Creation Care Mom

The last week has been a roller coaster of emotions for most of us.

I realize I’m coming to you a day late. I could say that it is because Monday was a holiday.

But that would be a lie.

My best friend from college came to visit over the weekend. It was a great time for us to connect and experience the emotional roller coaster together. I could blame her visit.

But that would also be a lie.

The honest truth is that. I was very excited to write a blog post for today (or yesterday) celebrating one WHOLE year of blogging.

But I couldn’t find it in me to celebrate.

And so I wasn’t even sure what to write.

I’m still not. So if it feels like ramblings without a point. I’m sorry.

Across the board, almost all races that would impact climate change policy went the wrong way. For a mom who cares about the planet we are leaving to our kids, this is devastating. I know how much was at stake. I know how much systemic change needs to happen and how that is best accomplished through rules a regulations.

I had hoped to be on here reporting of all the victories for climate. But the few victories are overshadowed.

No matter your political allegiances. There is no doubt that the Republican party has a history of removing environmental protections. Trump’s first term was full of rollbacks of environmental rules. He removed us as a nation from the Paris Accords and will likely do so again. The only question is how bad will it get. Will we as the governed resist his blatant disregard for climate science?

Despite the fact that I don’t believe the Democratic party has done enough to prevent and reduce climate change, I felt like we were on the right track. I had hope. I had hope that systematic change was possible. I was wrong.

It’s really hard to be so wrong.

In the middle of that hope, I chose to bring my son into this world. I thought we were finally ready to acknowledge the damage done and move forward into a better future.

I was wrong.

So I’ve spent the last week wondering if we should grow our family again. If the grief over his future is too much to bear.

So I’ve been living in the middle. Feeling both immense grief and a tiny flame of hope. Crushed by the likelihood of zero to negative federal action, but also clinging to the impact of local work. The weight of motherhood and the drive to change things. Frustration at the setback and anger at those who made it possible. It’s amazing how many feelings one can hold at the same time.

I don’t doubt that this election will eventually be a driving force in my life beyond the decision whether or not to have more kids. I’m currently looking at ways to become a more vocal advocate at the local level, both in my church and the city I live. Speaking out against misinformation while also trying to build bridges and connect over shared values. It may even shift long term career plans. Maybe, I’ll end up in politics? I’ve been spending the last week revisiting the Christmas list for James. I’ve been using Goods Unite Us (Link), and The Commons (Link) to shift purchases to companies that I feel best support my values. You can also search for B Corporations on their website. I’ve often found it a little difficult to use, but not impossible.

Whatever the outcome of the election has meant for you, know that this is a safe place. All feelings are welcome. We can hold space together for what has been lost/given up and also call each other into the nitty gritty work of building the future world we want to live in. One changed heart/mind at a time.

Blessings on you all.

Arwyn Henry