WHEN TRAGEDY STRIKES
“The wise look ahead to see what is coming, but fools deceive themselves” Proverbs 14:8 TLB
The recent tragic crash of Ethiopian Airlines from Addis Ababa to Nairobi, Kenya, left me chilled with horror and shock. I was also relieved that my husband wasn’t on that flight! He had flown on Ethiopian Airlines several times just a few weeks before, connecting to other flights in Africa through Addis. I grieve for all the people who lost loved ones and, I have to confess, thank God Jim wasn’t on that particular airplane. But supposing he was? Am I prepared to deal with the practical issues that would come with the sudden loss of my spouse? Are you? To be honest, no I’m not ready! But I want to be as much as possible. You might be much more organized than me, or perhaps you’re the financial manager in your household. Then again, you might think you’re too young—or too old—to bother with knowing where all the important papers are kept. But that’s acting like the “fool” mentioned in Proverbs.Let’s face it: the shock of suddenly losing someone you love—whether it’s a spouse, parent, or child is enough of an emotional blow to send your head spinning and your mind grasping to make sense of everything. If you’re wise, you’ll let this recent tragedy lead you to needed action!
NOW IS THE TIME TO LOOK AHEAD AND GET READY FOR THE UNEXPECTED.Here’s a brief check-list we all need to take care of. I warn you this isn’t easy reading, but please go through this:
Do you have a Will? Is it up-to-date? Do you know where it is?
Do you have a list of passwords to access their computer, emails, bank accounts, savings?
Do you know if you have a Bank lock box? What the number is, where the key is, what’s in it?
Do you know who to contact for financial advice, legal input, employer benefits, etc.?
Do you know your loved one’s medical wishes, burial choice, or funeral preferences?
I won’t add anymore because each of these five items have many parts to them. But, I urge you to begin finding every document you need, keeping them all together in a special place that you can find easily, and adding what additional papers you will need should tragedy strike.Please forgive me if I’ve caused you alarm in some way, but my heart desire is to help each of you THRIVE both spiritually, emotionally, and personally. These words are part of my commitment to your well-being (and mine!).The following is my go-to verse for hard times. I hope it comforts and strengthens you in life’s tough times.
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
And when you pass through the rivers,
They will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
You will not be burned;
The flames will not set you ablaze.
For I am the Lord, your God,
The Holy One of Israel, your Savior” Isaiah 43:2-3.
Poppy
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