We are doing the right thing

“I believe in the slogan, “If you want peace, work for justice.” Integrity of Creation means to me using only your share of the Earth’s resources; if you use more than your share, you are causing a potentially unjust situation for other human beings and animals, which may threaten their health, quality of life, or life itself.”

Questions and Reflections continue…

Integrity of Creation means to me using only your share of the Earth’s resources; if you use more than your share, you are causing a potentially unjust situation for other human beings and animals, which may threaten their health, quality of life, or life itself. If we are unable to curtail our unwise use of natural resources, we may (collectively) cause the demise of the earth.

How is your ministry an expression of JPIC?

The ministry of the Earth and Spirit Center(PESC) promotes the concepts of Justice, Peace, and the Integrity of Creation, but especially the Integrity of Creation. My specific ministry that is very personal to me fits the PESC mission, but with an emphasis on personal responsibility to use resources judiciously—the portion that is due to each individual, and not more. When you use more than your share, you are causing others to receive less, which leads to turmoil and aggression—the opposite of peace and justice.

What are the challenges you face?

Well, is the glass half empty (challenges) or half full (opportunities)? I think the opportunities are greater than they have ever been during my lifetime. When mainstream society seems to be going to hell in a hand basket, so many have their hands outstretched to get off the maddening whirlwind of excess and are so very anxious to find meaning that does not come from a store. I feel that thoughtful people are desperate to find a way out of the morass of consumerism and egocentric lifestyle. As they start seeking a remedy for the emptiness of modern life, it is natural that they come over to the concepts of justice and peace. Once they do that, the step to caring for creation is as natural as hand in glove.

How do you maintain your faith in the face of struggles?

This is the easy part for me. During the 70’s and 80’s when the consumer-driven lifestyle became so mainstream, there were so few people who seemed to understand where this lifestyle was leading them, and us, as a society. I felt very discouraged all the time. Now I see such great changes in thoughtful people, who are seeking to rid themselves of egocentric and wasteful values and ways of life that I feel great joy that the message is spreading. But is the battle uphill? You bet!

What are the blessings you have experienced?

When I changed my own life, blessings—many of which were already there, but had to be acknowledged—began to pour in. Getting off the “merry-go-round” and finding out what life is like without being dizzy all the time was such an awakening! I could enjoy my friends and family much more. I could also do a better job of truly modeling my values. I think this is what happens to the people who come to classes at the PESC. My specific blessings at PESC are the staff—Joe Mitchell, Beth Zangari, and Holly Clark, and volunteers who decide to join in the mission of the Center, as well as class participants.

A class participant recently told me, after a discussion of driving and air pollution, “I have started driving under the speed limit; and do know what? I am no longer looking over my shoulder for the police, for fear of getting caught. I just sit back and enjoy the drive, knowing that I don’t have to be in such a hurry; after all, I am just as important—but not more than—everyone else on the road. This thought makes me more peaceful, just knowing I am not polluting more than I have to, or creating more dangerous road conditions by driving fast.” This is the kind of witness that tells me we are doing the right thing!

What are the goals for the future you hope to realize?

My goal is to work at the PESC as long as I can continue this mission successfully. Since I am in the “September” of my life, I don’t know how long that will be, but I do know that God has singled me (and others) out to carry the message of peace, justice, and caring for creation. This all-knowing God will refine my/our message and duties as she/he sees fit, and will let me/us know the direction to go.

Do I have numbers of people I hope to influence? No; but I do know that we will—-and do—-attract the thoughtful people who will carry our mission to the places we cannot go. What could bring greater joy and satisfaction?