The phrase swirling around in my head is, “for such a time as this.”

Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think we would see days like the ones we are living now. A pandemic that literally shuts down the world? Job losses, face masks, death, fears, quarantine, etc.

And yet, in the midst of all this craziness, I am confident I will be okay. It’s spring – my vegetable aisle is my own front lawn and the woods. I have canned goods on the shelves, honey from last year’s harvest. I have meat in the freezer, eggs on the counter. When I’m asked how life is for me right now, I answer that it’s not that much different. I’m here on the homestead, 6′ – or rather, 600′ – from the next human being.

It’s for such a time as this that I have spent years learning the skills necessary to take care of myself and others.

It’s for such a time as this that I am even more motivated to reach more women to share knowledge and bring them into our community. Hundreds, no thousands, of women are standing stronger during this pandemic, taking care of their families and those around them because of NLHG. We have the knowledge, and we know how to use it!

If you, personally, have reached out and helped one other woman in the last few weeks, you are living out our purpose statement, and I couldn’t be more proud. NLHG exists to empower women through homesteading. Our lifestyle is no longer a cute hobby. This lifestyle sustains, nurtures, and feeds those around us. It gives us health and confidence and the ability to care for our own. Knowledge casts out fear, and you have the knowledge.

So during this tumultuous time of uncertainty, hold fast to your community, help one another, share your bounty. And remember, you are prepared for such a time as this.