“A question that sometimes drives me hazy: am I or are the others crazy?” (Albert Einstein)
Those of us practicing preparation often face various forms of ridicule from our neighbors, co-workers, and even family. Some just tease. Others are harsh, insisting that “preppers” are crazy, pointing to television shows about disturbed people with extreme hording behaviors. It can be difficult in the extreme to let these barbs and accusations go. It is easy to lose your temper. But no good is served by blowing your top. As Mark Twain wisely put it, “Never argue with a fool—onlookers may not be able to tell the difference.”
Ridicule is one of the chief ways that a society prevents its members from deviating from the approved path. But truth doesn’t always stick to society’s prescribed rule. Often, those who know the truth are required to endure the “slings and arrows” of unjust treatment for the sake of the right way. Wise preparers need to develop thick skins. Our Lord told us that “wisdom is justified by her children” (Luke 7:35). It is necessary now to endure a little ridicule in order to wisely prepare for the future. When the disaster strikes those ridiculing you now will cease to laugh. Your hard work of preparing will be vindicated.
This Day in Church History
April 25, 387 AD – Augustine of Hippo is baptized. Augustine was born in North Africa to a believing mother and pagan father. He was a voracious reading and was from a young age recognized for his scholarship and learning. He also became famous for his loose living. His mother, Monica, prayed daily for his conversion. Later, having moved to Italy to assume a teaching position in Milan, Augustine began attending the church in which St. Ambrose preached. Through his mother’s encouragement and by means of the glorious worship of the church, which Augustine admired, the scholar began to drift in the direction of the Christian Faith.
Some days later, while walking in a Garden in a state of great anxiety about his soul, he heard a young child cry out “take up and read”. Taking this as a divine directive, Augustine opened to Paul’s words in Romans, “. . .not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.” Faith filled his soul and he immediately renounced his lustful habits. Shortly thereafter, upon being baptized, Augustine declared, “…and all anxiety for our past life vanished away.”