One Second After is a book about one of America’s physical weaknesses, one that could be the end of us. William Forstchen writes a surprisingly realistic depiction of how America would look when setback to the primitive age.
The book begins one second after three EMPs (Electromagnetic Pulse Weapons) have been detonated over America, killing all electricity and electrical technology. This means cellphones, power plants, digital currency, airplanes, and most cars. Even pacemakers stop working.
EMP is a real weapon. When an atomic bomb is set off, it sends a small pulse wave. The pulse wave can be artificially amplified, and when detonated above the atmosphere the electrical disturbance is increased even more. The pulse wave is what decimates electronics. Even most surge protectors are useless, because of the speed of the EMP. It’s four times faster than lightning, and the protections of the electronics don’t have time to react to the wave.
Thus, Forstchen’s fictional America was completely in the dark, literally.
It’s a fantastic book, and if an EMP did detonate over America, I would turn to One Second After. Yet, the thing that really stuck with me is one paragraph from the book.
Always it was kids in Africa or some disaster-stricken area in Asia with bloated stomachs. He wondered if now, at this very moment, in a place in the world where electricity still flowed, such images were on their screens: “Give now to save the starving children in America.”
America is the most powerful nation in the world. To become a third world country in an instant because of three pulse waves is incredibly humbling.
Personally, I look around and see all the comforts I have. I am listening to Josh Garrels through a Bluetooth speaker. The lights are on. It’s cool inside, despite the current temperature outdoors being 91 degrees. The computer I’m using is being charged by a portable power bank battery. I will publish this on Substack, a digital platform which hosts blogs and newsletters.
Electricity is making it possible for me to do everything I want, but Forstchen’s dystopian novel makes me now realize something.
We could lose it all.
So what do we do?
Be grateful. Technology isn’t bad; it’s fascinating. Yet, it is a thing of this world: temporary and breakable. Perishable. We could lose it tomorrow and never get it back. So, let us be happy with what we have and put our hope in what is eternal.
Matthew 6:19-20 (ESV)
19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal.”
The scenario of an EMP strike on America is highly unlikely. Even though a lot of our counterattack systems would be terminated, we could still bring down our enemies easily. Also, we are now more equipped to face an EMP. It’s most probable that it won’t happen.
But remember, none of the worldly contrivances and conveniences last forever. It’s all perishable. So let us be grateful for what we have now. Don’t take it for granted, but thank the Lord for the gifts He gives.
And above all else, we should put our trust and faith and hope in God, who gives us eternal life.
John 3:16 (ESV)
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.”
Such a great post and reminder!
People don't realize how much they rely on electricity every second of the day. It is truly terrifying and indeed humbling to think that it could all be taken away in an instant.