There is an unspoken desire for many us these day:  just one crisis at a time!  Most of us would like to avoid any times of crisis altogether, but certainly not to have to deal with more than one at a time.  Unfortunately, we can’t always make that happen.

A global economic crisis has taken center stage in much of the developed world today.  If history is any gauge, the ones who will suffer the most from such a crisis are the poor.  Personally, it seems I really cannot do anything to fix the crisis.  At the same time, I seem to have very little power to do much about my own family’s financial situation.  I’m pretty sure this crisis has kicked up feelings of insecurity for a lot of you as well. 

Pretty much all of us are in touch with a feelings of scarcity these days.  Over the last few weeks, there have been many times I have felt overwhelmed by those feelings of scarcity.  “What if there’s not enough!  I’m afraid there won’t be enough!”  But then I stop and remember how much I have – how much of what is most precious and most essential in life.  When I choose to have an attitude of gratitude, it’s amazing how powerful I feel.  It’s amazing how full and abundant my life feels.

I mentioned multiple crises and I’m afraid that’s what is out there.  I believe we are in a global climate crisis that, as it unfolds, holds some pretty unsavory possibilities.  The vast majority of scientists studying the global climate do not argue about whether there is such a crisis or whether humanity is playing a major causative role.  They only differ about the extent of environmental change taking place and the likelihood of catastrophic consequences. 

As with the economic crisis, I find it easy to feel absolutely powerless in the face of global warming and its related issues.  Feeling that way seems to be a pretty reasonable position.  One person, one family, and even one congregation can recycle and live simply, but the gains made by these efforts are wiped out many times over by, for example, deforestation or the increased number of cars on the road in China.  We need visionary leadership nationally on this issue so that our efforts are coordinated and lead toward helpful change.  I am thankful that both of the presidential candidates seem to understand the need for significant and dramatic action in this area.

What does faith offers us in terms of dealing with the economy and ecology?  There is an opportunity present in these crises to take a hard look at how we live and what we value.  It has been said our nation is addicted to foreign oil.  I am embarrassed to realize that I have addictions in my own life as well.  I often borrow my sense of identity from what I have or what I do rather than trusting my intrinsic and God-given value as a person.  There are many wants in my life that, without intentional reflection, feel like needs.  I struggle to live in the present tense rather than the future (worry) or the past (guilt).  Such a time as this challenges me to know myself better, to love myself more fully, and to make choices that empower my life.  These are the opportunities God provides us in the crises that challenge us.  May God continue to bless you.

Thanks for continuing to bless me as we journey together.

--Jack Price