After reading about another vicious Russian attack on Kyiv, targeting civilians, as the Ukrainians do not, going after production plants and airfields, or about Netanyahu’s desperate attempts to stay in power by broadening military attacks in Gaza and the West Bank, or a terrible shooting in Minneapolis, we need to read a story of hope.
Here is one: Yale’s School of the Environment, founded in 1900, has historically trained foresters and environmental scientists. Now through the Yale Center for Environmental Justice (YCEJ), it is focusing on developing generative solutions for a sustainable world. This past summer it developed a Center for Indigenous Programs with Chuck Sams, the first indigenous director of the U.S. Forest Service, who served under President Biden.
IThe YCEJ will help lead the Center’s efforts to advance indigenous rights, sovereignty, and knowledge systems with an effort to build climate resilience. Under his leadership in the Forest Service, he developed collaborative management programs that respected the importance of the natural world and use of our national parks. He will be in charge of training a new generation of indigenous leaders for the future of all.
Prayer for the Day
Offering its prayer to you, O Magnificent Creator,
The eagle soars above the mountains and into the valleys;
Looking towards the morning sun bringing light to the stream,
The otter swims with her young among the fish.
Grant, O Holy One, that we tread softly on the earth,
And protect what you have given us.
In the name of the One who blesses all creatures,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
This we know: the earth does not belong to man - man belongs to the earth. This we know. All things are connected like the blood that unites one's family. All things are connected.
Chief Seattle (Sealth), Suquamish Chief (c. 1780-1866)
There is ono separation. We are all from the same place. As long as there is respect and acknowledgment of connections, things continue working. When that stops, we all die.
Joy Harjo, American poet/writer, Muscogee Nation
O Lord, our Sovereign, how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory above the heavens.
Psalm 8: 1