November and December Newsletters...and a little statement...

 I'm hesitant to even post this because I'm embarrassed that I've been negligent in sharing the last couple of newsletters, let alone anything else, on this page. Part of it, of course, is the season. Busy busy busy. But part of it is, admittedly, the feeling that almost nobody is interested.

I know that the algorithm tends to favor subject matters that tell us, or sell us, the kinds of ideas that are popular in "the large and spacious building" (most of you know what that is), and preparedness certainly isn't one of those (spiritually or temporally). Yet, the truth of the Parable of the Ten Virgins is still in force...in fact, possibly applies to our time more than any other of the world's history.

And one could argue that "Spiritual Preparedness" is all we need to worry about, and everything else will take care of itself. My position is that if one is spiritually prepared, he or she will be motivated to prepare in other ways. Prayer is imperative, but the fasting that goes along with it should be by choice.

One could also argue that it's not appropriate to be focused on "doom and gloom". I couldn't agree more. But the more one is prepared, the degree to which tough times become doomy and gloomy, whether they come through world-wide events or personal or family crisis, depends on the spiritual, physical and mental state of preparedness one obtains. Besides, as I read these "Back to Basics" newsletters, they are not about doom and gloom...just about maintaining habits and skills that saw our grandparents through times like the Great Depression. I can't help but feel that Jarolyn Ballard Stout (the editor of Back to Basics) and others who work tirelessly trying to get us to think about being prepared are inspired to do so.

It seems incredulous to me, as a student of history and considering events in the world around us, that so many seem to be blind to the writing on the wall . The rolling eyes and sarcastic dismissals when we invite others to just think about it or make incremental, minimal efforts makes me feel that some are willfully blind.

At the same time the message "It's time to be up and doing!" is resonating with others. Perhaps these are also students of history; who realize that far away events can and will affect our ability to care for those around us. Isn't that, as followers of The One who gave all, what our main focus ought to be?

I'm probably a little pragmatic, but a Christian version of Maslow's Heirarchy of Needs makes a lot of sense to me...for our children and for our neighbors. I, like others, was raised by parents who lived through the Great Depression mentioned earlier. They lived through times of war and scarcity; conditions where if folks didn't work, they didn't eat...times when they literally had to fight with their minds, with their fists and with weapons to keep their homes and freedoms secure. And from what I see, things going on in the world right now are similar to what their world was experiencing.

Heightened levels of communication with our Maker were never more important than they are now. So let's talk about that every chance we get. But let's also accept the invitations to prepare for physical needs against times of prophesied storminess. Such work actually mixes well with spiritual, educational and financial preparedness with our families. Even just what can be spared here and there will make a difference.

I will repent and keep posting and sending, but please feel free to join in the discussion with your experience and knowledge of resources. If we see others involved and thinking, we might just feel a little more motivated to continue serving you with ideas. I don't want this to be a one-way street. From the outset this page was meant to be a discussion. Maybe my lack of technological savvy somehow discourages that. But, if you are reading this, feel free to join in.

With that, the newsletters from November and December are in the Back to Basics page of this blog: https://prep10hurricane.blogspot.com/p/back-to-basics-newsletters.html

…and here’s the Back to Basics blog:

https://preparednesstips.blogspot.com/

Have a Merry Christmas!...