As a society, we are very blessed and sometimes unaware of the underpinnings that support the lifestyles we enjoy.  We expect the lights to turn on, the garbage truck to haul away our waste, and the water to run out of the tap on demand.  We expect food and medical care to be readily available; we expect to have the ability to communicate with others no matter how many miles separate us.  While these are all reasonable expectations in our society, what would happen if suddenly all these amenities (some would call them miracles) were lost?  Would we fall prey to the snares of the adversary in our struggle for survival?  Would we become the people spoken of in D&C 88:91 which says ‘And all things shall be in commotion; and surely, men’s hearts shall fail them; for fear shall come upon all the people.’?  Or would we stand firm in our faith being open to and following the direction of the spirit?  This is just one of the many profound questions explored in “The Great and the Terrible, Vol. 4, The Fury and the Light” by Chris Stewart.
 
The sign of any great book, fictional or not, is it’s ability to inspire the reader to take action.  Well folks, I’ve been inspired.  Without giving too much of the story away, I want to share with you the inspiration the story had for me.  First, its a great read; so good it only took me 5 days to listen to all 6.5 hours.  Second, it has renewed my committment to food storage and personal preparedness.  A pragmatist at heart with a limited budget, I previously had trouble understanding the need for such a robust food storage and personal preparedness requirement.  However, the scenarios described in the book opened my eyes and reminded me just how fragile our society actually is.  Third, it has reinforced my gratitude and respect for the power of the Priesthood.  There a poignant scene in the story where the power of the Priesthood is used to perform a mighty miracle.  A miracle in our day; and a miracle that modern medicine could not provide.  Finally, it reminded me of our Savior Jesus Christ, and how he will be there for me no matter what, even when all the lights go out.

“The Great and the Terrible, Vol. 4, The Fury and the Light” by Chris Stewart is part of a very interesting saga.  I really recommend it.  It’s a great read.

J. Smith
Maple Valley, WA