Admittedly the Ebro poker room is in a rural area, a 20-minute drive from Panama City Beach. And it was a Monday night, when the crowd probably is smaller compared with weekends. But we presumed a place where cash money changes hands (sometimes in large amounts) would have someone watching over the customers.
This came back to our mind in the wake of a crime story in our area. A customer leaving The Red Barn in Phenix City, Alabama was shot and killed early Saturday morning. The Red Barn is a small bar where we've played free poker often over the years -- but Friday night is NOT a poker night there.
The victim apparently parked across the street, next to a car dealership. We can understand why, because that area is lit at night. The Red Barn's gravel parking lot behind the business has no lighting at all. That's been a concern for us as well -- because anyone might be lurking between cars or in the vegetation late at night.
Dangerous moments can occur anywhere, of course. At the mall, in your workplace -- and even in your own living room (as in home invasions).
It would be easy and self-promoting to say Christians have angelic protection in dangerous places. We certainly pray for that, as did believers long ago....
But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. For surely, O Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield. - Psalm 5:11-12
We've actually seen evidence of God's protection from time to time. But to be honest, it doesn't always happen. Consider the number of cases in recent years where worshipers were gunned down during church services, For us to conclude the victims somehow "had it coming" would be a foolish rush to judgment -- and ultimately, only Jesus Christ will judge us all perfectly.
We think one key to self-protection is having a "safety first" mentality....
He who trusts in himself is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom is kept safe. - Proverbs 28:26
Be wise not only while you play poker, but as you walk in and out. Look around for potential trouble-makers. And if you have a lot of money, don't be a show-off about it. One TV report indicated the shooting victim did exactly that inside The Red Barn. Instead....
He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. - Micah 6:8 (emphasis added)
If you want to be a big spender, that's up to you. But don't be too big in how you do it, making yourself a potential target.
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