Originally Posted by
David A. Rowe
Not as a counterpoint to Jenni, but rather the follow through:
Please do move away from urban centers, but do not disconnect. Surround yourself with capable people. Become as self sufficient as you can, but make friends and build community. Take tomatoes to your friend with laying hens. Give freely when you have too much, and take with gratitude when some has it to give.
Case in point: I've been bucking and handloading oak to split later for firewood from a wonderful lady who needed a felled tree out of the way. Years ago, my grandfather and other men from the church helped her when her parents died and she couldn't take care of the furniture moving by herself. She found out my grandmother just went into the nursing home for rehab, and will go visit her now.
There are two sayings I grew up with:
"God helps those who help themselves."
And
"Give help, but only when asked."
I think we will face war on a global scale soon, and I maintain it will be over food, predominantly. While you're building a charcoal kiln and raised beds, take some time to build a community and a servant's heart.
I don't pray often, and I try not to pray flippantly. Before I go on duty, I ask for wisdom and sound judgement so that my decisions will be swift and my actions effective in both the short and long term. When I'm off duty, I seek the strength and perspective to acknowledge the lessons from my suffering and to be a good man.
I'm the furthest from perfect, but even I have seen the positive impact this has had on what little I can make a difference in.
Whatever or whomever you pray to or hold dear, I offer all this not to preach at you, but to provide encouragement and hope. Whatever comes, even though we of this board may be separated, I promise that I will shoulder a little of the load with you.