Where I have been

 In September of 2019 youth around the world marched in protest of environmental degradation and to demand government action in mitigating climate change. These marches involved staggering numbers of citizens, and bold calls for change at policy levels. At that time I felt a strong urge to be part of this movement and so after talking with a few co-conspirators, I was part of a gathering of 50+ people in Morden. You can read about it in this issue of the Winkler Morden Voice.

We gathered to talk about our climate related concerns, and then marched with love and energy to the local government offices. At each of these offices we shared a letter of concern and a call to each of our leaders to take bold action on Climate Change.

On that day, I felt a clear sense that the people who had gathered for this march might have some momentum to continue to move forward in raising awareness and taking action on climate change, locally. I remember that day of marching as a day filled with hope and energy and incredible people.

In the days that followed, my courage collapsed and I did not find ways to encourage that momentum to grow into action.

In the year and half since then I've wrestled with my own demons about climate change: my culpability in it, the many ways I fall short of the ideal climate change activist profile, my fear of being targeted in the community as either too radical or too conservative, and the profound sense of grief and fear and overwhelm that have accompanied my journey to greater awareness of the magnitude of the climate crisis.  This has been a tough stretch on the journey for me.

Fortunately I haven't only been wrestling with demons.  I've also read some good books and had good conversations with hopeful and realistic people, I've listened to some podcasts and spent time with more hopeful and realistic people.  Again and again, I've been encouraged to take action as my gifts and time allow and as the Spirit nudges me.  I feel like I'm at a place now where I can begin to take small steps.

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