Where do you find hope?
In the people around you?
Those with whom you share a covenant, or a hope,
or a determination that evil will not have the last word?

In this and every moment, our faith reminds us
that although there is hardship and also evil,
there is far more good in the world;
that we can and must come together
across the ways in which we understand the universe
to make that good available to all;
and that we are the hands and eyes and tongues
of God—of good. It is ours to live
that goodness into lively, vibrant, ecstatic being.

I challenge you to create justice and save this world:
figure out one new way in which you can
resist greed and consumption,
generate abundance and hope.
Toss wildflower seeds in empty lots
and plant trees in desolated areas.
Work to have a polluted place restored.
Join with those who advocate for this earth.

You may not solve it all.
You will not solve it all.
Yet if we each take up our part in making change,
change will come; if we each live
as the embodiment of good,
good will live in this world.

Rev. Adam Robersmith is a spiritual director, an aspiring permaculturist, and the Parish Minister at Second Unitarian Church, Chicago IL.

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Today’s practice is to reflect on what brings you hope. Robersmith asks, “where do you find hope?” Spend time today answering that question. You might journal on it, create art about it, talk with one or more people about it, or share on social media about it.

Today’s resource for deepening this message is the inspiring, hope-filled story of Evergreen Cooperatives. Evergreen works to create “green” living wage jobs for residents in six low-income Cleveland neighborhoods. Their community-based enterprises include Evergreen Laundry, Evergreen Energy Solutions, and Green City Growers. Learn more by reading “Hope: One Head of Lettuce at a Time” by Pamela Sparr or watching this 7-minute video.

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Commit2Respond's Climate Justice Month intends to take you through a transformative spiritual process leading to long-term commitments to climate justice. At the end of the month you will be asked to SHIFT to a low carbon future, ADVANCE human rights, and GROW the movement. Learn more and start thinking about how you will #commit2respond to climate change.