Natural Disaster Checklists — Tornadoes, Flo...

I know exactly where I was when word of the storm hit. Frustrated grumbles, debates, and even shouts filled the hospital waiting area. Stressed employees didn’t try to hide their disdain for a new day with old problems. Earlier, my father-in-law was rushed to this hospital. The prognosis, a tumor on the front, left region of his brain. We family members huddled on hard plastic chairs in a cloud of cloying smells, frazzled nerves, and fears from the unknown.

Wisdom is Preparing Before Storms Brew

While we waited in helpless limbo, reports came in from Oklahoma.

Only a couple of hours earlier, an historical monster tornado tore through Moore, decimating rows of homes, schools, and a hospital.  Later, we learned how hard the fatalities would impact our family, as my niece lost her sister-in-law, when the twister plowed through her home.

Those of us on the sidelines wondered, what would I do? How would I survive?

It made me stop and think about many such disasters in recent history. Tsunamis, earthquakes, hurricanes, volcanoes, forest fires, tropical storms, floods, droughts, and even terrorist attack have stopped many of us in our tracks, and rerouted our focus unexpectedly.

Again I wondered, what would I do if I found myself in any of those emergency situations? 

This post is in honor of those suddenly swept into the arms of eternity. Dedicated to loved ones left to question why. And for we whose hearts are twisted like debris and rubble, intertwined with those who grieve.

May we learn from this unimaginable event, and prepare before the next trial strikes. Whether delivered from tragedy, through tragedy, or by tragedy, we can count on one thing. God. He always delivers.

On Storm Warnings, my latest Pinterest board, I share several natural disaster checklists, protection ideas, and other pieces of information meant to help those in crisis, and to prevent what we can. From easy, make-it-at-home inventions, NOAA guidelines, FEMA points, and advice from those who’ve been through crisis, I hope the information helps. If one more person has water or food when thrust into the gaping mouth of tragedy, then the time and energy spent to create this board was worthwhile.

None of us knows what tomorrow will bring. Practical natural disaster checklists are just one way we can do our part to serve friends and family when tough times hit. Even in the throes of crisis, it’s never too late for a fresh start with fresh faith.

Do you have a survival list, preparedness kit, or other disaster plan in place in case of an emergency situation?

Anita Fresh Faith

Natural Disaster Checklists Help When Darkness Strikes

Anita Agers-Brooks is a Business and Inspirational Coach, Certified Personality Trainer, Productivity Expert, Certified Training Facilitator, Communications Specialist, national speaker, and author of, First Hired, Last Fired — Biblical Secrets to Make You Irreplaceable on the Job.

Afraid of Success

My life is getting ready to change — dramatically, and for the better. But oddly, I feel fear.

As I write this, in my email inbox waits the publisher’s edited version of my book manuscript. Ready for review. But I’m not sure I’m ready. It still sits there — unopened.

This is how it’s been every step of my professional writing and speaking journey. I stick my toes out to take another baby step, and immediately, a benign sense of fear swamps me. A flutter of doubts and questions regarding my abilities attack my mind. I wonder if I’m crazy to think I could do something of this magnitude. To overcome this, I have to remember only one thing.

I was made to inspire others through writing and speaking. There have been too many opportunities, confirmations from professionals, and testimonials of this fact. The words God puts in my mouth, and pushes through my fingers are meant to go out into the world. This is how I make a difference, and to me, proves something about you.

National Speaker, Certified Personality Trainer, Facilitator, Communications Specialist

You equally have a special gift, a high calling, a great destiny. Just because you haven’t discovered what that thing is, doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. Fear will lie to you, and try to convince you that you have no talent, and couldn’t possibly make a difference in the world. I know, because once I fell prey to that lie. But no more.

And beginning this very moment, you should resolve not to believe the lie of fear anymore. Talk to God like you’d talk to a friend. Ask Him what He created in you, before you were born, that might fulfill the purpose for which you were created. You matter, and your gifts are designed to impact others.

Mine were so natural to me, I didn’t think they were anything to get excited about. I assumed they were no big deal, and everyone had them. When others complimented me, I thought they were playing nice. Is there something you feel this way about? Do people tell you good things about something that comes so naturally to you, that you think they are simply playing nice?

If so, this could be your unique something. Maybe it’s baking. Raising children. Organizing. Analyzing. Peace-making. Finding an easier way. Making things fun. Cheering others up. Leading. Encouraging. Thinking fast in a crisis.

Whatever it is, all talent starts out as raw talent. Educate yourself, practice, and refine your fundamental abilities, until you hone them into a fine sheen. Then don’t be afraid to share your polished gift with the world. I know from experience this is one of the hardest parts of the process. But if you hoard it all to yourself, you aren’t doing what you’re supposed to do.

Going after our high calling is so difficult that most people fail to take the actions necessary to succeed. Humans are afraid of success, as much as they are afraid to fail. The fear of the unknown is a powerful force. The only way I know to combat it, is to rely on Jesus, and act on His counsel to take courage. I’ve had to do it many times through this journey, and find myself in the position to do it once again.

Now that I say that, I’d better say goodbye. I’ve got a manuscript to review.

What is one thing you’ve been afraid of, requiring a leap of faith, that you could take a small action step toward pursuing today? 

Anita Fresh Faith

Matthew 10:26 (NIV)

“So do not be afraid of them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known.”

Don’t Let the Sun Set on Your Dreams

Anita Agers-Brooks is a Business and Inspirational Coach, Certified Personality Trainer, Productivity Expert, Certified Training Facilitator, Communications Specialist, national speaker, and author of, First Hired, Last Fired — How to Become Irreplaceable in Any Job Market.

She’s a partner in The Zenith Zone, a business coaching firm. Member of the Christian Writer’s Guild, Toastmasters, a client of WordServe Literary Group, and the Simply Sue Speaks booking agency. A graduate of CLASSeminars for Leaders, Speakers, and Authors, a co-founder of The StoryWriting Studio, and speaker on circuit for Stonecroft International Ministries.

Anita’s passionate about business with integrity, healthy relationships, and issues of identity. She travels the country teaching others from her personal experiences and research. She believes it’s never too late for a fresh start with fresh faith. Anita lives in Missouri with her husband Ricky.

Follow her FreshFaith blog www.anitabrooks.com. You may contact her via website www.brooksanita.com/contact/ or email anita@anitabrooks.com.