Help
Many people will be needing help during the coming days ahead. It is important that people look out for each other and do what they can. Not only is it good and right, but it is also God's will.
"If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?" - James 2:15-16
Put simply, wishing someone good luck is not enough in God's eyes if we have the means to actually lend a hand with basic needs. We may not be able to give out money or cover certain expenses, but we might be able to share clothes or food that we have.
"But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?" - I John 3:17
In God's eyes, it is not right to turn a blind eye to those we know who need help. The Bible goes as far as to question whether someone even has the love of God if they can act so coldly.
"If there be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren within any of thy gates in thy land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother: But thou shalt open thine hand wide unto him, and shalt surely lend him sufficient for his need, in that which he wanteth." - Deuteronomy 15:7-8
Even back in the Old Testament, in the time of "the law," it was expected that people help others who were in need. That isn't to suggest that people should become beggars and receive handouts, but it is clear that people were to be sensitive to the needs of others around them.
"And if thy brother be waxen poor, and fallen in decay with thee; then thou shalt relieve him: yea, though he be a stranger, of a sojourner; that he may live with thee." - Leviticus 25:35
At that time, people would even allow others to stay in their homes for a time if it seemed necessary.
"And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise." - Luke 6:31
Some time ago, "The Golden Rule" was known well, and the principle still holds today that if we would want someone to show kindness to us during our time of need, then we should do the same for others as well.
"But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality." - II Corinthians 8:14
Note that we are not always expected to give, particularly if we are the ones in need! Sometimes we are the ones who need help. That is okay! Life has ups and downs. When we do have the means to help others, however, we should be willing.
Here are some ideas that we can use to prepare ourselves so that we'll be able to help ourselves and others very soon:
Consider gardening options. For those who don't have much space, there are often plants that can be grown in pots indoors. Having even a small, extra supply of fresh food can be very useful.
Stock up on extra foods, especially non-perishables, toiletries, or other supplies, if able. Not for hoarding, but for sharing. Either donate to a local food pantry or food bank, or start your own local "food library," similar to the "little book library" concept if possible.
Set aside a little money if you can spare it. Some people can't, and that's okay. But even a jar for change, for example, could add up eventually.
Try to become more involved in the community. Being social is hard for some people, but having "unity in a community" is important during tough times. Check into local events, or even a library. Participate in local town hall or other related meetings.
Consider your skills, or look into learning a skill. Maybe you can't fix a car, but you may be able to cook. Some people can sew, offer tutoring, watch pets or children, fix computers, help do yardwork, or any number of things. You may not always be compensated, but the point is not to make money doing these things; it is to help others in a time of crisis. It is using a skill for the sake of goodness and kindness, not for profit. (Take, for example, FIRST AID or SELF DEFENSE.)
Also consider sharing what knowledge you have. If you do have a skill and are able to share how it's done, do so! This will help others be able to sustain themselves, and they in turn can help others as well.
Encourage those around you. Compliment people. It is easy to feel down and hopeless. Seeing and hearing about kindness can lift people up and help them to keep going.
Stay informed. Keep an eye and ear out for things that are happening on a larger and smaller, local level. This will help you know who may need help the most.
Share the word! Add to the list of things that might be useful or help others be prepared. Not just online, but also by word of mouth with people you see face to face. (Many people are isolated in what they hear or know. Speaking openly with others and inviting them to join you in doing a good deed can and will make a difference. It can be as simple as, "I think it would be neat to organize a community garden," or "I was thinking of taking up a collection of food/supplies to donate some things to [this place/person.] Would you like to help me?")