A Modern Woman's Perspective On The Kingdom of God on Earth


January 27, 2012

2 is 1, and 1 is None

   
     This is my take on this catchy little phrase:  I believe the motto originated in the military and is all about redundancy, which translates into backup, excess and reinforcements.  In the military sense, it's my understanding that it refers to the mindset that you expect your weapon to fail, so you always have a backup.  It's an extra layer of protection, so to speak.  If you only have one of something, and it ceases to exist, then you have nothing.
     So, I got to thinking how, as women, can we apply that attitude to preparedness?  What are some things we can do to make sure failure is not an option?  Here are some scenarios I came up with that will help you apply it to your own situation.
     First of all, what came to mind was medication.  If TEOTWAWKI occurs, then getting monthly prescriptions filled goes right out the window.  So how can you prepare for redundancy in that circumstance?  My advice is to approach your doctor and see if he/she is agreeable to writing you a prescription for 6 months to a year's worth of your medication.  I also advise you to make this purchase off your insurance.  You'll pay more than your normal co-pay, but avoid any decline or hassle from your insurance company.  And then continue to refill your monthly prescription ON your insurance and create a surplus of your medication, using the oldest of your stockpile first.  As long as your medication is non-narcotic, there is nothing illegal about doing this.  The limitation comes from insurance mandates.  But the success of this plan depends upon an accommodating physician.
     In a SHTF course of events, it gets a little more serious.  Imagine a situation that involves your ability to light a fire, both for warmth and to cook food.  The first line of defense is obviously having matches on hand.  But what if those matches become wet for some reason....like a hurricane or torrential weather incident?  You can have a backup system in your purse or BOB, consisting of something as simple as an extra container of lip gloss or carmex, along with a bottle of aspirin that is sealed with cotton, and a small, compact fire-starter  (and keeping them in a small waterproof pouch).  As I showed you yesterday, these common items serve more than one purpose---you can protect yourself against dry, cracked lips and a headache---but you're also equipped with materials to start a fire!  A little extreme, I know, but you get the idea, right?  If one avenue disappears, you've got another to achieve your mission.
     And one more situation that deserves a redundant consideration is water purification.  Having purification tablets (Potable Aqua, for instance) is the no-brainer option, but you still need a back-up method.  Why not make sure you have a tin cup among your provisions, so that you can always boil water for safe drinking?  Or carrying an empty plastic water bottle so you can use the SODIS method?
     Bottom line, we need to start thinking differently.  We have become a "7-Eleven Society"--- we have become accustomed to 24-7 availability of anything we need, and assume that what we need will always be obtainable.  You need to plan on failure, and be able to turn to a secondary source to accomplish your aim.  Being prepared means being equipped.  So start thinking-- how many other ways can you reduce your chances of a negative outcome?  Think redundancy on everything!

One more thing:  I would like to thank Jim Rawles, of survivalblog.com, for graciously mentioning this site on his blog.  I will do my best to deserve his confidence in me, and to offer you relevant and useful information.  

Joshua 23:14       "....You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the LORD your God gave you has failed.  Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed."

   
   
 

5 comments:

  1. Good Morning and thank you for a eye popping post and information. I did not think of lip balm, though I make my own and have the supplies.
    I came by your blog via SB. And I am so very happy I did. I now follow you. as well as several from SB.
    Please keep "keeping on", as I like a female's perspective of plans,and an open mind.
    Gleaning everything I can, little from here, a little from there and place it into my situation and life process.
    Thank you

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  2. You make your own lip balm? Fantastic! I would love to feature what others are doing to prepare. If you'd like, I invite you to send me an email at belle@salvationandsurvival.com with a couple of photos and I'll be glad to post some of the things you're doing. That's my idea behind this blog.... if we share what we've learned, we all benefit.

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  3. 2 is 1, 1 is none refers to teamwork involving persons (2 minimum) surviving together. If you have 2 people you can survive with the help of one another. With only 1 individual, the aspect of teamwork doesnt exist, increasing your chances of individual failure exponentially. At least that was always my take on it, I could be wrong.
    Anyway nice article!

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    Replies
    1. Yes, your understanding is correct and just one of the scenarios in which this principle has been used. I think you will agree that it is easily adaptable to many circumstances. Thank you for your comment!

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