“You’re doing what?!” She asked me in a surprised and tentative tone.

“I’m applying to get my Concealed Carry Permit” (aka CCW, concealed carry weapons permit), I explained {Jaw drop}

You see, I never ever thought I’d ever want to conceal carry (CCW) a firearm in public. I only started learning and training with firearms because of my husband. So, applying to get a concealed carry weapons permit never felt like something I would ever want to do.

Search for a "concealed carry class near me" or come train with My Own Defender if you're in Southern California.

Training was just something I did to learn self defense in our home. And then, one day, something changed for me. There is something amazing about building confidence in your ability to do something. Further, there is something incredibly empowering about knowing how to handle yourself should the need ever arise.

You see, I’m one of the most wholesome people you’ll ever meet. But, I’m also a planner and a fierce mama bear. At any given time one can find alllllll the things we might possibly need on any given day in my purse. I plan ahead to ensure my family’s comfort and safety. Baby wipes, 1 set in purse, 2 in car. Safety pins, tweezers, band aides, yup. Snacks? Always. My husband says I bring the comfort, and he’s right.

Once I started training with my firearm regularly, and I mean at least twice a month for two plus years, it became apparent to me that having my concealed carry permit was an essential part of planning for my families safety and comfort. With great skill comes great responsibility. My confidence in what I can do with my firearm if I’m forced to is high. I feel responsible to be a protector.

In our family, I’m the one running the errands, doing the shopping and who am I tugging along with me? Our gorgeous daughters. So then, if something goes down at the market, my husband, the lights out shooter, isn’t going to be with us to take care of us. It’s on me. That was my reality check, my turning point, the moment I realized I might like to get my CCW.

Now instead of not being able to imagine carrying my Glock everyday, I can’t imagine needing it to protect my myself or my girls and not having it! Like I said, planner. Responsibility.

Friends, having a firearm on you is just a tool. So many girlfriends are shocked when I say this. I’m the very last person you’d ever expect to be "packing." And isn’t that perfect!? But truly, I carry everything else that I might need… and with all the news we hear everyday, why *wouldn’t* I plan for this too. Just in case.

The thing is, with regular training that builds confidence and an understanding of what I can do if ever forced to, you want someone like me shopping next to you. Don't wait another day, search for a "concealed carry class near me" or go train with My Own Defender if you're in Southern California.