Survival in Uncertain Times: A Call to Discipline and Preparedness

Family Readiness

Any one of us could find ourselves caught in the crossfire of today’s volatile political and social environment. This is exactly why preparation and survival skills are not optional—they are essential. Our livelihoods, health, and safety can all be challenged without warning, and the best way to protect ourselves and our families is to build resilience through discipline and preparedness. In previous discussions, we highlighted the importance of maintaining good health.

This cannot be overstated. Regular exercise, healthy eating, and maintaining a proper weight allow us to move, think, and respond with clarity. Stress works against us in countless ways, weakening our bodies and our decision-making ability. A disciplined approach to health builds the foundation for discipline in every other area of life, including financial preparedness and resource management.

Self-discipline is survival. When we strengthen discipline in one area—like health—it carries into other areas, such as financial planning, food storage, and resourcefulness. For example, investing in practical essentials such as food, water, candles, first aid, and even alternative energy sources like generators or solar-powered devices can make all the difference in times of crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic should have taught us that fear and uncertainty thrive when we are unprepared. Preparation, on the other hand, builds confidence and stability.

One often-overlooked discipline that connects directly to survival is fasting. Fasting teaches us how to control consumption, stretch resources, and sustain health even when food is limited. It also strengthens our ability to endure hardships and reduces reliance on external systems that may not be available in times of crisis.

Beyond health and nutrition, food preservation is another critical survival skill. Our ancestors mastered techniques such as canning, which allowed them to preserve food long-term without relying on unstable supply chains. These lost skills must be revived. Stocking canned goods, learning the science of food preservation, and creating safe storage spaces in our homes should be part of every household’s plan.

Preparation extends beyond food and health. We must think practically about defense, communication, and emergency supplies. Do we have survival kits with flashlights, first aid, and extra batteries? Do we know how to use walkie-talkies or transition radios if cell phones go down? Do we have a plan for securing our homes and protecting our loved ones? These are not scare tactics—they are seeds of awareness that must be planted in our daily lives.

Ultimately, survival comes down to preparation in three dimensions: physical, medical, and mental. Each day should be treated as a training day. If a crisis never comes, we give thanks. But if it does, preparation will mean the difference between panic and stability.

Let us be mindful, disciplined, and proactive. Survival is not about fear—it is about responsibility. And responsibility begins with us.