stories of women losing their lives simply for rejecting a man. That is heartbreaking.

Some people—men and women—don’t take rejection well, and it makes me wonder what the deeper issue is. What have they experienced in their lives that would drive them to hurt someone or even take a life? Growing up where I did, I always made sure to be kind, especially when turning a guy down. I was soft-spoken, respectful, and didn’t give an attitude—but that didn’t matter to this man. He got in his feelings and was on the verge of allowing the enemy to use him.

I understand that rejection hurts. No one enjoys it, especially when feelings are involved. But there are plenty of fish in the sea. I pray that everyone who is triggered by hearing “no,” and who struggles with rejection, will be emotionally and mentally healed in Jesus’ name. Amen. The Bible says:

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted

and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

—Psalm 34:18

I also have other stories of times when Jesus looked out for me while dealing with men. There was a time I was being followed by a man riding a bike, and I had to pretend I lived at my cousin’s friend’s house nearby. Thank God someone was home to let me in, and that the house was so close. Another time, I got off the subway at night while heading to a friend’s house from church. A man behind me was talking about how he had just gotten out of jail and was looking to have sex. I don’t remember if he was on the phone or talking to someone else, but I kept walking.

Suddenly, I felt a sense of peace when another man pulled up beside me and started talking. To be honest, he could very well have been an angel. I made it safely to my destination. I don’t remember how the conversation ended or where he went afterward, but I do remember that he was polite, smiling, and non-threatening. I didn’t sense danger—only peace. The Bible says:

“He will cover you and completely protect you with His pinions,

and under His wings you will find refuge;

His faithfulness is a shield and a wall.”

—Psalm 91:4

In closing, I am deeply grateful for the many times the Lord—my Savior, Jesus Christ—protected me from dangers seen and unseen. To whoever is reading this, please never take for granted the blessing of leaving your home and returning safely. Amen.