Take the Leap of Faith
Written by Cheri Stirling
“The need for preparation is abundantly clear. The great blessing of being prepared gives us freedom from fear.” (L. Tom Perry)
How do you feel about preparedness? Some of us grew up in homes where there was only the food for that week on the shelf, where others of us maybe had miniature versions of Costco in our basement. But, regardless of how you grew up, at some point, you get to be on your own, and you have to start from scratch. And that can be pretty intimidating.
Why Do I Need to be Prepared?
As disciples of the Savior, we are commanded to “prepare every needful thing; and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God.”
We also promised are that “if ye prepared, ye shall not fear.”
These scriptures provide a perfect framework for organizing and preparing our lives and homes both temporally and spiritually.
Being prepared comes in many forms. Maybe it’s just having an extra meal on hand that’s quick and easy, in case you forget to pull the meat out to defrost to help eliminate stress, and keep eating out down. Maybe it’s getting a 72 hour kit together, should a natural disaster strike. Perhaps you’re working on getting your food storage and home supplies built up. We are all at different levels and phases of preparation, and that’s okay.
The purpose for being prepared is not so we can be prepared for every possible situation ever. There’s no way we can possibly prepare for every scenario that could possibly come up, and that probably would send all of our mental health into a downward spiral. But we can be prepared for some scenarios. Maybe a loss of employment, or a storm that is more likely to occur in your area. Preparing for unseen circumstances allows us to face the future with hope, and not be afraid.
“If we will just do as the Brethren have counseled and live each day as it comes, providently and righteously, there will be no need for drastic adjustments in preparation to meet future challenges.” (Victor L. Brown)
“Our efforts to prepare for the proving experiences of mortality should follow the example of the Savior, who incrementally 'increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man' - blended balance of intellectual, physical, spiritual and social readiness.”
David A. Bednar
Doing a little bit at at time quickly becomes something substantial. Bite size chunks help keep the task ahead of us manageable, and purposeful. My husband and I regularly go over what we have, and what we should be looking for. Then we prioritize that wish list. (Because that wish list is LOONNNNGGGGGG) For example, a trip to Costco to build my storage should have some goals. Am I stocking up on my paper products and home goods, or the basics like flour and rice? Am I looking to restock the freezer? Just going to Costco could have me coming home with a 2-year supply of Oreos and muffins, but that probably won’t be necessary or good for anyone’s waist line.
Often, focusing on preparing in one area opens our eyes to other areas that need strengthening or some fine tuning. ‘Ok I have basics, but do I have food my family will eat?’ ‘We got a 72 hour kit, but do we have a way to cook those dehydrated meals? ‘ And sometimes, the areas you notice aren’t related to what you are working on. Through this process, we learn to communicate with the Lord to determine what our focus should be, and for how long. “For behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.” (2 Nephi 32: 3)
Where Do I Even Start?
‘So where do I even start?’ you ask. Often, people start with more physical, temporal based preparations, because it’s easier to track progress and see the changes that are being made. Those shelves get more stocked. The bank accounts look more secure. The 72 hour kit is accessible. Like other goals, seeing progress helps us to keep going. There can feel like sooo many things to start when it comes to temporal preparedness and building self-reliance. Some ideas of where to start to think about:
- Food Storage
- Food Preservation
- Emergency Preparedness
- Family Emergency Plans and Drills
- Budgeting
- Debt Elimination
- Savings
- Gardening
Pick an area or two to focus on. You don’t have to take on the whole list! Depending on your personal situation, some areas may be more important right now than others. Ask Him if that’s the right direction, and then go for it. (We’re here to help!)
Preparing for the future helps build security and creates resilience in times of crisis. Our goal with Honey + Lilies is to help you find the peace that comes from being prepared in all facets of your life. We hope that we can bring you easy tips and ideas to help you make this leap of faith, and watch the miracles that will start unfolding.
“Wherefore, be faithful, praying always, having your lamps trimmed and burning, and oil with you that you may be ready at the coming of the Bridegroom – for behold, verily, verily, I say unto you I come quickly.” D&C 33:17-18
XO,
Cheri
Resources:
- L. Tom Perry, If Ye Are Prepared Ye Shall Not Fear, November 1995
- David A. Bednar, We Will Prove Them Herewith, October 2020
- Victor L. Brown, Prepare for Tomorrow, November 1992
- Doctrine & Covenants 33:17-18
- 2 Nephi 32:3
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