Since I became a born-again Christian over twenty years ago, I have had nothing but grief from my family. They basically treat me like dog food, politely held at arm's distance. For example, I give them Christmas presents, but nothing is returned. They have especially vehemently denigrated my choice to receive Jesus as my Savior, shouted me down, and made it clear that no such talk is welcome around them.

I became aware of Y2K in a serious way around March 1998, and started studying and planning what to do. I've gotten out of debt, purchased food and water and other supplies, gotten solutions for heating and cooking, stocked up on batteries, shampoo, soap, medicines, etc. Of course, I had to decide how much to buy. I decided when I started that I would honor my father, according to 1 Timothy 5:8:

"But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever."

Because of this, although I have no family of my own (no wife or kids), I got food and other supplies for four adults, for the time spans I thought reasonable. I've been actively working on this for over a year, basically every weekend. Now I'm completely stocked up. I've been trying to call and talk to my father and other family members all year; I've sent them copies of Yourdon's books and gave Hyatt's preparation book to my brother.

Now it is almost time for the new millenium, the Great Change. I recently sent all of my family and my closest friends invitations to come spend the rollover with me, and I would provide for them. I even included a prior girlfriend, who is still a good friend.

Unless something changes at the last minute, which seems drastically unlikely, NONE OF THEM ARE COMING.

What should I do? I have spent major money on this, trying to honor my father. And all of them live in California, thousands of miles away, most of them within Los Angeles! I used to live in Los Angeles, and saw first hand the riots, the fires, the Northridge earthquake. I have a terrible foreboding about that place in the year 2000.

The crazy thing is they are all treating me just the same as when I was trying to talk to them about Jesus loving them and wanting to save them. They just can't hear it. And with Y2K, that not-hearing is becoming a possibly terminal disease.

I care about my family! They may have treated me like slop, but they are all the family I have! I don't know how to reach them. Their mindsets seem to have crystalized in an anti-Y2K certitude that makes no sense. What can I do?

For now, the only thing that makes sense to me is to pray for them; I believe that what is impossible with men is possible with God. If there is an answer here, it is to be found in Jesus.

-- Spirit (moving@on.the.waters), December 20, 1999

Answers

I feel your frustration, Spirit! Do you ever visit Michael Hyatt's site? www.michaelhyatt.com

He's addressed that issue better than I, but I'll remind you that should Y2K turn out to be a "bump," you'll either have supplies that you can use in the coming year, or you can donate your surplus to the local food pantries, homeless shelters, battered women's shelters, etc., and you can even get a tax write-off, so either way, it's a win- win situation.

You sound awfully depressed about your family: perhaps you should talk over your feelings with your spiritual leader when he or she has a few free minutes. E-mail is great, but it can't replace face-to- face contacts. Good luck today!

-- (ladybuckeye_59@yahoo.com), December 20, 1999.

Spirit -- if TSHTF and they can travel, don't worry, they'll be there. If TSHTF and they can't travel, you'll be able to help others. You are correct, prayer is the action.

-- BigDog (BigDog@duffer.com), December 20, 1999.

Look around at your church family, there probably people there that can't prepare as well as you did,help those that can't help themselves. Remember.."who is my brother." As for your father, you have honored him in prepping for him, he has chosen not to accept. Be at peace you have followed the way and sometimes it isn't easy.

-- rmoose (hybrmoose@ctel.net), December 20, 1999.

Spirit, there is nothing you can do. Because they do not have a love for the TRUTH (Jesus), they have been given over to deafness and blindness. They have made a choice...they will suffer the consequences in this life and the one to come. Love them still, pray for them but move on!!!

-- Rod (rspain@webcombo.net), December 20, 1999.

Simply put, you are at a different level of awareness than your family. You have done your best with them, which is to try and make them aware. They are not ready for your message. You do not get to pick your family. It sounds harsh, but move on. If you are lucky something will happen to them to click on. But it will not be your message.

