I walked into a used-a-bit store this last week looking for canning jars and came across this old picture.
I believe the copyright was 1917, during the peak of WWI and just before the 1918 influenza pandemic struck and killed nearly 25% (And I have seen the figures as much as 40% of the human population at that time.) of all people worldwide, my own great-grandmother died of influenza in 1918. I was watching a documentary a year or so ago that traced the flu back to a camp in France where it mutated from swine.
Then there were the “Roaring Twenties” and then the Great Depression. Another world war, and the booming fifties, social unrest in the ’60s and early ’70s, another severe recession, the ’80s were bumpy but okay, the ’90s boomed, then several regional wars wearing down our economy and in 2007 what they are now calling the Great Recession. I’m getting old…
Why do I prepare? Because as sure as the sun will rise tomorrow, with or without me, there will be personal hard times and there will be hard times globally whether it be the economy or a pandemic or natural disaster, whatever. I prepare to survive hard times.
Preparedness is not something we do and then quit. It is a mindset, a way of life. Generations of people since pre-history have been setting aside food, using what they had, making do with what was at hand. And they survived because of that thoughtfulness, or necessity, to prepare.
What has me confused is – What happened that preparedness has become a movement that people (Our own Government) fear? That old picture of Uncle Sam with Cream of Wheat tells me that a hundred years ago our government was encouraging people to prepare.
That mindset went at least through the ’40s. And it is still here with financial planning, etc. I’m thinking it is the fear mongering and gun toting part of the preparedness movement that has almost made “preparedness” a dirty word.
I met a guy a couple of weeks ago online through my fossil hobby. We were chatting and I mentioned preparedness and he went ballistic! I was shocked, needless to say, and directed him to take a look at seasonedcitizenprepper.com. He read a bit and came back saying that it was a “Practical, common sense preparedness site; not like some of those…”
Has basic, common sense preparedness been hijacked by the fringe “Doomsday Preppers”? I’ve seen some of the videos by radical young men with their AR-15s and rants against the government. I personally just move on to more sane voices. But somehow, I get lumped in with them when I mention preparedness. I suppose it is kind of like being a working homesteader and getting lumped in with the pot smoking hippies and communes. Not at all what it is about, but what mainstream media paints the picture as being.
For me, homesteading is a lifestyle of self-reliance as much as possible, NOT self-sufficiency. I am part of a community. Preparedness is one aspect of that lifestyle. And I can’t say that after two strokes I am anywhere near as self-reliant as I was, but still trying. And preparedness, well that is just trying to be as self-reliant as possible – that’s it. Nothing more; nothing less. Not relying on the government to protect you all the time, hand you food, or keep your lights on. And for me, to hopefully be able to help others in need as well.
Love the video on the ant and the grasshopper. Perfect for teaching young ones, eh?!
It is a joy and a pleasure to awaken to such wisdom on this day we call the Sabbath, Bev. Intelligent, wise articulation. Thank you.
I “prep” for many reasons:
1) I’ve experienced true NEED; lack of food, clothing, and shelter. I lived it as a child. I know what it is to be hungry, to be cold, and to be unable to do anything about it; I am not FEARFUL of it; I can do it. I am not so foolish, either, as to set myself up for repeating this way of living.
“Prepping” is wisdom in the most basic contexts of the word. It is knowing how to live daily with no waste, so that it is a very “green” way of living, about as “socially responsible” as one can get, IMHO.
2) I honor my ancestors; my grandparents were all farmers; they lived too far away for me to get to them alone, else, I would never have been hungry or cold; but they knew every SELF-SUFFICIENCY skill necessary; and they used them every day. They had no choice. Many times, as I perform what I consider “routine” daily activities, I think of my beloved maternal grandmother and give thanks for her teaching me, if only by observation.
“Prepping” is nothing more than living as close to self-sufficiency as I am able, living as my grandparents lived, because they had no choice.
Some of my ancestors were Native Americans; not everything they did was honorable, but, they did know how to live well off only what our Creator provided, waste nothing, and want for nothing. Careful use of resources was as much practical as it was spiritual for them, as it is for me.
“Prepping” is honoring the heritage of my ancestors through living in wise stewardship with Holy G-d’s creation.
3) I honor my Heavenly Father, the One, True, G-d, The Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End. I believe Holy G-d, through my Lord and Savior, Y’eshua/Jesus Christ, and through His Holy Spirit, who guides us, is very specific on how we are to live our lives on this earth, as we prepare for our eternal lives in that place He has prepared for us, Heaven. He is specific through the BIBLE.
