Justin D. Ridgeway

Those who have been blessed to live in the United States know that it is a land full of abundance and beauty. As wonderful and great as our nation is, I have noticed that Americans, including myself, can develop an inward assumption that the whole world is American. Many people never take the opportunity to experience life outside of their comfort zone, and some say “it doesn’t matter.” I have to disagree!

People around the world were deeply affected when 20-year-old Adam Lanza murdered 27 victims in Sandy Hook Elementary School before committing suicide. This tragedy has sparked worldwide controversy over the source of school violence. Young people increasingly see violence as rewarding. Youths are deceived into thinking that wrong actions have no more consequences than a video game they can reset at will. Who or what is the real source of this kind of thinking?

Storms, wildfires, earthquakes, and other natural disasters have frequently dominated the news over the past several years. These catastrophes cause massive power outages, food shortages, and billions of dollars in damages to personal lives and property. Do we see these events, and think to ourselves, “Wow! I am glad that didn’t happen to me!” or are we asking ourselves the question, “Am I ready for such an event?” Natural disasters are going to happen, and sometimes they come without warning. Will you be ready when more disaster comes? Are you preparing like the ant?