Editorial Reflections

The someone who has to do something about many issues is us

 

Just as when Marie Osborn said someone had to do something to provide healthcare in rural Idaho and she wound up realizing that the someone would have to be her, we are now all called to be the someone to feed the hungry, house the homeless, welcome the stranger and speak out against authoritarianism.

That someone to volunteer, to advocate, to organize is me.

That someone who needs to donate to support the many great causes is me.

That someone who needs to care for a loved one in our family is me.

That someone who is called and compelled as a person of faith is me.

That someone who needs to keep buying fair trade is me.

That someone who needs to step up to be trained as a peacekeeper is me.

That someone who needs to heal generations of trauma is me.

That someone who needs to prepare preschoolers for school is me.

That someone who needs to lead an organization working for justice is me.

So it is with the calls that have come through articles in this issue and more than 41 years of the newspaper. Each one can be a spark for involvement, investment, support or solidarity with people engaged in making life better for their neighbors.

Several years ago, a woman commented after reading an article, "If she can do that, I can do something to help her."

The stories The Fig Tree shares become part of the fabric of the world we live in, inspiring us to learn more, connect with others and act to make a difference. Stories remind us that we are not alone.

On Oct. 18, millions grabbed posterboard and wrote their sentiments with humor and hope to challenge one who would move the nation from democracy to dictatorship: "Silence is the cruelest weapon." "Make America Kind Again." "This is our moral moment." "Power is the people." "Love."

These the signs and sentiments were saying what local, regional, national and global faith leaders are calling us to do.

Mary Stamp - Editor