The Earth Cries Out, and So Do We: A Message of Hope and Action from The Rev. Dr. Rick Young

By The Rev. Dr. Rick Young, TPF’s President

Words often feel inadequate in the face of the devastation we’ve witnessed recently across Central Texas, New Mexico, North Carolina, New Jersey, and New York. With wildfires raging in Utah and California, it can feel as though the Earth itself is crying out, “Enough!”

I admit, I too want to shout “enough” in response to all the suffering and loss. Each day, turning on the news or scrolling through headlines brings these tragedies straight into our homes.

A friend once advised me to stop watching the news and avoid reading upsetting stories online. But that suggestion felt like an invitation to ignore reality. I don’t want to move through life with blinders on or see the world through rose-colored glasses. Terrible things happen every day, and each of us must decide how we respond.

We can fall into the “blame game,” searching for someone to fault, hoping to ease our sense of helplessness, or we can choose to recognize and uplift the countless acts of heroism that emerge in the wake of disaster. We can celebrate generosity, hold close the people we love, and give thanks for the strength found in our relationships. We can allow ourselves to cry, to listen, and to be a comforting presence for those who grieve.

This is the path I choose—to see the good in people, to celebrate the courageous and kind, to trust in God, to pray for healing and recovery, and to listen with empathy to the voices of the wounded. This is not naïve optimism. It is, I believe, a faithful response to Christ’s command to love one another.

At TPF, we seek to embody that love. Like many organizations, we’ve chosen to contribute to recovery efforts through our Staff Giving Circle—a voluntary Donor Advised Fund supported by employee contributions. We do this not out of obligation or for recognition, but because it reflects our mission. It’s who we are—or at least who we strive to be.

If you would like to contribute to the efforts of our team, CLICK HERE to donate to our Giving Circle Donor Advised Fund. As you complete the form, please enter Giving Circle Donor Advised Fund in the Charity or Organization Benefitting field.