Why you’ll receive a text from the president today

If you live in the United States, you’ll receive an unprecedented text on your cell phone today.

In 2016, President Obama signed a law requiring the Federal Emergency Management Agency to create a system allowing the president to send cellphone alerts regarding public safety emergencies. The Wireless Emergency Alert System has now been created as a result.

Americans can opt out of natural disaster or missing children alerts, but we are not able to avoid the presidential alert system. The president has sole responsibility for determining when such alerts are to be used.

But don’t read your text expecting to hear President Trump’s opinion on Judge Kavanaugh’s confirmation process or other news. The presidential alerts can be used only for national emergencies.

Fifteen words are making headlines

Today’s text will state, “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.” These fifteen words have drawn national attention all out of proportion to their size and urgency.

In other news, the FBI could finish its probe of Judge Brett Kavanaugh today. The White House authorized the agency to interview anyone it deems necessary. However, even an expanded process would include only a few of the multiplied thousands of people Kavanaugh has met and worked with over his life.

The FBI investigation is partially the result of a now-viral conversation between Sen. Jeff Flake and two women in an elevator after last Thursday’s confirmation hearing. Their appeal played a role in his decision to request the FBI probe before moving forward with the process.

Here’s my point: Small things can make a big impact, for bad or for good. When the news makes us feel discouraged and powerless, we can remember that one person can change the world. And we can decide to be that person, to the glory of God.

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