Stewardship

Dear Partners in Green,

When we take the health of the planet into consideration as we live our daily lives, as we make our choices, do we see ourselves as stewards with the responsibility to practice stewardship?

Stewardship, defined as the responsible management of something entrusted to one’s care, which involves acting with ethical responsibility, emphasizing long-term preservation and collective well-being over self-interest.

It is management and care. And we are to be caretakers, not the owners or exploiters.

Yes, it harkens back to the Bible, to Genesis and the common and destructive misunderstanding of the word Dominion. Dominion, which has been confused with ‘domination’ and its connotation of tyranny and exploitation, is truly a common, destructive, and yes, self-serving misinterpretation. What’s in a word? Well, life and death.

I know that many of us understand this flawed meaning, but still, our behavior reflects this darker, more exploitative, and erroneous definition.

It is difficult for people living in what is called the more affluent world to voluntarily and collectively change our ways. But we can reduce our meat consumption, thus preserving rainforests, and limit our shopping. We can intentionally and creatively reduce the number of items in our recycling bins. We know their final destination will be mounting landfills and clogged oceans. And we can donate to organizations dedicated to conservation, and lower our thermostats by a few degrees.

Some may choose to volunteer in the most vulnerable countries, working to bring clean water, needed medication, and hope. Upon their return, may we be moved by their stories as our understanding and worldviews expand and our hearts are opened.

The truth is that the future of our earth does lie in your hands, regardless of who resides in the White House.

Thank you for being on this journey.

Wishing peace and health to you and your loved ones.

Until next time,
Peace be with you.
Beth