Just think, if they ever do get it, and realize you were right before they thought of it, the amount of influence you will have over them from that moment on.

If they survive.

-- gary elliott (gelliott@real.on.ca), December 20, 1999.

Hey Spirit

God sent Jesus so that the chosen race could be saved. They refused the gift. So therefore the invitation of salvation went forth to all others (outsiders). Some accepted. They LIVE today.

The same story with _your_ preps to save family. IF they refuse to partake, open the door to outsiders so they might live!

In doing so, you might entertain angels unaware.

-- Maureen (Maureenls@Worldnet.att.net), December 20, 1999.

I've got an even better story! Like Spirit, I have been actively preparing for some time. All I could convince of the possible danger was my brother and his (at the time) girlfriend. For the last year they have been sending money to contribute to the cause. After they got married in June, we started getting resistance to them actually coming on site to physically help with preparations and getting accustomed to the new life style. They finally arrived in early November. They left two days ago to return to Orange County, CA mainly at her insistence because life here is too primitive for them! The basic story is that she used Y2K as an excuse to get married and never really had any desire to relocate. (I'll only go to that God Forsaken place with you if you marry me. And besides, I can't possibly see any problems due to this computer thing!) She couldn't hack it here because all she wanted to do was sit on her fat ass and play Nintendo all day. She was upset that we even asked her to help around the house. I cannot believe the human crap (there are, of course, exceptions) that lives in California. They truly deserve what is coming.

Spirit, I suggest you do what I am forced to do myself. You have a biological family which you may be forced to write off. Just as those who would not see the wickedness of Soddom and would not heed the warnings paid a price, so too will our families. (And if God does not punish California, he owes Soddom a great apology.) Should the fabric of society rip or even disintegrate, I will adopt new family where I am. At least this time I get to pick.

I apologize if I seem harsh, but I have just witnessed some of the most disgusting aspects of human behavior first hand and am still pretty tweaked over it.

-- Chris Tisone (c_tisone@hotmail.com), December 20, 1999.

Spirit: "Who is your brother?" Look at your Christian Family of friends and believers. Noah prepared for all and they rejected. The Land Owner prepared a Marriage fieast and was rejected so went in to the streets and after many tries finally invited those willing to come and celebrate the marriage. We are called to be numble and serve like Christ. At the Last Supper Christ washed the feet of his disciples. Peace be with you.

-- Charles Park (chaspark@ccinet.ab.ca), December 20, 1999.

Thank you all for your kindness and comfort. This is the only place I could think of to talk about these things.

Ladybuckeye_59, I appreciate the suggestion of Michael Hyatt's forum. I realize that he is a Christian as well, and will look there for similar threads. If Y2K is a speed bump, I really don't care about the money; it's fine if it goes to a battered women's shelter or wherever it can do some good. What I am afraid of is that there is a real possiblity that we might see a 7 or 8 or more, and that my family is not protected.

And as far as my pastor is concerned, I don't see much hope for help from him. Back in the early part of the year, he allowed some of us in the church to hold informational meetings. But since things cooled off in April, he is just distancing himself from the issue. If I spoke with him, he'd probably say, "There, there, it really won't be so bad. Your family will be fine." He has rarely mentioned the word Y2K publically for months.

Chris Tisone, that is a mind-boggling story! It is hard to believe someone could be that selfish. No, I guess that's wrong, nowadays it's becoming the norm, and NOT being selfish is becoming considered wierd. I feel your frustration as well. I would suggest though that it doesn't help you to let her twist your insides like that. Better to forgive her and let her go; you'll be better off for it. Let the Lord handle any recompense, ok? I feel for you, brother.

rmoose and Charles Park, you are absolutely right about my church family. "Who is my brother, ..." I will take care of as many of these as I can. I know one sweet teenager who "gets it," but her folks don't. Talk about powerless! I'll do what I can. I really grieve for the old people, who have limited income and not much strength. How are they going to tote around 5-gal kerosene containers? God help them.

