FREE E-zine "Dear Karen..." Advice for Women on the Concerns and
Effects of the Year 2000 Problem (Y2K) By Karen Anderson
(c) Copyright 1998-1999 Karen Anderson
Unsubscribe and Address Change instructions are included at the
bottom of this zine.
Issue #58 August 31, 1999
Topics: September, '99 and ROW: Joseph Project 2000
Dear Karen,
With September right around the corner, I'm starting to get
concerned about the things I've been hearing about the "99"
problem. What do you think? Will things really start to happen
then? I'd really appreciate your opinion.
Thanks,
Nancy
Dear Nancy,
Great question! As I've said before, like everybody else, I
don't have a clue what's going to happen but here is what I
think you should watch for - especially on TV!
First, I think you should watch for misinformation.
Although I very rarely watch TV (I figure there are better ways
to kill brain cells!) I have to admit that I will turn it on
once in a while when I'm in a hotel room, so last night I
watched the program "Touched by an Angel." It was the story of
a hurting young woman who was taken in by the lures of a cult.
The cult leader had all his followers agree to kill themselves
before Y2K (they even had the poisoned grape kool-aid similar
to the Jim Jones massacre). I was aghast - especially when I
heard one of the characters refer to the coming disaster of the
"Four Nines" - 9/9/99. They stated that this was the "universal
code for all the computers in the world to shut down" and we
wouldn't have to wait until December 31 to see the end of
civilization.
I've never set myself up as a technology expert (that's my
husband's job) but from what I understand (I also checked with
Steve) that comment is just not true. What they are referring
to is when, on September 9, 1999, the numeric reading will be
9/9/99 (or 9999). There are some old computer programs where
9999 was used to signify an inactive or dead record. So will
there be some problems with some computers? Possibly - but not
everything is going to stop all at once.
Second, I think you should watch out for how the media in
general portrays people who are concerned.
In the "Touched by an Angel" show, the people concerned with
Y2K were portrayed as vulnerable, mindless cult members who
would poison themselves and their children over what they
thought might happen with Y2K. I guess the intent was to be so
extreme that you would then assume that anybody in their right
mind would not be concerned.
Still, are there vulnerable people who might be lured into
doing something stupid? Absolutely. But hopefully, by looking
at the reasonable, logical reasons it makes sense to prepare
for any emergency - we can minimize the fears that some people
have. I believe that if we work in our communities and
neighborhoods to encourage other "normal" people to prepare, we
can make a huge difference in any negative impact that might
occur. (That's why I believe it is important in your
preparation plans to prepare for your family and a little bit
more - there will be others in need. We may not be able to feed
the whole world, but if we all do our part, we can help those
who are legitimately in need.)
During the course of the evening, I saw three or four
commercials that featured things about Y2K "hysteria." One was
a KIA car commercial that showed some guy digging a hole in his
back yard. At the end, the guys hits a fuel line that explodes
and then they tell you that Y2K really stand for "Yes To KIA."
Then there was a Life Savers Candy commercial that said Life
Savers were not Y2K compliant and they wanted you to call a
number and vote for the candy flavor of your choice (I didn't
quite get that one).
Third, I think you should watch for double-sided information.
Listen to this. The American Bankers Association is
distributing a "Y2K Sermon" they had written for pastors and
rabbis to be delivered to their congregations.
http://www.charlotte.com/banking/docs/0816sermon.htm
In this sermon they use as a reference the old Orson Wells
radio program where some people (who didn't hear the beginning
of the broadcast where they explained that this was a drama)
thought that the world had, in fact, been invaded by aliens
from outer space. The poor folks panicked and did all sorts of
foolish things.
The problem I have with this is, again, they make it seem like
it is crazy to prepare, however, the sermon goes on to tell
people to do just that...
"Is it wise to have a little extra food on hand? Sure. Some
bottled water? Perhaps. Some cash? Well, it is a long holiday
weekend. Most experts say there won't be food or water
shortages on January 1, 2000. They suggest that families lay in
a few days supply of food and water, just in case."
Given that, it may seem strange that you don't see commercials
making fun of people for buying life insurance, auto insurance
or medical insurance. In fact, most of the commercials you see
try and convey the peace of mind you get when you have
insurance.
You don't see them making fun of people who take a CPR course.
You don't see them making fun of couples who take a childbirth
class to enhance the birth experience by being prepared for
what is to happen. In fact, you don't see newscasters making
fun of people along the coast who are preparing for possible
severe problems with hurricanes.
Why? Because most people realize that the best way to be
responsible and prudent is to be prepared.
You will hear me say over and over again that the point of
preparedness is to be able to handle any emergency - Y2K or
otherwise. I think that reports will be schizophrenic over
the next few months where like the Bank Sermon, (who would have
ever thought that bankers would write a sermon!!) you will hear
that "Y2K is no big deal" while telling people to "get prepared
just in case."
Again, what is the risk of being prepared vs. the risk of not
being prepared? I'd rather have insurance, know CPR and have
taken prepared childbirth classes than need the insurance and
not have it, have someone I love have a heart attack and not
know how to help them, or have had my children not knowing what
to expect (I still remember that "fear of the unknown" when I
had my first child!).
