The Crises We Must Solve
The person who trusts me will not only do what I’m doing but even greater things
John 14:12 The Message
In the winter of 2021, when the shame of the January 6th attack on our capital hung heavy in the air, TIME magazine published a challenge for all of us. Their writers made it clear that the deterioration of our environment, our government, and our way of life will accelerate unless you and I do our part now to help tackle the major crises we are facing. Those crises, which must be solved in the next 10 years if we are to preserve our world and provide a fair and healthy life for everyone, are:
A Climate Crisis
An Equality Crisis
A Health Crisis
A Trust Crisis
A Democracy Crisis
An Economic Crisis
Near the end of his days on earth, Jesus told his disciples that in addition to doing what he had been doing, those who trusted him could do even greater things. He wasn’t just talking to those who walked the earth with him, he was talking to you and me too. As people of faith, it is our responsibility to lead by example and do all that we can as individuals and concerned citizens to tackle each of these problems.
As overwhelming as they may seem, with God’s help we can solve these crises. Working together we can become a greener, climate-conscious nation where every man, woman and child enjoys equal opportunities and access to good health care. Recognizing that electing trustworthy officials who will honor and protect our democracy is also a critical factor for economic recovery, we can and must see to it that every adult has the opportunity to exercise their right to vote.
There is no doubt that solving these crises will be a huge job. But, if you have to eat an elephant you do it one bite at a time, and if you have to tackle huge problems you do it by taking small steps and big steps, as individuals and as concerned citizens of our local, state and national governments. You educate yourself about each crisis. You share ideas. You learn from others. You undergird all you do with prayer asking for God’s guidance, and you donate what you can wherever you feel your money can make a difference.
How will you make solving these crises a priority in your life?
Blessings on your efforts to heal America’s wounds. . . and the world’s,
Judy Osgood
April 5, 2021