Everyone else, thank you so much. I needed to talk with someone, and no one around where I live is as concerned as I am. I hear what you are saying about moving on. I might rephrase that a bit, in terms of just letting God be God, and leaving all things in His hands. I guess that's where I am finding peace.

-- Spirit (moving@on.the.waters), December 20, 1999.

Chris,

Wow, when was the last time you were in California and where? Do you realize that there are ALOT or hardworking people who grow much of the grains, fruits, vegetables, livestock for alot of other states. This is a big state with alot of different types of people. Sure there are "dirtbags" and folks with hands so soft it is scarey, but there of lots of others too. Personally I would love to ramble on here, but I must go milk the goat, feed the chickens and ducks and go to work.

-- Kristi (securxsys@cs.com), December 20, 1999.

Oops, sorry for the typos. Also, Spirit, I understand - I did much the same. Of course if things go badly I have some great neighbors I can help and team up with. Sometimes not saying any more to your family will work better than saying more.

-- Kristi (securxsys@cs.com), December 20, 1999.

Kristi, I spent 20 years living in California (Orange County) and left there 18 months ago. While I realize that there are good hardwoking people everywhere, the social/economic/political landscape in The Peoples' Republic is dominated by the aforementioned dirtbags. Certainly my perceptions are colored by my city living experiences, but over time, those that allow themselves to be victimized by abuse are part of the problem. Again, I apologize if it seems that I am lashing out indiscriminately, but I am bitter over my recent experiences. Live and let live, I guess. Perhaps they will drop me a line from the refugee camp?

-- Chris Tisone (c_tisone@hotmail.com), December 20, 1999.

A lot of people are sick of other people pushing there false religions on them so I can understand your family's point of view

It is only your OPINION

-- pop (pops@poppin.fresh), December 20, 1999.

spirit, It's not your job to chase down your family with your offer. Plus, there's something else going on here, I think. Their opinion is so important to you that you have forgotten about yourself. The thing we sometimes have to do is release others to God and recognize that the outcome is not your responsibility. Further, give yourself permission to live your own life--Y2K or not Y2K. Anyone you're interested in dating? Quick courtships have been heard of before. I'm not being sarcastic. I hope you will do well and be happy.

Chris, what a shame about your brother and his new wife! But what can YOU do? Could they come back for rollover?

-- Mara (MaraWayne@aol.com), December 20, 1999.

Mara, I sincerely doubt I will receive any visitors from that part of the world, as I am 2,000 miles away from Southern California. (East Tennessee) While the people I am dealing with are greatly interested in saving themselves from hardship, it will be far too late to guarantee that they will make it here should my new location prove more attractive than riot torn LA/Orange County. Extremely odd since the amount of money they sent for preps is substantial.

-- Chris Tisone (c_tisone@hotmail.com), December 20, 1999.

There are some things, and some people, that simply cannot be helped.

-- Irving (irvingf@myremarq.com), December 20, 1999.

From: Y2K, ` la Carte by Dancr (pic), near Monterey, California

Spirit: Give them the URL of this webpage and tell them to go to Kinko's if they have to, to view it. Say that you talked about them publicly on the World Wide Web on the Internet, and that you got a pretty big discussion going about them... that they will want to see what was said. Even if that makes them angry, they will probably not be able to resist viewing it. If they refuse, print it out and mail it. It would be good for them to view the unsympathetic responses as well as the compassionate ones.

Unfortunately, Y2K preparation is associated in many minds with far right Christianity. Perhaps it would help if they understood that these aren't necessarily related. Would you be able to swear off proselytising as a means to encourage them to improve their odds for survival?

-- Dancr (addy.available@my.webpage), December 20, 1999.

