War and political calamities threaten a worldwide deep-freeze of dystopia.
Here are three vital guide posts for survival in 2023.
1. Less toys and more essentials
When calamity strikes, the best survivors are stocked with essentials.
Sir John Franklin thought he had those when he set out in 1845 with 138 officers and men in the British Navy to search for the Northwest Passage.
They were traveling in two three-masted ships.
It was a planned journey of 2-3 years.
The problem is he brought more toys than tools for the icy seas ahead.
The toys included . . .
- a 1200 volume library on each ship
- an organ on each ship
- china place settings with cut glass wine goblets on each ship
- sterling silver flatware engraved with every officer’s initials
The tools were . . .
- two ships and another as an auxiliary steam engine for emergency power
- a 12 day supply of coal
- regular uniforms but no extra clothing
They sailed for the Arctic with a plan to return in three years.
Twelve years later, they found their bodies.
They had abandoned ship.
The dead were frozen in ice with the sterling silver flatware.
They were well-equipped with toys and ill-equipped on essentials.
2. Less hurry and more patience
The tragedy with any trip is the wrong supplies when the ship wrecks.
That’s my concern for our country.
Obsession for political viewpoints is greater than underlying values.
If financial markets suffer a shock, then our moral foundation will be tested.
Fifteen years ago, 50% of the stock market’s value was erased in 18 months.
But, reward came within a year to the most patient who chose not to react.
Whatever happens, we need more than money for stability and sound minds.
We need the patience of an American icon.
3. Less judgement and more cooperation
No one showed us better than Jimmy Durante.
Jimmy was invited to entertain soldiers on furlough at a base in California during the Vietnam war.
He only had five minutes because of a previous commitment.
So he got there and ended up staying longer telling jokes and having fun with the troops.
When he came off stage his handlers said, “Why so long? We gotta go!”
He said, “Come here, I want to show you something.”
He pointed out two wounded soldiers on the front row as he walked back on the stage.
They were seated side by side.
A soldier without a right arm was seated next to a soldier without a left arm.
As the applause rose, the right armed soldier clapped the left armed soldier’s hand.
4. Calamities unite us for the common good
We’re all wounded people in and out of wars.
We’re not all wounded the same way. But, we’re all hurt by different tragedies.
I believe God put us here not to hit each other or point the finger at each other since three are always pointing back at ourselves.
We’re here to put our hands together to . . .
- support one another
- pray for one another
- serve one another
. . . no matter what markets or politicians do.
How will you spread loving cooperation in 2023?
One of the most uplifting messages I have read in a long time.
Thanks Steve
Appreciate your comment Mark.
Well said, Steve
Thank you Jeff.
Awesome
Very kind of you Scott.