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Volume 25 • Issue 4 • April 2024 • Since 1999 • carbonvalley@gmail.com
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C re a t in g Commu ni t y B y Conne c t i ng N ei g hb o rs
Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; He will neither fail you nor abandan you. - Deuteronomy 31:8
What’s Your Exit Strategy? Kelly Fordyce Martindale
Apocalyptic predictions and catastrophic climate events trigger fear and panic in many people around the globe. Unexpected flooding in Dubai, war in Gaza and other countries, meteors headed toward earth, even the April total eclipse cause some to shutter their windows and barricade their doors. Others unswervingly prep for end times. People react differently but often with the fight or flight, freeze or fawn responses depending on their perceived threat to survival. Conversations regularly include the state of the world. What’s happening? Is it end times? How’s it going to present itself? Through a global war or an asteroid? Should we plan for an apocalypse or day of reckoning? People around the world are preparing for the April 8, 2024, total eclipse of the sun. In fact, millions have already planned their day around this event that lasts a mere 4 minutes and 28.13 seconds. Whole families are traveling from places around the world to witness thisshort-but-extraordinary occurrence. Reports state that certain cities in Texas are the best viewing locations in the U.S., although the path of totality runs through many states and several countries. Texas expects over a million new travelers (not residents), but project upwards of 3 million visitors for the April 8, total solar eclipse. Many travelers are astronomers and scientists; however, the vast majority are more than likely curious. They may fear missing out (FOMO). Receive notoriety
having been there. Others may be representative of the people clambering to the tops of the skyscrapers in the movie Independence Day. They’re excited at the possibility of meeting extraterrestrials and view their situation as a big party, not the judgment day it’ll soon become. Obviously, this solar eclipse isn’t bringing aliens from another planet. But what’s the huge pull with this eclipse? Apparently, witnessing an 100% solar eclipse can be quite an emotional, tearful event. Dacono resident, Robert Logan said, “With the sun directly overhead, you notice a strong, cold wind from out of nowhere. Day becomes night in 30 seconds. The crickets start chirping and the stars come out,” he said. Logan was in the path of totality during the August 21, 2017 Eclipse. “There’s no better way to experience the reality of us floating through space on a big wet rock, than to place yourself in the center of the moon’s shadow.” Logan drove to Nebraska and parked just south of Alliance. Viewers can experience a full array of celestial spectacles, the awe-inspiring ‘diamond ring’ (above), even fear that the sun may never shine again as darkness pervades. Something huge is happening when millions are lured to a specific destination. Perhaps the attraction is coming from God Himself. “And when you look up to the sky and see the sun, the moon and the stars— all the heavenly array—do not be enticed into bowing down to them and worshiping things the Lord your God has apportioned to all the nations under heaven.” Deuteronomy 4:19 (NIV) Maybe God is sorting out those
who worship Him from those who flirt with or love the darkness. Great danger can come from the shadows. We used to play a game at nighttime on camping trips. The goal was to remain hidden in the shadows, outside the light of the campfire, and be the last one found. It was scary enveloped by the darkness on moonless nights. There’s a much more pervasive darkness found outside the light of Christ. That darkness distracts, entices, distorts truth, and is evil. Some distractions are movies we watch like Independence Day, Zombieland, the Terminator and Halloween franchises. Hollywood produces these types of movies because they play on our fears. Though entertaining, they also add to our trepidation about the future and cause us to plead for the sun to come up after terrifying nightmares. Emerging Artificial Intelligence (AI) is fueling anxieties. Friend or foe takes on a new meaning. When the person on the other side of the door answers, how can we know if the voice is real or fake? Too many apocalyptic programs, articles, and news reports plant seeds of distrust, skepticism, and paranoia into our already-frightened minds. The truth is no one can acquire enough weapons, medicine, supplies, or a strong enough fortress to protect from every type of enemy—human, animal, mother nature’s cataclysmic events, rampant viruses, or any other predator. Every day brings new threats against humanity. With all the perils on this planet, is it possible to have security?
Photo by: Imelda Joson and Edwin Aguirre from the March 29, 2006, total solar eclipse, taken in Egypt.
How do we not panic at every strange sound or uninvited knock at the door? “The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” Psalm 118:6 (NIV) When my focus stays on God, my worries diminish about family, money, and the future. It won’t matter if the sun ceases to shine, because I’m not afraid of darkness or death. I have confidence in my salvation, that I’ll live in heaven for eternity. I’ve already planned my exit strategy by giving my life to the Lord of heaven and earth. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Luke 11:10 (NIV) Jesus wants to protect us and give us security in all things and every situation. But He doesn’t force Himself on us. By choosing Jesus, I don’t have to fret about huge astrological events, earthquakes, wars, or other things around the world. Jesus said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NIV) I’m betting my life on that.
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