Heed The PSA Warnings – Whether For Hurricanes Or To Accept Jesus

Word-Of-The-Day: ‘(17) <Jesus said to Paul>”I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles.  I am sending you to them (18) to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.”’ (Acts 26:17-18) 

As we approached hurricane season, there are preparations that we all need to make with regards to hurricanes. I usually stress to those who will listen to ensure to stock up on (canned or dry) food, water, and other essentials necessary to sustain one’s family (and possibly any guests who come to stay with you) for at least 5 to 7 days, if not longer. Hurricane Ian, for example, caused flooding in North Port, and our streets had water deep enough to where airboats were used to evacuate people who had or wanted to leave.

It took almost a week before the waters receded, and power was out for nine days after Ian had struck. Fortunately, we were prepared with enough food and water, and had generators (and the gas to run them) to keep the refrigerators and freezer running, along with the ability to charge our phones and even turn on the TV to a local channel to get the latest reports on conditions.

Part of the preparation, though, has to be whether it is prudent to stay in place or evacuate. There are areas, especially along the coast and next to waterways, where evacuations are mandatory. Other areas are in between, that staying or evacuating can be a coin toss, so the decision is one of personal comfort. This should also be part of the preparation prior to a hurricane event.

There are those who underestimate the catastrophic damage hurricanes and their storm surges can cause, and there are always those who should evacuate but don’t. As in many coastal communities in Florida, several years ago during Hurricane Laura there were people in Lake Charles and elsewhere on the Gulf Coast who had been urged to evacuate repeatedly due to ‘un-survivable and catastrophic’ storm surge.

Some of those foolhardy souls were calling into 911 at the height of the storm and the surge (at least those who still had phone service) to be rescued.  They were notified that unfortunately for them it was too late for anything to be done, and that they would have to wait until the storm’s passing before anyone could respond. 

Now one could think of these people who stayed behind as stubborn, stupid, idiotic, suicidal, dense, etc.  These may apply in some cases (those who choose to have ‘hurricane parties’, for example), while others may have a loved one who could not be moved or they themselves had a disability or other reason to stay put.  Some may have simply put faith in their preparations to stay, and found out it was not the right decision.  I’m certain not all made their decision to stay lightly. 

I can say with certainty my wife and I will stay put when hurricanes come to SW Florida, as we don’t have to worry about storm surge, our house is block construction and high above the worst of recorded flood level, and I would not want to be on I-75 stuck in traffic as a hurricane is bearing down.   (If you decide to leave, leave as early as possible.)

I also know that even with all the preparations we’ve done and will continue to do, we could lose the roof, trees could fall on our house (though only two that could reach the house remain), or some other malady could occur.  Some folks may have done everything they thought of, but simply didn’t think of the one thing that has put them in peril.

That said, early on, prior to hurricane season and especially before a hurricane is predicted to strike, there are many ‘Public Service Announcements’ that are broadcast on television and radio. People such as meteorologists, newscasters, governors, mayors and others, get on the airwaves, or call and text residents in harm’s way and tell them ‘YOU NEED TO EVACUATE OR GO TO A SAFE SHELTER.  IF YOU DO NOT DO THIS, THERE IS NOTHING WE CAN DO TO SAVE YOU ONCE THE STORM HITS.’ 

The announcers and others implore over and over for the hours before a hurricane to ensure the message is out there, but it is up to the individual people to heed the word and go secure their safety.  Most who do seek shelter or evacuate are saved from the ravages of the storm. 

Many others, though, do not listen and believe the evacuation calls are overblown and choose to ignore them or believe it hasn’t happened before so it won’t happen now.   Some want to go but either due to fear or physical ailment cannot respond.  When the storm hits, they are likely doomed to live out with great trauma, and possibly die in their decision.

Jesus’ calling on Paul (and us) per Paul’s recollection to King Agrippa in Acts 26:17-18 is similar to those directed to provide PSAs given when disaster is about to strike.  In much the same way, we implore those around us, telling them (perhaps not as bluntly) ‘YOU NEED TO SEEK JESUS TO GAIN SAFE SHELTER AND AVOID HELL.  IF YOU DO NOT DO THIS, THERE IS NOTHING JESUS OR ANYONE CAN DO TO SAVE YOU ONCE DEATH OCCURS.’ 

We pray that many listen to our repeated warnings, and accept Jesus.  But there are those who won’t act; perhaps stubborn, dense, etc.  Perhaps there is a personal reason they refuse to respond to the call of Christ.  Many do not listen as they believe the call is overblown, or death won’t come to them – plenty of time to repent later… until their time is no longer.

We will mourn for these lost souls as we will mourn for those who are found dead in their destroyed homes, who did not listen or respond to the call to evacuate.  But you will not grieve that you did not do what Jesus asked of you, if you obey Him and share the Gospel with others.  You cannot control who responds to the Gospel, but you can control who hears it and sees it as an integral part of your life.