Picture this : A major catastrophe has almost completely devastated the infrastructure
of your country. The emergency government has decided that the surviving
citizens will be best served if they are evacuated to other countries
willing to take refugees. You and your immediate family are among the
survivors of this catastrophic event. However, you have absolutely no
input into the final destination or in any other evacuation details. You
are told that your host country’s culture is completely different from
your own, and that you might have to stay there permanently. You are
further told that, in addition to one change of clothes, you can only
take 3 small items with you. You decide to take three items that you
hold dear and that represent your family culture.
What if something like this were to really occur? What would you bring and why? Those were the first two questions I asked myself and I had to do some deep thinking. Two items came to mind instantly for me which were my Bible and my cell. The third item took me a little longer to decide upon however, it would be a blanket. The first item being my Bible will always be my go to for any situation as it provides unbiased guidance. The second of the items I would bring would be my cell because it holds memories, music, photos, videos and host of other personal things that I can view and share with my family to help with the transition of having to cope such a devastating event of not being left with a choice of where they will now call home. The third item being a blanket would be another source of comfort and shared memories.
If I had to share with others the importance of these items to myself and my family I would provide them with purpose of each item. My Bible would be the source of myself and my families faith and helping to guide us through life's circumstances on a spiritually balance level. If we are struggling with stress due to having our lives uprooted, fear, worry or other emotions the Bible has passages to guide us through them. If I had to share with others what my cell phone means to me I would explain how the world has depended on technology a great deal over the past twenty years and it does not appear to be changing. My cell would keep us connected to others in our family that may not have gotten placed in our designated country as well as it holds those valued photos, videos along with many more tools. The third item of a blanket is another item of comfort for myself and my children. I have given all of my daughters blankets that they do not travel without. Their blankets have a piece of their baby blanket along with other pieces of clothe that have been apart of them that they could not let go. I would share with others that I decided to have those blankets made because it is something that my grandmother did for me and it is a loving and tangible way to have those sentimental memories displayed.
I would be doleful if I were told that I could only retain one of the three items selected to be with me. I would keep my Bible because as I shared it would be the guidance needed to cope with the situation and any other circumstances. The comfort of the blanket along with having the visuals of memories from a cell would be helpful however if for some reason the new country does not operate of power or towers are lost electronic devices would be of no use. My family culture would be fully expressed and shared from my faith and religious belief.
Although this is a hypothetical situation it has highlighted that I am sentimental about the memories of my family past and present however, I rely on my Bible for more than anything. I am not perfect and do not have a perfect family but when we need help and guidance we have our faith to help us to make the right choices and handle life circumstances in a constructive manner. I am aware that there are a vast number of religions along with languages and cultures in the world and it would be my intention to embrace and adapt to the changes of my evacuation site. I would also fully respect the new country that we would call home nonetheless, I shall rely on my Bible to assist with transitioning to this new way of living.
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” -1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NIV)
Reference
Photo : http://www.familylovefaith.com/
3 comments:
Violanda,
I truly appreciate your providing insight on the three things which will provide the most guidance through a catastrophic event. I chose the bible as well because the bible contains valuable scriptures which will guide us through a variety of experiences in life. It was difficult to give up one item for this experience. I chose to give up the bible and choose the family tree blanket. Although I gave up the bible, I believe that my family would also find the power in prayer during this catastrophic event. The assignment was truly valuable because it helped me to discover what I treasure the most in life.
J. Frink
EDUC 6164
Violanda,
You and I both chose to bring a Bible with us. My Bible is a part of our family's history. We use it to record important dates such as births, weddings, and deaths. However, it is also a source of comfort and guidance to me. My faith is a large part of who I am and how I make decisions. I am not sure that I would be able to give up my Bible. I like that you also chose something of significance to your children. I'm sure that those blankets hold special memories, as well as providing a protective purpose from elements and the unknown.
Thank you for sharing your insight this week.
-Heather Beard Rand
Violanda,
I understand why you choose your cellphone but do you have a plan if you cannot reach out to your family or friends? If you don't I think you should come up with one just in case.
Ne'Kia
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