All Is Safely Gathered In
Well, we are halfway into the year 2020 and so far it has been pretty chaotic. I feel like every time something else happens we tend to feel overwhelmed all over again. How can we gain self-reliance and be prepared for when another shock hits us in the future?
After all of the current events, many people are facing the realities of not having an income. This unsettling reality can cause us to continue to feel like life will always be chaotic, but there is a peace that being prepared can bring.
Food Storage
When President Hinkley was the prophet he put a large emphasis on preparedness and food storage. 72-hour kits for each member of the family and a year’s supply of food in the basement are generally what we think of when we hear about food storage.
A gospel topics essay on food storage states:
“Take the amount of food you would need to purchase to feed your family for a day and multiply that by 7. That is how much food you would need for a one-week supply. The easiest way to get started is to grab extras of your favorite foods when prices are low and you are already at the store. Once you have a week’s supply, you can gradually expand it to a month, and eventually three months.
When Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans, it was discovered that many families didn’t even have 1 week’s supply of food. Anything you can do is better than nothing.
For longer-term needs, and where permitted, gradually build a supply of food that will last a long time and that you can use to stay alive, such as wheat, white rice, and beans. A portion of these items may be rotated in your three-month supply.”
When we are cooped up in our homes for months on end it is important to feel that your home is a safe, secure, and cozy place to be. Having a long-term supply of food is just one way to ensure that you and your family are prepared.
Saving Money
Are you planning for your financial future? It is imperative that you prioritize where your money is going. Prophets have counseled us to avoid debt. President Gordon B. Hinkley said, “Pay off debt as quickly as you can, and free yourselves from bondage.”
True to the Faith states: “Look to the condition of your finances. Discipline yourself in your purchases, avoiding debt to the extent you can. In most cases, you can avoid debt by managing your resources wisely. If you do incur debt, such as a reasonable amount in order to purchase a modest home or complete your education, work to repay it as quickly as possible and free yourself from bondage. When you have paid your debts and accumulated some savings, you will be prepared for financial storms that may come your way. You will have shelter for your family and peace in your heart.”
Self-Reliance
The church began a self-reliance initiative called My Foundation for Self-Reliance. This workbook is used to guide groups through the program. Classes are based on financial independence, time management, service, and problem-solving.
All of these classes are centered around having faith in Jesus Christ and lead to receiving temple ordinances. These points are specifically to show us that self-reliance can be a part of guiding us down the covenant path.
If you would like to take part in these classes, please contact your local bishop or branch president. Self-reliance can provide a feeling of comfort and safety in times of trouble.
Their course on personal finance is terrific. All newlyweds especially should take the course, and the manual is online. While paying debt, the first step is to build up a $1,000 emergency fund and then a savings that will carry you through 3 months without income. Think of the peace of mind this would bring when we’re assaulted by general emergencies like Covid-19. This course is being adapted by the NAACP for inner-city blacks. It’s that good.
Through assuring that you and your family are being self-reliant, you can make sure that you are prepared for the next emergency and ensure that all is safely gathered in.
How have you become self-reliant? Share in the comments.