The current Coronavirus pandemic has opened the eyes of the world to the reality that even the best prepared nations, are ill prepared for some emergencies and catastrophic events. The fact that we have a flu shot available every year, and we still have between 20,000 and 60,000 flu-related deaths in the United States yearly is testimony that we do not have a good handle on how to predict which flu to anticipate when we develop the annual flu shot.
And then there are the "unknowns" of something like COVID-19, severe weather events, the possibility of a terrorist arrack, a possible wide-spread power outage or attack on our communication or water supply, earthquakes, a nuclear accident or any of a host of unforeseen catastrophes. Are we ready for a single or multiple events at the same time? Can our hospitals, first-responders, governmental agencies and leaders respond in a timely manner and do we have the necessary supplies on hand for any or all of these situations? And what about other countries and their ability to face such a situation?
I think we are learning a lesson about preparedness. How we come thru this one and how we get ready for the next one will speak volumes about our future and how we face it. We've been pretty sheltered, maybe even naive, and rather than point fingers, we need to join hands and be proactive rather than reactive. We need to heed this wake up call and realize that the world we live in is different than the Civil Defense era of my youth and we will need more than hiding under a desk to survive.
Stay alert, stay calm, be sensible and look out for ourself and each other. We may be asked to do more than social distance, shelter in place or limit our purchases so that there is enough for everyone. We will get thru this......
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I remember the duck and cover drills in grade school. We took a field trip to a Civil Defense Shelter and the highlight of the trip, I suppose, was that we got to sample the survival crackers and water. At the time, I thought it would be better to be dead...
ReplyDeleteWe are maintaining our vigil; our Wednesday Night Bible Study has now been emailed, to be printed out, and initiate self study. 1st John. Real interesting. Randall mentioned 1st John on Sunday's Sermon on the Balcony; Susan and I both were right on the button!
I mentioned to Randall, via the interweb, that he might consider uploading the newest version of the Play to YouTube and advertise it since it's not going out live, as was initially tendered as an acceptable alternative (except for the cast members).
Call me sometime if you wish (601) 946-0327
Take care - Pray Psalm 91 until you get it memorized, then continue to pray.