For Such A Time As This

Cyndi Ball • March 31, 2020

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

 

It completes so many questions during these days of uncertainty, anxiety, unknowns.

Why am I a homesteader? For such a time as this.
Why do I grow my own food? For such a time as this.
Why do I spend so much time learning about local medicinal herbs? For such a time as this.
Why do I invest personal time creating a like-minded community? For such a time as this.
Why is it important I learn these survival skills? For such a time as this.
Why does NLHG exist? 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!

 

I personally want to thank all our NLHG Chapter Leaders. Without you and your willingness to lead and give sacrificially of your time and talent to put together Gatherings each month, we would not be as equipped as we are right now. I encourage you all to thank your local NLHG boards for all they have done to ready you.

 

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.

Other Articles

Bartlett pear tree in an orchard with a wooden sign reading “Bartlett”
By Miranda Johnson August 3, 2026
I sat in on a lot of talks. The speakers knew their stuff. They were well-spoken and had solid info to share. But if I’m being honest, nothing really felt new. That surprised me. Then I realized why.
Hand straining bright pink vinegar into a glass jar on a wooden table
By Miranda Johnson July 14, 2026
Several years ago, while scrolling through Pinterest, I came across a photo of the prettiest bright pink vinegar I’d ever seen. It was made with chive blossoms, and I remember thinking, “I have chives…I wonder if I could do that?”
Smiling woman in a patterned apron and glasses, standing in a kitchen with hands on hips.
By Connie Casey July 6, 2026
In my 20s, I did a lot of mural work and got in the habit of wiping my brushes and hands on my painter’s overalls. Fast forward to my 30s, and there's me as a new mom, still wiping my hands on my clothes.
Show More