** Edited by
Baha and Margaret Habashy
The Challenge
A Simple Way to Prepare for Disaster
Watching the devastating images from Los Angeles, we can’t help but wonder if this could happen to us. Even if you don’t live near forests or the ocean, fire risks are everywhere—an electrical spark, a dry season, or an accident can ignite disaster. Are we truly prepared to protect our homes, loved ones, and possessions? Fires don’t respect boundaries. Without God’s grace, none of us would be spared from such tragedy. Preparedness is an essential act of stewardship.
Meet Pat and Jim
The stories we receive from LA these days are like what happened to a colleague of ours. Jim, 58, and his wife Pat, 53, had been counting down to their dream vacation for months. After years of hard work, they finally took two weeks to relax and explore the coast, leaving behind the recently purchased home that they had lovingly furnished together.
But their return was far from the warm welcome they’d envisioned. Just days before their trip ended, a neighbour’s frantic call delivered devastating news: a sudden electrical fire had gutted their home, leaving only a pile of smouldering ashes. The couple arrived to find their belongings—a lifetime of memories—reduced to nothing.
The shock was overwhelming, but the chaos that followed tested their resilience. Without a detailed inventory of their belongings, Jim and Pat found themselves in a maze of endless insurance forms, difficult conversations with adjusters, and constant reminders of what they had lost. How many pieces of jewelry? What appliances? What furniture? The questions seemed endless and the relationship with insurance agents turned hostile and adversarial.
Even amid the frustration, Jim and Pat resolved to rebuild—not just their home, but their peace of mind. The experience taught them an invaluable lesson about planning for the unexpected. They now advocate for others to document their possessions, so no one else must endure what they did unprepared.
BIBLICAL INSIGHTS
Proverbs 27:12, “The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.”
Preparation is a sign of wisdom. This verse speaks to the importance of anticipating potential challenges, like a fire or other loss, and taking action to mitigate harm. Creating a home inventory is a way of being prudent and preparing for unforeseen events.
Philippians 4:19, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
In times of loss, when it feels like everything has been taken away, this verse provides reassurance that God is our ultimate provider. Even if material possessions are lost, God’s grace and provision sustain us through life’s trials.
Psalm 46:1-2, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth gives way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.”
This verse reassures us that even in the face of devastating loss or disaster, God is our source of strength and refuge. When everything feels uncertain, we can find stability in Him.
2 Corinthians 4:16-18, “Therefore, we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So, we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
This passage offers perspective, reminding us to focus on the eternal rather than the temporary. The loss of material possessions is painful, but it pales in comparison to the eternal glory God has prepared for us.
Turn Memories into a Lasting Record
Preparing for the unexpected can feel daunting, but taking a sentimental approach will make it easier and more meaningful. Here we propose a simple three-step process. This process isn’t just about recording a video inventory; it’s about celebrating your life’s journey. Reflect on family milestones, heartfelt gifts, and cherished moments tied to your belongings. What could have been a tedious task becomes an opportunity to revisit joyous times and appreciate the love your home embodies.
- Start with a Walk Down Memory Lane
Use your cell phone or a camcorder to create a simple video walkthrough of your home.
- Go through every room, open every closet, and peer into every drawer.
- With your recorder on, talk about everything your eyes can see. You can move things around a bit without pulling items out.
- Take time to reflect on the past, with stories and details about important items you see. It may be that vase you got as a wedding gift or the rocking chair that is a family heirloom—each object holds a memory worth preserving.
- Backup and Protect Your Video Inventory
Once finished, save the recording on three memory sticks.
- Keep one for yourself in a safe location.
- Share the other two with trusted loved ones, such as your children.
- This ensures your inventory is preserved, even in the event of a disaster.
- Use It as a Foundation
While this is a simple start, it’s invaluable in an emergency. Over time, you can expand on this inventory, adding important details like receipts, serial numbers, or updated photos.
Preparing for the unexpected doesn’t have to be a burden. By blending practicality with sentiment, you’re safeguarding your possessions and preserving the memories that make your house a home.
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** Note: This blog content was developed with help from ChatGPT 3.5. The story, names and images are for illustration only.
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