Day 2 – National Preparedness Month – Spiritual Preparedness

In a world where disaster preparedness typically revolves around physical supplies, emergency plans, and evacuation routes, it is easy to overlook a crucial aspect of readiness: spiritual preparedness. We venture beyond tangible provisions and explore the profound significance of nurturing our spiritual well-being in times of crisis. In this article, we embark on a captivating journey, uncovering the transformative power of spiritual preparedness and discovering the often-overlooked tools and practices to help us find strength, resilience, and solace when facing life’s greatest challenges. Get ready to unlock a whole new dimension of preparedness that extends far beyond the physical realm. Spiritual Preparedness is where we embark on a path that illuminates the potential within each of us.

Spiritual Preparedness:

While I was in High School, a small tornado came through where I lived. I vividly remember riding a quiet(er) bus home looking out the window, and seeing the evidence of where it had hopped until it had finally vanished it had dissolved. A few blocks from our home, where a small construction boom was happening, there was a cement slab with a twisted metal knot. This had been the site of their “pilot” steel framed house –reportedly stronger than the usual wood frame. I recall chuckling and thinking, “ Didn’t work now, did it.”

I have since learned more about construction and architecture and stand corrected. The company’s claim was true; steel is stronger than wood. However, a house requires more to become a stable shelter than a strong foundation and steel framing. Trusses, beams, exterior and interior walls, etc., all work together to create a structure that can withstand storms. That tornado had also hit our high school and, as a completed structure, merely lost a few windows. It had weathered the storm to protect its precious cargo.

For most of this month, we’ll focus on the physical areas of preparedness, but this is not the most important preparation we can make. Spiritual Preparedness is the most vital principle and will allow us to weather the storms. All of our physical preparations are steel frames and slabs of cement. And if that is where we focus all of our efforts and neglect to finish our houses by being spiritually prepared – we will survive a disaster but most likely as a mess.

Usually when listing, the areas of preparedness being spiritually prepared include food storage and 72-hour kits. I’ve realized that our categories are inaccurate. Allow me to demonstrate to you more visually.

Approach to Emergency Preparedness:

The Usual Approach to Emergency Preparedness

72 hour kits (bug-out kit)

Food storage

Financial preparedness

First aid and medical

Spiritual Preparedness

Evacuation and emergency plan

A New Approach to Emergency Preparedness

Spiritual	Physical
Scripture Study	72-hour kits
Prayer	Financial
Tithing	Food storage
Change of heart	Planning

I’ve realized that spiritual preparedness isn’t a category; it’s a completely seperate aspect of preparedness with many facets. President Henry B Erying, First Counselor of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, in his talk Spiritual Preparedness: Start Early and Be Ready divides spiritual preparedness into the above four categories (October 2005 General Conference). Obviously there are more aspects than just these four, but hands down these are the most important.

Just as during the week ,we will focus on the physical facets of preparedness, every Sabbath (Saturday). We will dedicate our attention to the spiritual dimension. It is important to recognize that we face far more spiritual storms and disasters than we ever will encounter in the physical realm. In fact, most of these are man-made disasters. Statistics reveal a concerning increase in both spiritual challenges and physical storms. Challenges like divorce, addiction, bankruptcy, crime, etc. are spiritual disasters we are facing more frequently now. Disasters over the past decade have increased with their intensity growing exponentially as well. We were sent here to endure and overcome the spiritual storms and to return triumphantly.

However amidst this alarming trend, it is crucial to understand that our purpose extends beyond mere survival on this earth. Resembling nothing akin to a strange reality show. Instead, our journey here carries a profound and meaningful purpose. One that encompasses the nourishment and development of our spiritual selves.

Related Spiritual Quotes:

“So, the greatest test of life is to see whether we will hearken to and obey God’s commands in the midst of the storms of life. It is not to endure storms but to choose the right while they rage. And the tragedy of life is to fail in that test and so fail to qualify to return to our heavenly home.” (President Henry B Erying, Spiritual Preparedness: Start Early and Be Steady, October 2005 General Conference)

Our loving Heavenly Father has provided all the materials for us to return to Him; the Atonement of Our Savior, the Holy Ghost, Prophets, church leaders, prayer, scriptures, and temples. We have more in our days to assist us than in all the generations. We must simply CHOOSE to be quick and steady in using them.

“What we will need in our day of testing is spiritual preparation. It is to have developed faith in Jesus Christ so powerful that we can pass the test of life, upon which everything for us in eternity depends. That test is part of the purpose God had for us in the Creation…

“We would be subject to temptations through the desires and weaknesses that came with out mortal bodies. Subtle and powerful forces of evil would tempt us to surrender to those temptations. Life would have storms in which we would have to make choices using faith in things we could not see with our natural eyes.” (President Henry B Erying, Spiritual Preparedness: Start Early and Be Steady, October 2005 General Conference)

Just as you would be remiss to neglect your food storage or miss updating your 72 hour kits, why would you neglect the spiritual preparations that will maintain your mental and emotional well-being and faith in times of distress?

Today’s Challenge:

Good: Read the Talk by President Henry B. Erying, Spiritual Preparedness: Start Early and Be Steady, October 2005 General Conference. Pray about spiritual preparations for you and your family.

Better: Just as you would inventory your food storage, kits, and finances, make an inventory of your spiritual preparations (personal and family).

Do you read your scriptures or uplifting material daily? Twice a day?

How long do you read for?

Do you pray or meditate regularly?

What is your attitude while praying?

How is your charitable/faith based giving?

Do you atten church or faith promoting activites regularly? What are your typical Sunday activites?

Do you follow your church or spiritual leaders?

Be honest in your evaluations. Pray for guidance as to things you may have missed, and discuss this as a family.

Best: Look at your above inventory, pray and ponder where you really need to focus your efforts to improve or start. Make a plan for improvement, and set a date for weekly evaluation on your efforts.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Day 2 of our exploration into spiritual preparedness has shed even more light on the importance of cultivating a strong inner foundation in facing life’s challenges. We have seen that true spiritual preparedness goes beyond physical and material provisions. The depths of spiritual preparedness allows our being to nurture a resilient and enlightened state of mind.

Spiritual preparedness is not a destination, but rather an ongoing journey. It requires consistent effort and a commitment to self-discovery and growth. As we nurture our spiritual well-being, we become better equipped to face life’s trials and tribulations.

Ultimately, the path of spiritual preparedness leads us to a place of inner peace, resilience, and wisdom. It allows us to transcend the limitations of external circumstances and find strength in our core essence. By investing in our spiritual well-being, we can navigate the challenges of life with a sense of purpose, clarity, and serenity. This allows us to not only foster our own well-being, but they also the well-being of those around us.

PreparednessMama

Preparedness Mama and its collaborators have created a one-stop shop of critical resources for families looking to prepare for disaster. We know firsthand that getting ready for the worst with a big family poses some particular challenges.

We’ve learned from the past so that you don’t have to make the same mistakes again. Fear of the unknown is one of the scariest things in life, but we hope that Preparedness Mama’s treasure trove of practical advice will make that unknown less daunting and ultimately help take the scared out of being prepared for every single one of our readers.

Comments

Doppelstabmattenzaun says

September 9, 2023 at 3:00 pm

Your insights on spiritual preparedness are both thought-provoking and timely. It’s often overlooked, but your guidance on nurturing our inner strength and resilience is invaluable. This post serves as a reminder that being prepared goes beyond physical necessities. Thank you for sharing this profound wisdom, reminding us to strengthen our inner selves, and for your dedication to helping others become better prepared for life’s challenges. Your blog is a true treasure trove of wisdom.