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Experts > Families
Proverbs
31 Woman
I had
been working on a book project, "Becoming a Woman who Listens
to God," for seven days straight and welcomed the invitation
from a friend for a "mindless movie break." Barb and I
ventured to the theater to see a film that I am now convinced was
aimed at thirteen-year-old girls. I plopped down in an aisle seat,
put my purse on the floor, kicked off my shoes, and enjoyed the
show. For just a few minutes, I went to Rome with Lizzie McGuire
for a nice, albeit ditzy, diversion.
Two
hours later, I was back at home working on the manuscript and burning
the midnight oil. Close to midnight, the phone rang again, only
this time it was not a friend. It was a credit card company telling
me the police arrested the man who stole my credit cards. They explained
that I needed to press charges at the police station.
"Wait
a minute," I said, "I'm not missing any credit cards."
"Just
call this number and ask for Sergeant Pearce," the man continued.
Very
confused, I called the police station. As the phone rang, I rummaged
through my purse and sure enough, I was missing two credit cards,
all my cash, and my cell phone. As the who, what, when, where, and
how questions were running through my mind, Sergeant Pearce put
the pieces of the puzzle together.
It
seems that while I was sitting in the dark, a man entered the theater,
took my purse (from right beside me!), went into the hallway, removed
what he felt would be useful to him, and then returned it to my
seat. Where was I? Sitting right there, with my mind off in la-la-land.
Ditzy diversion indeed!
Two
hours later, the man who had stolen my cards got in an altercation
outside of a gas station. (That's police lingo for " fist fight.")
When the police came to break it up, they cuffed and searched the
"perp." Upon frisking him they found my credit cards.
He told the policemen that the cards belonged to his girlfriend.
She was a crack addict and had asked him to pick up a few things
for her. (Which he had done, I might add.) Well, after spending
some time on the phone with Sergeant Pearce, he was convinced that
I was not this man's crack addict girlfriend.
I never
did get my credit cards back. They had to keep them as evidence
for the two felony charges. But I did get to keep the lessons I
learned from the incident. First and foremost, even though I took
a break from writing "Becoming a Woman who Listens to God,"
we can never take a break from being women who listen to God.
All week I had been immersed in thinking about, praying about, and
writing about being such a woman. As soon as put my guard down,
I was robbed. God showed me that this is exactly what happens when
I "take a break" from listening to Him. Satan looks to
attack us at "opportune times" (Luke 4:14).
Paul
reminds us to never be unaware of Satan's schemes (2 Corinthians
2:11). "Satan comes to steal, kill, and destroy,"
Jesus said. "But I have come that they might have life,
and have it to the fullest." (John 10:10). I need to be
on the alert at all times.
There
was a second lesson I learned that evening. Prayer warriors are
of the utmost importance. See, those types of crooks are rarely
caught. They're quick, thorough and careful. However, I don't imagine
this thief was accustomed to stealing from someone with such incredible
bodyguards. Yes, the policemen were pretty proud of themselves for
catching the criminal (they did do a great job), but I imagine the
angels were doing a few high-fives themselves.
Ladies,
prayer is so important. We at Proverbs 31 Ministries so appreciate
your prayers for us and for our families. Satan is not happy with
what we are doing. But we know that "The one that is in
you (Jesus) is greater than the one that is in the world"
(1 John 4:4). Thank you so much for your prayers. We couldn't do
what we do without you!
Do's
and Don'ts to Avoid Credit Card Theft
Do
-
Sign your cards as soon as they arrive.
-
Write "Check ID" on the back of the card with a permanent
marker.
-
Thank the store clerk for checking your ID.
-
Carry credit cards separately from your wallet (zippered compartment,
business card holder, small pouch).
-
Keep an eye on credit cards during a transaction and get your
card back as soon as possible.
-
Void incorrect receipts.
-
Destroy carbons.
-
Reconcile statements to check for correct or incorrect charges.
-
Save receipts to compare to billing statements.
-
Report questionable charges promptly to card company.
-
Notify card company in advance of change of address.
-
Keep your pocketbook in your lap during a movie.
Don't
-
Lend you card(s) to anyone.
-
Give your number to anyone over the phone unless you are certain
they are a reputable company.
-
Leave receipts in plain view.
-
Leave your purse unattended (even for a moment).
-
Leave your purse in the car, even if it is locked.
*****
Sharon Jaynes is the
Vice President of The Proverbs 31 Ministry
and co-host for the ministry's international radio segments, heard
on over 400 radio outlets. She also is a feature writer for
their monthly newsletter, The Proverbs 31 Woman, and inspirational
conference speaker for women's events from coast to coast.
For more information about The Proverbs 31 Ministry, visit
www.proverbs31.org.
Sharon is the author of Being
a Great Mom, Raising Great Kids, At
Home With God –Stories of Life, Love and Laughter, Celebrating
a Christ-centered Christmas, co-author of Seven
Life Principles for Every Woman and contributing author to Stories
for a Man's Heart, Stories
for a Teen's Heart, and Chicken
Soup for the Sports Fan's Soul.
She has written for various magazines
such as The Joyful Christian Woman, Decision, and Money Matters.
She lives in Charlotte, NC with her husband, Steve and their son,
Steven.
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