by David E Bay, High Councilor

It was a cold bitter morning; snow was falling and I was outside
with a snow shovel and a bucket of ice-melt to ensure that my driveway
and sidewalks were cleared of snow and ice. I stepped and my feet
slipped out from under me and the next thing I knew I was on the
ground. I hit full force on my left shoulder. Sometimes things happen
that take only an instant but cause profound changes that impact us
even for the rest of our lives. I feel fortunate that I live in a day when
medical services can help us return to full strength much quicker than
in historical times.

We need to prepare for emergencies and/or disasters that may
come. Accidents, personal crises, and disturbances as well as disasters
caused naturally or intentionally are part of the challenges that make
up mortality. Sister LuAnn Johnson, currently serving as Relief Society
President in the sixth Ward, has spent her career helping communities
become prepared. She taught me the difference between an emergency
and a disaster. An emergency is when things go wrong but the usual
network of community can respond and help as requested. A disaster is
when 911 and other services are overwhelmed and are unable to
respond to all of the demand for help.

The Utah area has a Temporal Preparedness Guide to help us
each be prepared for those things that are prophesied to occur before
the Savior returns.

Quoting from the Temporal Preparedness Guide Introduction:
God has promised, “If ye are prepared ye shall not fear” (Doctrine and
Covenants 38:30). When we have plans in
place, we are more prepared for challenges. This includes:

• Emergency planning

• Home storage and production

• Financial preparedness

• Emotional preparedness

Like spiritual learning, preparedness is best done “line upon line” (Isaiah 28:10). And when challenges occur, we can learn from them, heal and grow, and continue to prepare.

It is my hope that we can work together so we can be prepared for the challenges that will surely come to us.