The Day Everything Changed
One morning, my husband logged into work as usual.
Five minutes later, his entire department was gone.
🚫⚠️ No warning. 🚫⚠️ No notice.
In a snap. Just like that—everything changed. 🫰💥
Imagine waking up with a steady paycheck and going to bed with nothing.
That was our reality.
But here’s the wild part . . . we didn’t panic.
Why We Didn’t Panic
A few years before that moment, we made a decision: Debt do us part.
Debt do us part is all about our commitment to 1️⃣ work with purpose and 2️⃣ prepare for the future—that includes:
✔️ Spending less,
✔️ Saving more,
✔️ Paying off debt,
✔️ And investing.
It isn’t always easy.
It isn’t always fun.
Saying no to things we wanted? Declining invites?
Some people took it personally. That part stung.
But when the storm hit, we didn’t drown.
We didn’t scramble. We didn’t get help either.
And that storm? It lasted nearly a year.
Then—life threw another curveball.
A few months into the job loss, someone hit our car. Totaled.
No job meant no easy way to finance a new one.
But we didn’t need to.
➡️ Because years earlier, we paid cash for another car.
➡️ It sat there, untouched—until the exact moment we needed it.
Preparation saved us—twice.
That’s what preparation does.
You don’t always know why you’re doing something, but when the time comes—you’re glad you did.
This Might Be Your Wake-up Call ⏰
Get ahead of things before they get ahead of you. Prepare for tomorrow, today.
And pay attention—to what you see, what you sense, what keeps nudging at you.
I truly believe God was leading us to prepare for those storms.
Sometimes, it’s a loud alarm inside. Other times, just a whisper, a nudge, an uneasy feeling.
Either way—don’t ignore it. Pay attention.
You might end up thanking yourself later.
MY OPINION: Read Psalm 23 + ask God to make that real in your life.
How You Can Stay Ready Too
So, let me ask you ⬇️⬇️⬇️
What’s something you KNOW you need to handle now?
📌 Maybe it’s starting that garden (you don’t need acres of land).
📌 Maybe it’s looking for a new job before things shift.
📌 Maybe it’s cutting back on expenses so future-you isn’t stressed.
This might be your sign to stop waiting and take action.
🎧 Need a little push?
The Smoking Prophet Podcast breaks this down using Proverbs 6:6-11—where the small but mighty ant reveals how small, purposeful actions bring big wins later. ⬇️
🎧 Need insights to crisis-proof yourself from an unexpected layoff?
The Smoking Prophet Podcast tells you 7 red flags a shift might be happening at your job or in your industry. ⬇️
How You Can Stay Ready Too
Try not to worry. Worrying about the future can steal your joy.
Plan and accept no matter how much we plan, life can still throw surprises our way.
But not preparing at all? 😯
Y I K E S . That’s a sure way to end up stressed or struggling over things like food, housing, retirement, insurance on things that should be insured, or even healthcare.
That’s your cue to do what you can today—so future-you isn’t stuck wishing you had. 🙏
Even a small step counts!!! That’s all for now. Talk later.
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👋🏽 Hi, I’m LOLA ⸻ the creator of offbeat life advice brand, The Smoking Prophet, owner of a growing content agency, and cultivator of life (family first)!
Most days, you can find me at my desk, in my garden, or on the go. My super-social family keeps me on my toes!
Follow The Smoking Prophet to ignite your creativity, grow spiritually, and blaze your own trail online!
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