To me, the risk of not being prepared seems much greater. My
point is that I think in the coming months, many of us who have
discovered the benefits of being prepared are going to be
ridiculed - and sometimes by those we care about most.
So try and keep your "Noah perspective." Remember, they laughed
at Noah when he built the Ark. But what if God had changed His
mind right as the Ark was finished? I believe it wouldn't have
mattered to Noah. He would have been okay because he knew he
was doing what he was supposed to do and that was all that
mattered.
Recommendation of the Week: Joseph Project 2000
Joseph Project 2000 Headquarters
900B N. Tennessee Street
Cartersville, GA 30120
770-386-7767
770-386-7673 fax
http://www.josephproject2000.org/
KA: When the rubber meets the road, I believe the only way we
can effectively deal with the Y2K problem is by working
together. That's why the role of the church in helping people
in need (physically, emotionally and spiritually) is so vitally
important in the coming months.
When I was writing my book, I prayerfully considered who I
wanted to have write the Foreword. The answer was clear:
Shaunti Feldhahn, author of "Y2K: The Millennium Bug - A Balanced
Christian Response"
Why? To me, there is a natural and wonderful relationship
between individual families and churches. Churches are made up
of families and families are the core of the church. However,
as a mom, I can't be working up at my church helping the needy
if my own family is cold and hungry. My responsibility is first
to my family and then to others. That's why I was motivated to
help individual families prepare for possible problems with Y2K
- I knew that my own family had to come first before I could be
freed up to help others (Don't take that too literally! I
realize there is a balance between taking care of your own
family and taking care of others. I also know that I don't have
to be 100% prepared at home before I can help others - but you
get the general principle!).
So I urge you, if you haven't heard about the Joseph Project
2000, please check out their web site and then see if there is
a way you might become involved or support them. Time is
running out and they have great resources for your own churches
and communities.
Here's a little bit about Joseph Project 2000...
The Joseph Project 2000 seeks to prevent and respond to the
potential impacts of the Year 2000 computer problem, economic
downturns, natural disasters, or any other community crisis in
a biblically balanced and professional manner, glorifying God
in all we do.
Our mission is to express our love for God and our neighbor
through Christian servant leadership, mobilizing the Church
toward service and witness as we ready our homes, churches,
businesses, and communities for the difficult times ahead.
Seven Step Strategy
1. Gather a group of believers who will faithfully pray for
God's guidance, wisdom and discernment in establishing and
carrying out the work of the local JP2000 Chapter, as well as
Headquarters.
2. Organize a cross-denominational, ethnically and culturally
representative group of Christian leaders who will provide
leadership in the local JP2000 Chapter and community.
3. Develop a coalition of local churches who are willing to
partner with the JP2000 Chapter in emergency preparedness, love
and service to their communities.
4. Sponsor local Community Awareness and Preparedness Event to
inform area residents of the Year 2000 issue, using it as a
catalyst to offer practical ways to prepare and respond, and
launch church-led community action in any crisis.
5. Establish ongoing task forces and meetings to address
specific areas of vulnerability and serve as a central
emergency resource for communities.
6. Partner with local church coalition, businesses, charitable,
civic, and interested government organizations in Y2K/emergency
preparedness and contingency planning, emphasizing particularly
the needs of vulnerable communities.
7. Encourage individuals and communities to respond in faith
not fear, to prudently prepare not panic, and to above all
trust in our Sovereign God's abiding love, grace, and mercy to
ultimately sustain us.
If you are interested in starting a Chapter of The Joseph
Project 2000 in your area or getting more information on how
you can be involved, please contact us at:
Joseph Project 2000 Headquarters
900B N. Tennessee Street
Cartersville, GA 30120
770-386-7767
770-386-7673 fax
http://www.josephproject2000.org/
***************************************************************
"Dear Karen" - Advice for Women on Y2K is a FREE zine
(delivered via email every Tuesday) to help give you information
and encourage you in the uncertainty of Y2K issues. If you've
missed any past issues then catch up at
http://www.y2kwomen.com/archives/index.html
SUBSCRIBE:
For a FREE email subscription to "Dear Karen..." send a blank
email to join-y2kwomen@po.databack.com. You'll receive the
current issue and all future issues or you can subscribe at
http://www.y2kwomen.com/dearkaren.html
UNSUBSCRIBE:
If you ever want to remove yourself from this mailing list, send
a blank email to leave-y2kwomen@po.databack.com from the address
you subscribed FROM or unsubscribe at
http://www.y2kwomen.com/dearkaren.html
ADDRESS CHANGE:
If your email address has changed, you can unsubscribe your old
address and subscribe your new address at
http://www.y2kwomen.com/dearkaren.html
PROBLEMS:
If you ever need to get in contact with the owner of the list,
(if you have trouble unsubscribing, or have questions about the
list itself) send email to owner-y2kwomen@po.databack.com when
you need to contact a real live person.
If you have friends or colleagues who would be interested in
receiving this e-zine, you may pass it on to them in its
entirety or have them email us to subscribe. This newsletter is
copyrighted. You are not permitted to change or delete
anything.
The disclaimer at http://www.y2kwomen.com/index.html applies to
this e-zine.
(c) 1998-1999 Karen Anderson, http://www.y2kwomen.com/
-- shellie (shellie01@hotmail.com), September 01, 1999