We are not helpless or alone: simple things you can do when the world is in turmoil

Opinion

Hey—there’s a lot going on out there right now, isn’t there?

I recognize that at any given point there are spaces in the world experiencing turmoil. But in my North American and Canadian context, the atmosphere is stressful, tense, and frustrating at a level I have not really experienced much in my own lifetime.

Front of mind, we have the tariff battle playing out with the United States as their head of state adds that to the multitude of things that harm not just other nations, but his own as well.

We also have comments about the annexation and acquisition of not only Canada, but also Greenland and Gaza.

At the same time, we have other conflicts all around the globe, plus the ongoing and urgent climate crisis disproportionately caused by the global north but affecting the global south.

And here in Canada we have worries about rising costs, poverty and limited housing, challenges to the health care system… I could go on.

But that’s enough for now.

Lord, have mercy, Christ have mercy. It’s a LOT. And it is affecting us all in different ways.

When people ask me how I’m doing I say, “Well, personally I’m doing really well. But then the world is also on fire, so I’m not really sure how to balance those two things out.”

There is a profound feeling of helplessness that is seeping into us as we watch so many big things happening all at once. And it is that helplessness that we need to look at, recognize, and find ways to reject.

It is not true that we are helpless. It is not true that we are “just one person.” The things I’ve listed are universally affecting millions of people. There are millions of us that can try to navigate what to do.

As people of faith, we are called to live into the vision of the world that Jesus articulated to us. A world where he invites us to prioritize loving God and our neighbours as ourselves in all things.

This vision communicates dignity to all, rejects the abuse of power, seeks to heal and console, and tries to care for God’s good creation.

This is an incredibly tangible and action-based way of living.

So here’s a gentle list of things that you can do with, you know, ALL THIS.

Start with Self Care. Be as well as you can. Take care of yourself. Tell safe people if you’re struggling. Get rest, drink water, go to therapy, connect with people who love you. Love people back.

Your wellness helps equip you to navigate hard things and build resilience. “Love your neighbour as yourself” implies that there is an expectation that we actually know what it is to love ourselves as well.

Then move into Action Items. Be kind to others: extend hospitality, smile, offer to help. Love your family and friends well. Bring meals to people who need them. Write a note to someone to tell them how much you appreciate them.

Talk through conflicts with care and respect. Be curious when you don’t know or understand something. Check-in with each other. Love your neighbour as yourself.

Make choices about how you spend your money. If you find yourself in a place to make choices about where you are spending your money, try to figure out the best places to do so. Buy local as much as is possible for you.

Support charities. There is a lot of need in the world, and you can support local charities as they address those needs. The cuts to USAID mean people in the developing world are hurting now. And locally, there could be more need for food banks if people are laid off due to tariffs.

Stay connected. If you are churchgoing, keep going. Church is a great place for community to gather and to talk about current events, organize times of prayer and times of action.

Get your rest. When it’s too tough, and you’re so tired and discouraged, get some rest, drink water, connect with your community, and regroup for another day. We are not helpless and we are not alone.

Janessa Nayler-Giesbrecht is pastor of Jubilee Mennonite Church in North Kildonan. This is based on a longer blog post. 

As part of our Religion in the News project, the Free Press invited faith leaders to share their reflections on the United States’ trade war with Canada.

faith@freepress.mb.ca

 

The Free Press is committed to covering faith in Manitoba. If you appreciate that coverage, help us do more! Your contribution of $10, $25 or more will allow us to deepen our reporting about faith in the province. Thanks! BECOME A FAITH JOURNALISM SUPPORTER