I believe He gave us a brain for a reason, and He expects us to use it. I believe that all knowledge is a gift of G-d:
James 1:5
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of G-d, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
I also believe that when we fail to use the gifts He has provided, we insult Him. Have you ever given someone a gift, watched them unwrap it with a look of hopeful excitement, and then watched their face fall as soon as they observed the contents of the package. Yeah. That feeling. I think it just might be like that for G-d when we open His gifts and fail to show our appreciation by actually taking advantage of them.
I am not aware of ANY examples in the Word wherein Holy G-d told His children, “you just sit there and do absolutely nothing; I will do it all”. No. What I see is a book full of examples of Him telling His children, “you do exactly as I tell you; do not deviate one bit; dot every “i” and cross every “t”, just as I say, and, when you have shown me YOUR “obedience”, your willing to submit to my authority, because I am G-d and you are not, then, and only then, will I take over in the supernatural”. You will never find that discussion in the Bible in this words, and yet, I see it many times. I believe it has been his message throughout time.
“Prepping” is honoring my Holy G-d by celebrating, through daily application, the gifts He so generously provides, and submitting to His divine authority, His leadership, because He is G-d and I am not. I have no wisdom on my own, and, without Him, I am in serious trouble.
4) The Word of Holy G-d, the BIBLE (Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth) is FULL of examples of “prepping”, though you will never find that word.
Why do you think Joseph was betrayed by his brothers, and had to go to Egypt to grow up in Pharaoh’s court? It didn’t happen by accident or simply because of some evil plot by his brothers. Read the whole story. Because of what Joseph spent years learning to do, being given the wisdom and the latitude to do, he was able to save not one, but two nations: Israel AND Egypt. He did so by storing up food for 7 years, which saved both nations from the “extreme famine” Holy G-d warned them would come. This was what brought Joseph’s family back to Egypt and caused the reconciliation of his family, and the saving of his people from sure starvation. Joseph was a “prepper”.
And then there’s Noah and his family, who spent 120 years building and stocking ark, NEVER having seen rain (they did not know what it was), and all the while being mocked by everyone else. They were in that ark a long time, with a lot of hungry animals. Noah and his family were “preppers”; they heeded wisdom, and they prepared.
There are many other examples in the Word. I think you get the message by now.
I “prep” because love not having to depend on someone or something else for my daily “care”, but, mostly because I honor my G-d, my people, and the gifts He has provided me. I prep because I love my Holy G[-d, and those were His instructions to me. To do anything less diminishes me, and I lose. At the end of the day, I like to assess my day and say, “I did my best!”. And enjoy the spiritual blessing of a “well done, good and faithful servant” from my Heavenly Father, whom I love above all else.
I prep because “stuff happens”, “stuff” over which I have absolutely zero control!
Why do I prepare? Good question, but it is nothing more or nothing less than what our parents and grandparents did. The last few generations have forgotten that. We have moved from the self reliant lifestyle to one of just in time or someone else will do it for me lifestyle. Anyone who has ever lived on a farm or ranch knows that it isn’t possible to run into town everyday or even once a week to pick up groceries. When we did go into town we always stocked up our staples. Many of todays people have forgotten how to cook from scratch. They will either buy fast food or fast food from the grocery stores. Have a look at a modern cookbook, many of the ingredients call for ready made items such as instant puddings. Why do I prep? I guess I love the lifestyle of a slower more simple time. I like being able to cook without many of the new conveniences. I like being able to make things without spending money. What it boils down to is where will I spend my time. The simpler the lifestyle the more time consuming it becomes. I haven’t always had this mindset but ever since I have become a “prepper” I have found peace within myself and I take pride in what I can accomplish with GOD’s help. I love teaching my grandchildren the old ways. Get out from in front of the TV and work on a project that when you are no longer around your children and grandchildren will know that it was made by you and not some store.
servantheart, very eloquently said. You have an amazing way of expressing yourself. Thank you for your insight.
I was just thinking that about you, Suni! Such wisdom, only, not as long winded as some of us! ;)
Prepping to me is just continuing the practices that have enabled me to get this far in life thanks to God and I intend to continue on in this manner.
