February 17 - Earth Pledge
To whom do we pledge allegiance?
Losing our connection to nature means we will lose ourselves.
Nature preserves, wildlife refuges, and national parks hold special places in my heart. I deeply value that they are often comprised of individual and public tracts of land that are managed by various partners, for the sake of protecting natural features or strengthening habitats for endangered species. I am grateful for the fierce protectors of such spaces of land; people and organizations who defend the land, as much as possible, from any potential harmful threats to the ecosystem, the history and archaeology, and other sites of cultural significance. I am grateful for Indigenous wisdom on why the land is vital. I am thankful that so much of creation is protected, and yet, there is so much more work to do.
We are called to be stewards of God’s earth - to work the land and “keep it” as in tend to it and care for it for our current times and for future generations to come. Much of society has become so far removed from connection to the land that a core value is forgotten: we, as humans and creatures, are of the land, too. When we lose this connection to nature, we lose the connection to ourselves and to each other. We forget the work that goes into growing our food. We forget that there are many people tending to the land - farmers, ranchers, and migrant workers, without whom many of us would not have access to the food that feeds our families. We forget that light pollution harms biodiversity. This list could go on and on. You’re probably thinking of another way we’ve lost this connection, too.
A few days ago, in America, thousands of national park and forest rangers were fired as part of the administration’s plan to reduce federal spending. At the same time, the world’s richest man was made richer through federal contracts that were finalized worth millions and millions of dollars.
What can we do? Some advice suggests we focus on one meaningful action we can take. We can enhance our community care. We can call and write to our representatives. We can strengthen our practices or try something new.
I am grateful I can go outside and take a deep breath. I am grateful I can tend to my small vegetable garden and learn from others. I am grateful I can support my local farmers. I am grateful I can be part of organizations dedicated to nature conservation and public education for all people to learn. I wish I could do more. You probably do too. So we must do what we can right where are, in our corner of the world. It ripples out into the collective healing; I have to believe that.
And on this president’s day, created to honor the legacy of those who served as president, and on this day when many protests will take place, I am reminded of this:
I pledge allegiance to the earth and to the flora, fauna, and human life that it supports; one planet, indivisible, with safe air, water, and soil, economic justice, equal rights, and peace for all.
~Woman's Environment & Development Organization, 1996. (Revised Pledge of Allegiance - United States)
Reflection:
How can I connect with earth today, in a reciprocal relationship and in stewardship? What is one issue I can learn a little bit more about today, on this day where much of history is remembered? How does the past of this issue inform the present day? What would my own pledge of allegiance say if I wrote one?
Prayer:
Vulnerable God, you challenge the powers that rule this world through the needy, the compassionate, and those who are filled with longing. Make us hunger and thirst to see right prevail, and single-minded in seeking peace; that we may see your face and be satisfied in you.
— Janet Morley (Luke 6: 20-26)
Friends, if you write a pledge or have one, please share if you feel called to do so! Thank you, as always, for reading. We are so grateful for your support as we continue this daily practice which strengthens and nourishes us in so many ways.