Free Range Pigs

Homesteading is becoming a popular trend for those who want to get away from the trials and tribulations of the world.

In theory, it should work. All you need is some land, a shelter and a few animals right?

Actually on the top of that list should be common sense and careful planning. Take the time to ask yourself some pretty serious questions before you abandon all civilization to live off of the land.

(1) Does the land have a good water source?

(2) Are you a skilled hunter or fisherman?

(3) Do you have knowledge of food storage and preparation while living off the grid?

(4) Have you ever killed and butchered a domestic animal?

We have been watching a show where a man and two of his children visit homesteads to see if they can rescue families who are woefully unprepared for living off of the land.

The most jaw-dropping episode featured a couple who had some "You Tube" training of how to raise domestic animals while living off of the grid.

Most of us know that pigs need some type of confinement for their safety as well as your own. They can wreak havoc in pastures, tear down existing structures and kill their young to boot.

This couple's entire property was a disaster zone. The pigs had taken over everything. They didn't have places of shelter, fences or protection from boars for their young.

They mistakenly thought free-range meant that they should allow the pigs to wander at will and without any boundaries whatsoever.

Sadly, Chaos and Destruction are running rampant in this world today. As some point, we all need to recognize that some boundaries are beneficial to a civilized society. For the protection of all regardless of race, religion or creed.

When life is unfair; a majority of us don't riot, burn buildings or try to harm each other. We try to move past our disappointments, address our fears and make amends when necessary.

Like every sensible person who grew up on a ranch, we know that fences and responsible animal husbandry benefits both the animals and ourselves.

I have struggled for many months to find a way convey the most hopeful message of all. I still believe that with mighty prayer and discernment, we can turn things around.

But our hearts must change and our sight must become sharper in the present darkness. Most importantly, our words must be kinder. We must drown out those voices who make it their life's work to encourage discontent and the misuse of the term "hate".

Many of us may disagree about religion, politics, lifestyle choices or social issues. And that is perfectly fine as long as we do not destroy the very fabric of our nation by the misuse of cyberspace, twitter and the platform of celebrity to cut each other down.

All lives matter, but our country matters too. And our nation is begging for truth and integrity instead of sound-bites and blatant lies.

The time has come for us to make our fences strong with gates that will open up new beginnings for us all. To honor the laws of the land instead of justifying violence and destruction. Our forefathers stood up against tyranny and oppression and so should we.

This country is too great and special to be destroyed by the greed and the abuse of power that we see every day. We cannot ignore the graft and deception any longer or the tyranny of a few who seek to destroy our peace and strength.

Our freedom of choice is based upon living life within the structure of the laws of the land. Our freedom of speech was not meant to offend or tear down each other down.

Preparation for this must begin with a changed heart and a contrite spirit. A fence is not about the loss of freedom. Instead, I would venture to say that for every boundary, there is a gate that allows us the freedom of choice.