Japan: Our Prayers

As yet another natural disaster rips apart a different region of the globe, it gives us pause to reflect on our fragile existance. Earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic ash, hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, blizzards-- the past year is evidence that few are left unscathed by Nature's wrath. Add on man-made disasters-- radiation leaks, oil spills, water contamination-- and it becomes clear that our ecology needs to be a top priority if we are to survive. Our prayers this morning are with the Japanese people. May we all find ways to help them recover.

Planting Trees and Other Subversive Acts

How can you argue with tree planting? A seemingly-gentle act actually packs quite a political punch.

In 1977, Nobel Peace Prize winner and Kenyan political activist Dr. Wangari Maathai wanted to combat the effects of deforestation and soil erosion by organizing a tree planting campaign. Her Green Belt program not only made a change in the Kenyan landscape, it also changed how Kenyan women felt about themselves. In organzing tree planting, Maathai encouraged Kenyans not only to invest in their country, but gave them a sense of empowerment, which grew along with the 40 million trees planted across Africa. Maathai was eventually elected to Parliment in 2002.
Palestinians hope their burgeoning tree planting campaign will be as influential as Kenya's. As reported in the New York Times, Palestinian prime minister Salam Fayyad has encouraged tree planting on the West Bank to establish a positive presence in the area. And Green Belt is planning to expand their tree planting efforts in earthquake-ravaged Hati.

Perhaps Emerson was right. Connecting with nature helps us restore our natural morality. So as Earth Day is upon us, perhaps it's time for us each to plant a tree.

Prayers for L'Aquila

I know many of us watched in horror and sadness to hear about the the tragic earthquake in Italy. To think of the lives lost, the homes in rubble, and the years of history turned to dust, it is overwhelming. It stresses the need for safe building construction in places where the earth below our feet may not be so stable. Our hearts go out to the families who lost loved ones and the many who are now homeless.
My Melange, a great blog dedicated to all things European, listed other blogs which provide details on ways to help those who are suffering through the earthquake in Italy. Please check it out.