I got scared taking a train.....City life 101!

FEAR: a distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, etc., whether the threat is real or imagined; the feeling or condition of being afraid.

As I boarded the train with a few friends headed to the central part of the city for a festival I felt nervous maybe even fearful. There were a ton of people on here and I had a backpack with me and cash in my pocket. I usually am pretty confident moving around the city but that night I felt different. I had never packed into a train with so many people and I was getting stares from everyone. Not just a glance but straight stares, as in “what are you doing here”, as in “do you know where you are”, I felt like at any minute I was going to be harassed or robbed. Even though I was standing next to my friends I felt fear creeping in. Then at the next stop more people pushed in and at the next stop more again! I was now separated from my friends and didn’t want to ask in my broken Spanish where our stop was because I feared people would know I wasn’t from here and take advantage of me. Luckily my friends let me know our stop was next but how in the world was going to get through all these people and get out the doors?! I already saw someone not make it and another almost get stuck in the door. My adrenaline kicked in and suddenly I was aware that I was about to make a bad decision, if I start throwing elbows and pushing hard towards the door this would end badly. I am not from here and it is obvious, they could easily take me on this train. Luckily I kept myself in check and the guy next to me needed to get off to so he did all the hard work and I followed him off but as I walked out the doors they starting closing and I barely got off! I hate to say it but yes taking the train scared me! LOL

Have you ever lived in fear? Have you ever allowed fear to drive you into a decision? Did fear ever motivate you to change or to take action? What is fear in your life? Is it the awe and recognition of our God almighty or is it something dark that keeps you up at night?

All relevant and good questions for anyone, but for me and the individuals in this massive city of more than 8 million people it is very real. There are places I won’t drive, there are areas I don’t visit and even people who are from here don’t go either. As crimes happen we keep our heads down and walk away quickly. We keep our heads on a constant swivel looking out for anyone who might try to take our cellphone or approach the car with bad intentions. You lock your doors….always! There are a chain of side stores that are known for getting robbed or people being held up in them, but what if it is only the place around and I need something? Fear, it keeps us alert but does it run our lives? Living in a big city can be super fun but also very dangerous, we have to use our common sense when we go out and help each other. Yes, where I live can be dangerous and yes I have to be careful but I trust that God is protecting me. We all need to trust in God and ask Him to walk with us daily as well as provide for what we need so we can keep fear from taking over our lives.

And then there is the other fear which is the recognition and respect for power and authority, specifically God. Mexico is widely known as catholic and here in our city it’s very very true. What comes with that is an intense and strong fear of God. You walk into a church with your hat on and you won't go five steps without someone saying something to you. You never speak badly or make fun of any of the traditions that are of religion or come from it. In fact the fear they have is very religious in itself and frankly keeps them from experiencing any relationship with God.

Fear can be a good thing when kept in check for it keeps us aware and we do need to fear God for He is the ultimate power over this world. BUT we can not let it run our lives and that is a struggle where I live. Don’t let fear run your life, keep it in check and share with others what’s going on so they can help you.

**side note: I am safe here and have an amazing support system here, I am never overly worried and haven’t had a single issue, I trust in God’s protection over my life.**