ELECTION DAY? 2020 MIGHT NOT BE DONE WITH US YET... ARE YOU READY?

 As election day approaches, this country is awash in tension and emotions are running high.  I will not be making any sort of political statements or taking a stand on any of the issues that are behind all of this, as none of that really matters (not as far as the intent of this particular post, anyway).  This is not a prediction, as I don't honestly think anybody can accurately predict or imagine what things will look like  between now and Christmas.  It's just an educated guess, followed by some suggestions on what folks may need to consider...

There is a high probability that the widespread chaos and violence we have seen over the last few months will intensify as the election draws near. No matter who actually wins the elections, we will likely see an explosion of violence once a winner is declared.  Extremists on both sides of the spectrum have been dreaming of this day forever, and I'm relatively sure they will not let this opportunity go to waste...  So what does that mean for my friends and family who are neither extremists, nor stupid?

 Your emergency responders will most likely not be responding your call for help.  Cops will be busy quelling the violence, or defending themselves as they will assuredly be targeted.  Fire and EMS will probably limit responses, travelling only with a police or National Guard escort.  If you need help, I suggest your prepare to be your own first responder.  Make sure you have prescriptions refilled, have first-aid supplies on-hand, check your fire extinguishers, have a garden hose hooked up, etc.  With police response times almost guaranteed to be substantially impacted, nobody is going to show up to stop a crime in-progress.  They'll get there in time to write up a report and head to the next one.  Make sure your doors and windows all function and lock correctly, make sure your firearms are clean, loaded and accessible.  Talk to your neighbors about keeping an eye out for each other and who is available and willing to assist with anything that comes up.

When the chaos ramps up, local, state and federal governments will institute lockdowns and curfews.  This could mean you can't get to the grocery store, gas stations or anywhere else for that matter.  It would be a good idea to make sure you have AT LEAST two weeks worth of food, toiletries, etc.  Between now and Election day, don't let your vehicle's fuel tanks get below 3/4 tank, and make sure you fill up ON election day.  Grab a couple extra propane tanks. If you have a safe place to store extra fuel, do so...

Lastly, just a bit of applicable life advice:  Be aware of your surroundings!  Protests and riots, potentially terrorism, they can all sprout up or occur almost instantly.  With social media used to coordinate, many protests just sprout up when the word goes out to those who engage in this stuff.  Right-wing militias, ANTIFA, BLM, they all maintain a robust and effective communications capability.  They have also spent the last six months developing and implementing strategies and tactics in places like Portland, Kenosha, Seattle, etc.  These events, should they occur, will be well-organized, well-equipped, and dangerous.

How do you handle this stuff?  If you're out and about, keep an eye out for large groups of people.  Watch for unmarked school busses, multiple vans, or a large police presence.  If you see that sort of stuff, probably time to head home or change course.  Follow your local law enforcement agency's twitter and social media feeds.  Obviously, the best way to keep safe when Election Day actually gets here?  Maybe stay home.  If you vote in person, be hyper-vigilant, and for the love of God, DO NOT travel to and from the polling venue in a vehicle slathered in your pro-Trump or pro-Biden stickers, wearing your Back the Blue or F*** the Police t-shirts.  Do everything you can to blend in, to be what they call "grey".  The time for flying your flag and being unafraid of "those idiots who don't think like me" is over.  Nobody is going to be swayed into voting for your guy on Election Day by your awesome shirt or big ol' flag.

Maybe this is all bluster.  Maybe we haven't given our fellow Americans enough credit as human beings.  I'm hoping, sincerely, that my wife and my friends and those who follow this blog, will poke fun at me for the rest of my life for being such a drama queen about this whole dang thing.  But the smart move today is to take some basic precautions and be ready in case I'm right.  And while we navigate this whole debacle, I would, as always, encourage you to join me in praying for our friends and neighbors, strangers, the opposing parties, our first responders, our country and our leaders.  2020 has been an incredible demonstration of the fact that wordly things and events are surely and completely out of our control.  Placing our identity in pro-mask vs anti-mask, Red vs Blue, Pro-cop vs anti-cop, whatever you stake your claim on?  Galations 2:20 reminds us that we are now identified in Christ, that we need no other claim of identity to be whole. And that looking to the world around us for hope or peace?  That, my friends, is a losing proposition.  The only true peace we can be guaranteed is found in the Grace and love of Jesus Christ.

Anyway, I'm rambling.  Keep your ammo dry, your eyes open, your bourbon neat, and we'll put the whole thing in God's hands.

 

THE FECES ARE ABOUT TO HIT THE OSCILLATING VENTILATION DEVICE...

 

The 2020 Presidential Election is just a few days away.  Our country is more divided, more tribal, than any other time in my 47 years as a citizen.  Extremism and anger rule the day, and fill the airwaves.  There is much to be concerned about.  Whichever way the election goes, you can bet that there will be chaos and civil unrest that will make the events of the last six months seem absolutely quaint.  Armed insurrection, mob violence, potential disruption of the supply chain, basic services, you name it.  The relative comfort we have enjoyed all our lives has a significant chance of being ruthlessly stripped almost overnight.  I happen to one of those people who has always known this time would come, and have advocated for years that folks undertake at least some minimal steps to be prepared.  I pray that I am wrong, and I pray that if I am right, that God will protect us all and show us a righteous path out of these dark times.  It is definitely unnerving though, as I am sure it is for most people.  Which is why I’m writing this today…

 

It doesn’t matter who wins the election, because God is still on His throne, Jesus is still (and always will be) the King.  So when fear, anger, sadness, anxiety or any other negativity starts eating away at you in these troubled times, remember that this is exactly what the Enemy wants.  Satan does not seek to corrupt the strong, or the True Believer, for he is powerless in the face of our Faith.  He whispers in the ear of those who are vulnerable, emotional, afraid.  He tries to tell us, lying like he has always done,  that we should fear, hate or cast out those who do not see the same worldview or political stance as us.  He encourages us to let fear become anger, and anger to become hatred, dividing us as friends, neighbors, family and humans, knowing that this is where his lies and deceit are most easily accepted.  DO NOT FALL FOR HIS CRAP!

 

While I will always suggest that being competently and proficiently armed, and well-stocked, are two of the most important things a man can do for his family and friends, these are worldly preparations for worldly problems.  Defending and providing for your family are non-negotiable duties you volunteered for when you took on your gig as a husband, wife and parent.  It is my opinion that on the weeks and months to come after the election, there is a strong chance that we will see some very dark days in this country, events that may permanently alter what the world looks like to us.  But if we don’t fall for Satan’s lies and attempts to steer us into sin, there is a solution that will provide both Spiritual and practical peace for all of us…

 

Ephesians 6:11-18

Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

 

Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.  In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.  Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

 

 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

 

I would ask all of you to join me in praying for our nation, and our fellow Americans.  Pray for our leaders, from BOTH parties.  Pray for wisdom and discernment in those who are tasked with finding a way out of this chaotic, tumultuous time we live in.  Pray for our God to lay His hands upon the hearts of all men, that they would be restored and strong in their Faith, and in their love for their fellow man.  We ALL need to put on the full armor of God, and step onto the battlefield…  While there may indeed be an actual battlefield in the coming weeks, the battlefield we have chosen to take a stand on is a spiritual one, upon which we deny Satan’s influence and reach out to those who would otherwise never understand the love and Grave of Jesus Christ.  God Bless you all, and hang on tight, this ride is about to get a little hectic!