Accompaniment
As I was walking back home the other day I saw two dogs jogging in my peripheral. One of the dogs began to slow its pace significantly. After sensing a breach in companionship, the lead dog turned around and noticed the waning energy of his cohort. As a result, the lead dog stopped and turned back in order to assist his travel mate.
As I was walking back home the other day I saw two dogs jogging in my peripheral. One of the dogs began to slow its pace significantly. After sensing a breach in companionship, the lead dog turned around and noticed the waning energy of his cohort. As a result, the lead dog stopped and turned back in order to assist his travel mate.
What an awesome display of accompaniment. This action was a demonstration of concern and compassion. This action also exhibited the lead dog’s attention to detail. When we are on a shared journey, how willing are we to ensure that others are not falling back? Moreover, are we even cognizant of the progress and advancement of others?
The United States makes up 5% of the global population but consumes 25% of the world’s energy and 25% of the world’s natural resources. These natural resources include oil, coal, natural gas, and uranium. And, because these natural resources emit pollutants such as carbon dioxide (CO2) when burned, they are called dirty fuels. The release of CO2 leads to an increase of greenhouse gases and is the main component of global warming. Moreover, the US generates 5 times the world’s average per-capita of carbon dioxide emissions.
The United States is privileged with abundance. But, with that privilege comes a great responsibility to keep our consumption “needs” from becoming consumption “greed”. For it has been stated, “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked” (Luke 12:48). If you never concern yourself with the well-being of those with whom you journey, then one day you may just looked up and find yourself all alone.
We are knowledgeable of the discrepancy and inequality of energy consumption. We are fully aware that the United States of America has disproportionately feasted upon the natural resources of the world. We also recognize that our country is at the helm of carbon dioxide emissions, which is the main ingredient for greenhouse gases and global warming. As citizens of this great land we stand convicted and realize that a change in our behaviors is long overdue. We pledge to be more mindful of the energy we consume and waste we create. We pledge to monitor our use of water, electricity, and vehicles. We pledge to reduce our use of plastic bottles, Styrofoam, and printed materials. We pledge to recycle our waste such as plastic, glass, aluminum, and paper. We make this pledge in a demonstration of solidarity with the other nations and other peoples around the world. And, we do this because we know that “the earth is the Lord´s and everything in it, the world and all who live in it” (Psalm 24: 1) and not something to be lorded over by a few. This may appear to be a daunting task, but we shall be encouraged. Let each one teach one. And, we know that the world will be a better place because of our actions. May our great nation be a part of the solution and not a part of the problem. God, we Revere you. God, we Respect you. God, we Represent you. And, it is in your righteous name we pray. Amen.
Aaron Wiggins
Aaron Wiggins serves with the Pacific Christian Council located in Suva, Fiji. Aaron will serve as a program associate working with advocacy and justice issues related to global warming, nuclear testing, etc.