At some point in our distant past, we humans developed language – words to express events and feelings. Over the millennia our language has changed as we struggle to develop new words for new phenomena. For example, take the way we talk about how our environment is changing or has changed.
Twenty years ago – seems like such a long time ago – we used the term “global warming” to describe what is happening; now, the phrase “climate change” – except in Florida where the term is forbidden – is how we describe rising seas and firestorms.
But that phrase isn’t strong enough to describe our destructive behavior. Phrases such as “climate crisis” or “catastrophe” might be more apt, but our benighted leaders don’t really want to frighten us. What we name something makes a difference.
Prayer for the Day
Complacent with our lives, we avoid painful truths,
Not wanting to peer into the darkness we have created;
Caught in our own inability to see beyond the convenient,
We flounder, despairing that nothing will change.
Transform our thinking and move us into action,
So we reflect your call for a just and peaceful world.
In the name of the One who is our life in the world,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
Notions of time play an important role when thinking about climate change, since the heart of the phenomenon involves a slow, continuous change over a long period. We cannot see climate change happen with the naked eye, because it occurs over years and decades.
Miki Mori, linguistics professor, University of Mayotte
The [Florida] bill deletes the phrase ‘climate’ eight times – often in reference to reducing the impacts of global climate change through its energy policy or directing state agencies to buy ‘climate friendly’ products when they are cost-effective and available. The bill also gets rid of a requirement that state-purchased vehicles should be fuel efficient.
Ella Nielson, CNN
Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud, be gracious to me and answer me.
“Come,” my heart says, “Seek God’s face.” Your face, Lord, do I seek.
Do not hide your face from me.
Psalm 27: 7-9