You'll Love What This Goofy Family Does to Celebrate Thanksgiving

After a frightening encounter with 3 men at the mall, Duck Dynasty star Sadie Robertson tells fans to remain alert and aware of their surroundings when out and about.

So many things compete for our attention these days, it's easy to become oblivious to what's going on around us. And persons with unsavory intentions look for just that kind of distraction to aid them in their wicked deeds.

Sadie Robertson tells us all of a close call she recently had that has a happy ending, praise God. But her encounter is a reminder of why it's so important to always be on guard.

"I walked out into the parking garage and saw a white van parked beside my car with 3 men that had previously been following me in the mall," Sadie wrote on Instagram. "You hear this story all the time... I won't go into the details of mine however I'm very thankful tonight to be writing y'all a message of awareness."

Had Sadie not been paying more attention, there could easily have been a different outcome. And the reality star gives all the glory to God for keeping her safe.

"Today more than any I'm thankful to be able to have joy knowing I'm protected in the shadow of His wing," she said in her post. "I'm thankful my heart is able to have peace before I close my eyes though something got my heart beating pretty fast earlier today. I'm thankful I do not have to fear anything in the world because this world is not my home."

WATCH: Tips On Parking Lot Safety

A Caution For Others

In addition to praising God for his protection, Sadie Robertson tells her fans to stay aware of their surroundings.

"Even though we serve a GOOD God let me remind you that scary things can happen at anytime, because until the day Jesus comes back evil will still be in the world," Sadie warns.

For a generation so consumed with social media and digital devices, this reminder is especially important. And Sadie offers her followers some sound advice:

"Be aware, always be in prayer, trust your 'weird feelings' (Spirit Checks), and call your accountability ALWAYS no matter how sure you are of the situation."

We, too, are so thankful for the Duck Dynasty star's safety. And what Sadie Robertson tells us is an important reminder for everyone. Don't be so busy that you make yourself an easy target.

Please be sure to share this story with others as a reminder to remain alert when in public!

READ: Sadie's Full Instagram Post

I smile with joy, peace, and thankfulness tonight before going to bed. Tonight was a very frightening night. I walked out into the parking garage and saw a white van parked beside my car with 3 men that had previously been following me in the mall.You hear this story all the time... I won't go into the details of mine however I'm very thankful tonight to be writing y'all a message of awareness. Even though we serve a GOOD God let me remind you that scary things can happen at anytime, because until the day Jesus comes back evil will still be in the world. First off, I want to encourage you in saying that that's when the promises of the Lord are something we have to truly be so thankful for. Today more than any I'm thankful to be able to have joy knowing I'm protected in the shadow of His wing, I'm thankful my heart is able to have peace before I close my eyes though something got my heart beating pretty fast earlier today, I'm thankful I do not have to fear anything in the world because this world is not my home, I'm thankful for the big picture, and honestly I'm really thankful for good people. For my earthly dad who answered the phone to calm my Spirit, and for my Heavenly Father who sends His Spirit to comfort me. For people like @hillsongunited for the words of their songs that I had embedded in my brain when thoughts of fear were wanting to take over. This may sound foreign to you, and if it is don't feel to lost... I hope some of my videos on YouTube can answer some questions. You can have that same thankfulness and protection. Secondly, I want to encourage everyone to be aware of your surroundings. We hear this a lot, but then we also snap chat a lot if ya know what I mean. We aren't necessarily the most aware of our surroundings generation, but a minute of not paying attention tonight could of created a whole different life for me. Be aware, always be in prayer, trust your "weird feelings" (Spirit Checks), and call your accountability ALWAYS no matter how sure you are of the situation. We all need help every now and then... don't be afraid to ask. I'm praying for bravery over every person who encounters a situation like the one I did tonight.

A post shared by Sadie Robertson (@legitsadierob) on Jun 26, 2017 at 9:51pm PDT