Facing Challenges

Good Morning, All!

Recently I was listening to an interview with Thomas Friedman, foreign affairs journalist with the NY Times and author of Hot, Flat and Crowded-Why We Need a Green Revolution; an intriguing title for later consumption. He was comparing the global financial crisis with Mother Nature’s crisis of global warming and its impact.

Friedman spoke about the various bailouts that are necessary to turn our economy toward the better but was quick to point out how there are no bailouts with Mother Nature. While there are and have been huge warning signs about Planet Earth and what’s pending, we humans, out of our propensity for greed and our tendency to think things really aren’t all that bad, the only solutions are to stop the bleeding; to keep things from getting worse…not a 180 degree turn around.

But Friedman spoke a word of hope for the economic crisis and Mother Nature’s crisis by modifying a quote by Rahm Emmanuel, who got it from somewhere else, “Never let a good crisis go to waste.” I am still mulling over that quote…and know that these are wise words for us no matter the crisis du jour.

Let’s face it…life indeed has its moments of crisis, the ones we face individually as well as those we must face together as a family, as a community, in our school or workplace, our nation or global community. We’re constantly challenged by health and healthcare issues, issues that affect our growing children, from bullying, fitting in, excelling in their studies and the overall excellence of our school system; our aging parents; our personal finances; job loss and job security; bailouts; saving the planet…STOP!

So what do we do when we are first hit with a crisis? Well, at least after we get through the panic mode? :) Hopefully as people of faith, we seek God’s guidance and continue to do so throughout the length and breadth of the crisis. And yet so many of us at least entertain the idea of finding ways of escape and burying our heads in the sand out of denial. But once we come to our senses and realize that our struggles are not going away and probably are worsening in the process; we ask God for strength, courage, wisdom, clarity; and direction as we set our jaws firmly acknowledging the challenge before us. And then after exploring the variety of solutions, we choose at least one, and go forth to solve.

Friedman also went on to say that in his travels and the countless emails he receives he is excited about the innovation and creativity that has surfaced. And I believe this is what happens as the result of any crisis, any challenge, and any exciting opportunity that is squarely tackled.

And I see this happening here within our community of faith. I am always so pleased at the collective wisdom and insight whenever we have to overcome obstacles or joy-filled challenges here among us. Especially when everyone is invited into the mix to help solve whatever we must face; to help create the possibility; to bring about the change. The creativity from the youngest among us to the most experienced is so gratifying; as is the new and renewed energy.

And once we sense the percolating ground upon which we are standing, the possibilities are endless. God is truly at work among us, inspiring us and yes, challenging us to experience the BDOs before us—the Beautifully Disguised Opportunities—a Covenant-claimed phrase brought to us by Debbie Miller J We are not just walking, sauntering, moseying into God’s future, we are running head on into it!

Is the glass half-empty? No! It’s not even half-full. The glass of God’s goodness is overflowing, spilling over us like the waters of baptism, offering us renewed purpose, renewal and refreshment!

Come on in, the water’s fine! Even if you can’t swim, this community of faith is here to buoy you up! Blessings, Joanne