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You Don't Need a Story to Own a Gun
I was teaching a personal protection and situational awareness class the other day, and since a large number of women were in attendance, I made sure to encourage them to attend a firearms class, especially if they had never even fired a gun. One of the ladies quickly made the comment, "But I don't really have any reason to need a gun."
That made me freeze in my tracks. It's that very mindset that worries me. It's not about "having a reason." Owning a gun, learning how to safely use it, and even choosing to conceal carry is about empowerment, safety, and knowledge…and it's also about embracing one of our most basic rights as Americans. You don't have to have a special explanation for wanting to learn about firearms.
In fact, I often find myself telling people that you don't have to have a "story" to own a gun. You don't have to have been hurt. You don't have to have been a victim. You don't have to have had a frightening experience. It isn't required that you were (or are) in an abusive relationship, have a stalker, or need a restraining order. Learning about firearms is not just for people who have experienced those kinds of situations or those types of misfortunes. It's not just for people who want to erase those memories or overcome those anxieties.
Now, I'm not disrespecting anyone who does have a story, nor am I meaning to take anything away from their victories and successes. I've heard many, many powerful reasons and inspirational accounts for owning and/or carrying a firearm. And I am amazed and encouraged by what these individuals have overcome. What I am trying to do is reach out to the "rest of us" and reiterate the fact that anyone can do this. Anyone can learn about safe and responsible firearms ownership. And you don't have to feel like you need to explain yourself or have a long list of reasons why.
For instance, maybe you're a single woman, and you're often by yourself, and you just want that extra layer of security. Aren't you worth protecting? Or maybe you're a guy or a gal with a family (spouse and/or children). Aren't they worth protecting? For someone to say that he or she "doesn't have a reason to need a gun," I can only humbly ask that you reconsider that thought, and recognize that you don't need a special circumstance or situation.
I may be one of the best examples of this very thing. I'm no exceptional anomaly. Know what my "story" is? I'm just an average, everyday mom with a gun. It may not sound all that impressive. But honestly, for me, it's one of the most powerful reasons in the world.