* Damage to personal property from fire or wind * Theft * Personal liability in event you are sued over accidental injury to others who are in your apartment * Accidental damage to property of others in your care * Living expenses if you are forced to live elsewhere while your apartment is being repaired

This list doesn't begin to elaborate on multitude of other possibilities for disaster: An electrical surge fries your computer, television, and/or stereo; while visiting your neighbor, you tip over his barbecue and start a fire; or you accidentally cause injury to someone away from your apartment; and list goes on and on. And of course, as we've all discovered, we can never discount such crazy-sounding possibilities -- because they can and do happen if and only if we're not prepared (or covered) for them.

Note that renters' insurance policies may differ according to insurance company in question, as well as laws in your state. An insurance representative will be able to determine what type of policy best meets your needs. If you've thrown away all of those brochures dangling from your door handle, Internet is a good place to do your homework -- specifically apartment-search sites. Links to renters' insurance information will fill you in on details, and you may apply online.

One day, i was down and out. I was severely depressed; I was broke, and it seemed like troubles came one after another. Joel came to me and said, "Dad, I've got $25. You take it and go out to eat and buy something for yourself." That gesture blessed me more than any words could tell.

I was teaching children about interest. Eva had $10, and I told her if she would let me borrow it, I would repay her $11. Joy had $20 and I told her I would repay her $22. Joel had a least $30, and I told him I would repay him $33. He thought for a minute and said, "How much interest would you give me for loaning you $37.53"---all that he had.

The Lord has blessed my son with many talents including musical. He is very good at all wonderful electronic musical instruments he has. He is always buying, trading, selling and upgrading his equipment. I wrote a song, "When Will Answer Come", about prayer and he put music to it. When it is played, you can feel presence of Lord.

When Joel graduated from high school in 1995, his day was made when his mom came. Her presence made him very happy. Like many young people, he was lost after high school and didn't know what direction to take. I prayed earnestly for him, that God would lead him in right path. Shortly thereafter, he worked at a retail store where he made a solid reputation for himself. He was hard working, dependable, courteous and honest.

One day, he found almost $300 in store. he turned it in. He also found a very valuable watch and turned that in as well. After working there for awhile, he tried some other things, but he wasn't satisfied.

I remember taking him down to cemetery where my dad and other relatives are buried. I said, "Son, Daddy was 40 when he died, my Grandpa was 43." I pointed out some of my other relatives and then said, "Son, I want to tell you something about our family. First of all, we believe in God, secondly we believe in our family, and thirdly, we love our country. If you stick with these three things in life, you will never go astray."

Shortly thereafter, Joel entered Waycross Junior College and graduated concentrating his studies in math, computers, and business. After this, he went to Valdosta State University and graduated in December 2004 with a degree in Business Administration with a major of Marketing.

As a teenager, Joel was born again. He has compassion in his heart for others. He knows how to pray, and God has given him wisdom.

I can't live my son's life. I have told him I've lived mine, and he has to find his way. I also told Joel despite all hurts in his life, Jesus can wipe away all tears.

When I was his age, I had no earthly father. I've told Joel and my daughters, that as long as I'm alive I would be there for them. I also prayed like my Daddy did and said, "Lord, I've only got one son. I dedicate him to you. Use him as you see fit." I'm proud of Joel---a fine young man!

Proverbs 5.1 "My son, attend unto my wisdom, and bow thine ear to my understanding."

Update....Joel helped me with my book, My Walk with Lord. This story appears in it...He and his sisters were raised by me in a single parent home..Despite being deprived of a mother's presence, my children were taught about Jesus and his love. Pray Joel gets right job.

Copyright 2005 Irvin L. Rozier, Captain (Ret) US Army