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Joel Skousen makes many excellent points in his work, titled Strategic Relocation. While we should give it serious consideration, let us not forget the single most important anchor of any real preparedness plan - God. We are so quick to get wrapped up in the myriad of possible disaster scenarios and their associated political factors that we forget to turn to God and live faithfully in God's truths.
I was reminded of the following facts, each of which holds much more sway in personal and family safety than anything man can do alone. No one is saying we should ignore Skousen. Just saying we should heed God more than man.
The author of the following wishes to remain anonymous, but what follows is of far greater value than anything secular pundits have contributed to the topic of preparedness.
"I watched Skousen’s analysis of the global conspiracy. It’s very detailed and interesting. But some things struck me as I watched.
He said he’d been 'in the business for 40 years' and 'read my advanced briefing'... Clearly, he is selling his product to the world. That’s OK on one hand, but not OK on the other hand.
Skousen sells all of his warnings and persuasions to prepare; they are free from the scriptures and the prophets, and the Holy Ghost.
Skousen suggests we 'relocate' for safety; but the Lord advises us to 'stand in holy places.' (D&C 45:32; D&C 87:8; D&C 101:22); and that He will warn us when to flee (2 Nephi 1:3; 2 Nephi 5:5; Omni 1:12-13).
When we obey the Lord, we are assured of his help through the power of his name. For example, 'Wherefore, we search the prophets, and we have many revelations and the spirit of prophecy; and having all these witnesses we obtain a hope, and our faith becometh unshaken, insomuch that we truly can command in the name of Jesus and the very trees obey us, or the mountains, or the waves of the sea.' - Jacob 4:6
We still need to prepare ourselves with weapons as did the Nephites who were told, 'And again, the Lord has said that: Ye shall defend your families even unto bloodshed. Therefore for this cause were the Nephites contending with the Lamanites, to defend themselves, and their families, and their lands, their country, and their rights, and their religion.' - Alma 43:47
Shedding the blood of the wicked, when they will not repent and when they make it necessary, will redeem, will get back our land. That is a hard thing; they need not perish if they would repent.
Skousen worries people about food storage and food protection. If people obey the Lord and do the best they can with their preparations regarding food storage, we can share freely and compassionately with those in need and not want for ourselves.
There are examples in the scriptures, and even in modern history, where the power of the priesthood has extended oil and flour, and bread and fish (1 Kings 17:14,16).
'And when it was evening, his disciples came to him, saying, This is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves victuals. But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart; give ye them to eat. And they say unto him, We have here but five loaves, and two fishes. He said, Bring them hither to me. And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude. And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full. And they that had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children.' - Matthew 14:15-21
The technology of miracles is greater than the miracles of technology. Though I do not understand all things, I will rather place my trust and confidence in the Lord who has created all things and who knows all things.
Finally, I offer this quote from Harold B. Lee, regarding The Sure Word of Prophecy:
'One more matter: There are among us many loose writings predicting the calamities which are about to overtake us. Some of these have been publicized as though they were necessary to wake up the world to the horrors about to overtake us. Many of these are from sources upon which there cannot be unquestioned reliance.
Are you priesthood bearers aware of the fact that we need no such publications to be forewarned, if we were only conversant with what the scriptures have already spoken to us in plainness?
Let me give you the sure word of prophecy on which you should rely for your guide instead of these strange sources which may have great political implications.
Read the 24th chapter of Matthew — particularly that inspired version as contained in the Pearl of Great Price. [Joseph Smith—Matthew; JS-M 1:24-25]
Then read the 45th section of the Doctrine and Covenants where the Lord, not man, has documented the signs of the times. [D&C 45]
Now turn to section 101 and section 133 of the Doctrine and Covenants and hear the step-by-step recounting of events leading up to the coming of the Savior. [D&C 101; D&C 133]
Finally, turn to the promises the Lord makes to those who keep the commandments when these judgments descend upon the wicked, as set forth in the Doctrine and Covenants, section 38. [D&C 38]
Brethren, these are some of the writings with which you should concern yourselves, rather than commentaries that may come from those whose information may not be the most reliable and whose motives may be subject to question. And may I say, parenthetically, most of such writers are not handicapped by having any authentic information on their writings.' - Harold B. Lee, Conference Report, Oct. 1972, p. 128; Admonitions for the Priesthood of God, Harold B. Lee, Ensign, Jan. 1973, p. 106.
I do not condemn Skousen for his effort; he will undoubtedly contribute to the saving of many lives; but he is also contributing to the frantic and hasty actions which lead to the consternation, frustration, and confusion of many souls who might better be persuaded to listen to the prophet’s voice, and to the voice of the Spirit, and to the Spirit which accompanies the scriptures.
People can get caught up in conspiratorial details men and Satan plot and forget that the Lord is wiser than they all.
This is all an adventure we can face with good cheer. The Lord has overcome the world and his hand still guides. People will flock to the pockets of righteousness for safety and protection, where we stand in holy places, and as we uphold the Constitution all over the land.
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