Joel's Jottings: "Never Let a Good Crisis Go to Waste"

This Winston Churchill quote came toward the end of World War II as the Allied Alliance led to the creation of the United Nations. Churchill was acknowledging that in moments of change there are opportunities for new things to develop. In the best cases that means positive developments, but it can also be a time for unexpected challenges. Here are two examples of how this saying plays out.

First, the unexpected challenge: Today, someone told me that I had contacted them by email and text and asked them to purchase Amazon gift cards. They complied with the request and transferred the value of the cards via a text message. But I had not made this request.

This is a fairly common scam where a church leader’s identity is spoofed and requests are made from those whom the leader knows. The name that showed up was my own, “Joel Alvis.” But it was not me. There are a few ways to protect yourself from having this happen.

First, I WILL NOT EVER ask anyone to buy a credit card and then transfer the balance to another email or phone number! If you receive such a request, it is an attempt to scam you.

Second, when I send a text or email, I almost always include some form of personalization in the message. If it is not personal, it is probably not from me.

Third, the email that originated this scam had my name on it, but the actual address was not mine. Be careful here, for I know that sometimes all that is changed is one letter or number. But it is enough to give away the deceit.

Such scamming has happened to many people. Folks I know who have had this happen to them have a range of emotions: anger, shame, exasperation, pique, confusion, and others. If it should happen to you, don’t waste this occasion. Learn and grow from the moment.

The second way in which we can learn from Churchill’s quote is to use a crisis to find ways to make a constructive response when facing difficult situations. The water crisis in Jackson is just one example. So many of us have had to turn to plastic bottles to find suitable water for drinking, cooking, and personal use. This has resulted in an explosion in the number of plastic bottles entering the waste stream.

There is an emerging awareness of the challenge that all these plastic bottles present to our environment. See this week’s eNewsletter for an item about recycling efforts taking place within the city. Please be aware of these efforts and support them as you are able. In addition, there are recycling containers at the church, under the stairs near the restrooms. 

When you do face an unexpected challenge or crisis, be aware that it is also an opportunity for something different and better to emerge.