A Bouncer in a Grocery Store

I don't usually use this blog to express my personal opinions about things, but since this affected me as a mom, I've decided to post it here.

First of all, this world is INSANE! that was my thought last night at the grocery store...yes, the grocery store. to save money, we do most of our shopping at aldi's. when we have the time, we will drive to hilliard instead of shopping at the one about a mile from our house because it's nicer and usually less busy. lately we've just been going to the closer one because of time. the last four or five times we've gone, i've noticed an employee always standing by the exit door. i assumed it was a manager of sorts keeping employees in line. this employee is always male, and usually larger in size. last night we found out his real job...protecting sane customers from insane. he was a bouncer, ready to intercede in any theft, altercations, or otherwise that may present itself, which apparently had become a problem (if the store feels the need to hire someone just for this job).

while bagging our groceries, we heard a man behind us start yelling and cussing at the 'bouncer'. he was accusing the bouncer of profiling him and watching just him (although he stared at us the whole time we were in line as well...and everyone else). the bouncer warned the guy to settle down or he would have to leave the store. the man continued yelling and cussing, threatening to hurt the bouncer, call the police and a few other things. we finished bagging our groceries and were going to leave, but the bouncer had walked past us to escort the man outside. things got more intense as the man refused to leave and was then forcefully escorted out. all i could think was that we were all going to be shot. we knew they would have to walk past us, and since the man was out of control, my first instinct was to be between him and my son, who was strapped into the cart. i faced noah and pulled his head into my chest because he was staring at the man yelling and i was worried the guy might even try to hurt noah, just because he was staring at him. bryan then stepped behind me, between us and the insanity.

the bouncer was successful in getting the guy out, but the fight grew louder outside the door. we stayed inside, waiting, now not wanting to leave. another larger employee went out to help and within a few minutes the man left and they returned inside. we waited a few more minutes (along with many others) before leaving the store, looking every direction and hurrying to get noah in the car in case the guy came back or was hanging around. then we left.

it was the first time i was seriously scared for my son's life.

we worry about him, with the neighborhood we live in, but we've never had any serious issues concerning him. we know violence is higher in poorer areas, and it was proven to us yet again last night (we understand violence can happen anywhere, but the rates are statistically higher).

we know God has been prompting us to move the last few years (although the direction is unclear to us), and last night confirmed that in our minds. we are thankful for His protection of our family.