Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and Super Storm Sandy really need no introduction. Very few people in the technology-connected world are not aware of the devastation caused by these storms, especially Katrina. Who can forget the New Orleans levies breaking and the people stranded on the roofs and in the Arena? There was an immediate need for virtually everything that constitutes the basics of life. As I arrived in Louisiana to help with the hurricane clean-up I remember thinking it looked like the wake of a B-52 bombing run in Vietnam.

In the aftermath of these storms, billions of dollars were spent on immediate Disaster Relief Response Teams and for the cleanup that is still continuing today. I heard that over a quarter of a million volunteers from all over the country have visited these storm areas to help with the recovery. I do want to point out that during the Katrina and Rita responses our association and individual graduates donated over $2,000 in support of the Disaster Response Team that I work with here in Tennessee.   

But, just like after all previous storms, many will rebuild and more will probably move into those areas. We could debate the wisdom of living in such storm-prone areas but most people think they are doing the right thing by staying there or moving there. Whatever their reasons, they have to know that in those areas storms always come! Most took precautions but some did not. Those who fared the best were those who were well prepared before the storms hit. It is the same with the storms that hit our emotional lives, our health, our families or our finances. It’s all about preparation; remember, we were taught how important preparation is in OCS! 

Jesus talked about being prepared in the book of Matthew, chapter 7, verses 24-27, "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash." (NIV)

So, how prepared are you for the next storm to come your way? Are you going to be caught up on the roof of your life waving for help or are you going to make sure the foundations of all that really matters to you are in place and well maintained? The choice is yours; wise man or foolish man. I pray you will make the wise choice!