Interesting Times

24 Dec, 2011

There is a curse associated with Chinese wisdom that states, “May you live in interesting times.” Of late, it seems that we are beginning to understand the power of this malediction. The proposed Keystone XL pipeline, which would pass through many Carbon Sabbath readers’ properties, has been juggled by politicians of all parties and monstrously affixed to a payroll tax. Meanwhile, there was next to no domestic coverage on the UN Climate Conference in Durban. At the same time, many of you read about Carbon Sabbath compadre John Helmiere’s experience of police brutality (see: http://valleyandmountain.org/what-we-do/creative-liberation/johns-response-to-police-brutality/ to read his stirring narrative and compelling response). The interest of these times is heavy, and we are tempted to bear its nagging weight rather than the light yoke of love we have before us always.

Speaking of light, I had the fortune of meeting up with my old friend Alison Amyx. Alison and I met while interning in the Bay Area as part of fellowships offered by the Beatitudes Society (http://www.beatitudessociety.org/). Alison now works for an organization called Georgia Interfaith Power and Light, which is part of the greater Regeneration Project. GIPL, as it is affectionately called, works to provide means for faith communities to become more aware of their energy use and general environmental impact. While this can have a profound effect on the spiritual well-being of constituents, it also speaks to one of the areas closest to the organizational heart: the pocketbook. Through GIPL’s Power Wise energy audit, churches learn how to lower their budget while also becoming more sustainable in a multitude of ways. See below for videos from churches and synagogues who have participated.

 

 

GIPL also has a program called Dirt Wise that can help congregations and individuals develop community gardens. See: http://gipl.org/Content/Dirt_Wise.asp

Another testament to the light that I’ve come across in the past few weeks is the Open Door Community. The Open Door is a model Christian community in the Catholic Worker tradition. It requires a herculean effort to recount even the basics of the great work going on at the Open Door. It is notable that they work closely with folks on Georgia’s death row, as is apparent from the posters you see around the house that state “We are Troy Davis.” While I was there, we worked on Christmas care packages for the inmates. Suffice it to say that the Open Door is a bright light shining in the darkness.

 

On Monday, I’ll set out again on the road toward Savannah and Jacksonville. As I leave, our interesting times are not the only thing on my mind. Some claim that the curse is actually a three-part statement. One of the other “curses” says, “May you find what you are looking for.” This begs the question: what are we looking for? It is this question that determines the efficacy of the curse. If we look for sources of political tension and strife, we will surely find it. If we seek out distraction and mindless living, they will be ours. However, if we look for mindful living and the hope that comes from the source of life, I suspect the curse will be a blessing. Ask, and we shall receive. Seek, and we will find. The process will most certainly be different from what we expect. Like a would-be Messiah baby born in a barn, there is hope in the difference that exceeds our expectations.

Until we meet again

More willing to love at all times

Than we thought possible