Article October 11, 1999 Issue

Safe in the city alone at night? Yes!

How I found freedom from fear

By Annie C. Pepperell

I had just moved to an apartment of my own in a busy area of a large city and was looking forward to this new adventure. My work schedule, however, necessitated late hours, and I was not able to find parking near my new home. This meant a walk of several blocks from my parking space to my apartment. Friends expressed concern, saying that it was not safe for a woman to be walking alone so late at night. As they talked, I began to feel a bit uncomfortable about my late night walks.

The first night, I felt nervous and decided that the next night I'd try a better lit route. After three nights and three different routes, I still found myself looking anxiously around to see if someone was following me. The well-loved, tree-lined streets had suddenly become shadowy and threatening in the darkness.

Back home on the third night, I knew that something had to be done. I had three choices: continue switching routes but still be afraid, ask to work only on the morning shift, or turn to God in prayer. The first two options would let fear govern or have control. I had turned to God when faced with challenges since childhood, and this was really what I needed to do now.

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