Devotional Message of the Day from Rev. Mary White
“I will provide for you there…so that you and
your household, and all that you have, will
not come to poverty.”
– Genesis 45:11
A Famine of Futures
Oh, it all started so innocently, the lure of the silver, green, red, and gold of the silk and linen. Joseph was so handsome wouldn’t the coat look wonderful? And then there were the dreams that wended their way into Joseph’s head as he slept: sheaves bowing down and sun, moon, and stars bending to his will. It may have been okay had he savoured his dreams in his heart but parading them before his brothers was what sent him on his hair-raising journey to Egypt and captivity.
The grandiose dreams of the sun, moon, and stars bowing became the whispers of the universe leaning close to engage his spirit to live in its harmony, understanding the seasons. In this lay provision for the future. Somehow, Joseph was transformed from a proud child to one who wept in deep sorrow at his loved ones’ plight.
Can we also weep at the devastation, the humbling of so many creatures? Does anyone have a dream, a dream of the kind of power and zest for life that would provide for future generations?
From coast to coast across this land, gracing the boreal forest, the woodland caribou roam, their future seriously threatened. It takes 80 to 150 years for a forest to grow enough lichens for caribou, their only food. They are only one among thousands of species that are forced to bow before us as we destroy their habitat and poison their food and the air they breathe. Surely, we must weep and lament as Joseph did, and then tenderly say as Joseph did, “I am your brother/sister. Do not fear; I will provide for you.”
Reflection Questions
When did a natural disaster touch your soul? Recall your own feelings. How has healing come to that place? To your soul?”