Increasing portions of the world’s population are today living in ash-infused rubble. Forest fires, wars and natural calamities have consumed their homes, their possessions, their occupations and their health. The ashes remind them how futile life may be—how long it will be for the debris to be removed and hopeful living to re-emerge.
“Living in the ashes” might describe how people anywhere—but especially places ravaged by the effects of war or natural disasters—are finding pragmatic ways to live in spite of crumbling reminders of their previous lifestyles. What might seem impossible somehow comes to pass, no matter how long it takes. Sturdy hope lives inside of them, awakening them every morning with determination to repair and restore their lives.
I might not yet be experiencing the kind of devastation that has nearly destroyed other parts of the world, but it’s possible that living-in-the-ashes could be closer and sooner than I realize.
Anxiety about that future seems to be growing, including right here inside of me. Dealing with climate change requires my best, most fervent attention. Dread isn’t a good option. Despair can freeze me into doing nothing, either ignoring what seems to be inevitable or pretending that global warming doesn’t affect me. Nothing hopeful there.
But what is hopeful are those who continue to live in their ashes. In places like Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan or San Diego, good people refuse to succumb to futility. They find work-arounds to accomplish essential tasks. They doggedly hold onto their best selves, their highest hopes, their fiercest determinations to work for a better world.
I can learn from the example of ash-dwelling people, and can also continue to be part of their rescue and restoration.
Living-in-ashes can’t be the end of our human story!
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