Bev, loved this portion of your message to all of us “Preparedness is not something we do and then quit. It is a mindset, a way of life. Generations of people since pre-history have been setting aside food, using what they had, making do with what was at hand. And they survived because of that thoughtfulness, or necessity, to prepare.” WE2’s live this lifestyle because we’re both retired now and things don’t come as easily as they once did. We’ve been able to cut our grocery bill at least in half by gardening & preserving our own food stuffs. Yes, it did cost us to purchase equipment, supplies etc., but fortunately we did that while the funds were available. That’s one reason we chose our gardening system, we didn’t want to have to continually buy fertilizers etc. and we knew we wouldn’t always be able physically to push a plow (gas or by hand) etc. to keep a traditional garden. We keep our lifestyle fairly simple. To us, it’s a matter of having some forsight and beliefs that line up with what life is really all about. None of us are getting out of this world alive (unless we’re raptured!) so we live today, for as many “todays” as our Lord grants us. I’ve often thought, if others would live today as if it were their last, and treat others as if today were that persons last day on earth, how differently we would live. Loving makes us vulnerable, but so does ignorance….”the blind leading the blind”? Mr.WE2 was an avid hiker, climber, camper…you name it and had a houseful of different types of gear to do it with. I thought he was a pack rat! Then…I heard that familiar, still voice whisper to me “remember the parable of the virgins”. So I re-read that scripture over and over, and THEN I began to realize what Holy Spirit was speaking to my heart…prepare. Then recently we were out in the “beauty of a day” and again I heard that voice speak to me, “I left the linen clothing in the tomb, for you to wear” and I nearly jumped out of my skin! I just put on HIS covering, and He knew what was ahead and lived his whole life preparing for it. Sorta windy too?
What a beautiful testimony, WE2. Thank you.
I was talking with Bob, who does not prep but appreciates my prepping, and he said, “If your unprepared, you’re a victim.”
And isn’t that victim mentality so prevalent in our society?
I’m glad I prep!
Bev :)
We’re glad you prep, too, Bev. Otherwise, how could you share your knowledge with us?! :Angel:
I’d say that I prep because the Universe seldom follows your plans, regardless of your beliefs. Curveballs will always happen.
This was reinforced this past weekend. I got to cook and help out on a 3 day camping trip with a dear friend’s church group. Mostly “mature but not ‘seasoned’-age ‘city/suburban’ folks”, most of whom had never camped before.
I hope at least a few figured out that if you have the tools and skills you need in an unfamiliar situation, you are NOT in trouble, just facing a new challenge. (No, you can’t split firewood with plastic picnic cutlery, yes, ther are places within 50 miles of your house where your cell phone doesn’t work, etc)
It was fun, and I hope people learned something, from what little I know.
One of the funniest parts of RV’ing is to watch others who are also camping, via it tent, pop-up, trailer, 5th wheel, Class C, Class B or Class A…we’ve all had our lessons to learn (and sometimes re-learn!) on being prepared for places other than “home” … LOL
Have y’all seen the idea of bottle lights? There’s a short video here that you’ll enjoy from the Philippines.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-23536914?utm_source=BD+News+Flash&utm_campaign=476a96df68
Just goes to show that people are still “creative” and they do build things…out of discarded or very simple, cheap items.
I prep because I foresee some things happening, like growing old and not being able to work for an income, and because there are some things I cannot foresee. Some of the latter things have been fires, floods and earthquakes affecting sometimes hundred’s of thousands of people at once. When the numbers get that big one cannot afford to expect others to come and assist you when things go wrong. We need to be as self reliant as possible as an individual, as a family and as a community.
So my focus is on building family relationships, improving personal health, self defence and first aid.
The ant and the grasshopper is a lovely video. Its just a pity that they stuck the bit in about getting a flu vaccination. As far as I can find from the research there is no evidence acceptable to me as a scientist that flu vaccinations work for any age. I know its a public health produced video so it would have that type of message. But vaccinations – ah, no. Effectiveness and safety are yet to be proved to my satisfaction. Sadly even asking for research proof of both calls down acute condemnation and name calling. So I don’t usually challenge it. But here money needs to be well spent. Vaccinations don’t fit the bill from my perspective.
I agree with you, Harriet. “Vaccinations”, while they have had their usefulness IN THE PAST, are not your grandparents’ “vaccinations”, and they don’t do what the powers claim they do, but they do lots of things the powers will never confess. Did you see the latest on the so-called “Gardisil” vaccinations? One of the scientists who produced it admitted publicly that it never did work. Big shock (not).
much wisdom here! I prep because Lord knows what may happen…natural disaster, war, govt stuff, etc. My grandparents lived thru the Great Depression, I observed how they lived. We need to pass that on to next generation, and I hope that camping w/my kids from a young age has somewhat prepared them. They may think I am loony, but at least they are aware. My daughter in particular has taken what I do seriously.