Dear 'spirit':

I feel so sympathetic to you, partly because I have experienced something similar from my family. But remember that Christ said: "Think not that I have come to bring peace, but a sword..." and goes on to say that He will divide family members into believers and unbelievers. Also, Chapter 6 of Ephesians (12-24) is helpful, especially:..13,..."having done all, to stand...".

Also: Romans 1:28: "And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not fitting"...and it goes on to describe man devoid of God.

All we can do for our loved ones is turn them over to God and pray for them, and help them,if they will allow it.

Think of the rejection our Lord endured.

I pray you will find someone to share your provisions with and that you will not be alone at this time. I remember something about going out into the highways and byways (Matthew 22, I think) to invite outsiders to a wedding, because the people the king invited wouldn't come.

I really identify with you and have even asked God to take any thoughts of my loved ones who have rejected me out of my remembrance,(siblings, not children - - my children are all close to me, so I do have them, and my Christian husband.) But I still miss the closeness of my siblings when we were young, and still admire them, and of course want them to know Jesus as Saviour and Lord for THEIR happiness, not because I want to control them.

I hope God's grace is sufficient for you, for His strength is made perfect in weakness.

In Jesus,

Connie Iversen

-- Connie Iversen (hive@gte.net), December 20, 1999.

Please, please, please, please, please don't let Paul Milne see this thread!

-- preparing (preparing@home.com), December 20, 1999.

A-MAZ-ING!!!! Spirit. Similar stuff has happened to me. (Yes, I am real, that's my name and email.) I sold our house in Sydney 2 years ago so I could get my family out, but my wife refused to believe there was a problem. She is computer illiterate, and has NEVER used a pc ever. She consulted with her father, who is in his 70's and has also never used a computer, and they decided I was mad to want to get out of the city. When I sold the house, my wife took her 60% of the money and moved in with her mum and dad, building a 2nd storey on the house. The kids went with her, because they were scared about the things I said might happen. SO I went bush, interstate to southern Queensland (1,000 kms northwest of Sydney), and I spend a year and a half learning Permaculture and setting up a property where my family might have relative safety if TSHTF. (I had promised them we could always go back to the city if things turned out to be a non-event.) Anyway, by September this year I had run out of money and I needed to work. I spent a month trying for work in Queensland, then I moved back to Sydney, and it took another month there to land a contract. (I am a network engineer.) So now I am in the "big smoke" in the worst possible place to be (if it really gets that bad, of course). But I am within reaching distance of my kids. All I can do is hope that they will Get It -- if needs be -- before travel becomes impossible. If not, preps be buggered, I guess I'll meet the same fate they do. It's out of my hands. All I can do is trust the Lord. Oh yes. I finally became baptised (born again) just over a year ago. I am powerless to do any more for my family now. It is in God's hands. Maybe the pollies are right (if so, by sheer undeserved good luck only). Let's hope it is a bump in the road.

-- David Harvey (vk2dmh@hotmail.com), December 21, 1999.

David, I am so sorry for your separation from your family. From my own experience, let me share that while few things cut deeper, yet we can turn from fighting the situation in our own strength and intelligence to looking to God to fight our battles in our place. He has promised us to never leave us or forsake us-- and that is not theoretical or uselessly abstract! It is as practical as your next meal.

I find that as I face challenges and trials, if I stop reacting to them in my best understanding, and wait on the Lord for His solution, He always surprises me with a better idea. When things move out of my control, I am learning to let them go, and pray more. There's a peace that comes with trusting God. I don't mean one should always be passive and accepting; there's a time to get up and fight! But if I fight my way, I lose; if I join with the Lord's battle, I win.

The key is trusting God, and looking to Him for the answers to life's problems. He knows what you are feeling, and understands the pressure to act. But let Him take control, and direct you, and everything will work out infinitely better.

-- Spirit (moving@on.the.waters), December 21, 1999.

Maureen: Do you like to mudwrestle?

-- King of Spain (madrid@aol.cum), December 21, 1999.