Living in the West is a privilege. I might not like the throwing of soup on art work but I guess when one is deeply concerned about the state of the world actions can be seen as extreme (‘Just stop oil’ activists, for example). Protest, from activists such as Martin Luther King, Gandhi, through Jesus to the prophets… I like many others have been involved to some extent and only once did I think ‘if I were a citizen of this country I will not be alive in the coming days… so grateful for my British passport’. We, in the West, are relatively safe, substantially safe; but now those in China, Russia or in Iran? That is a different matter.
Earlier this year I posted a video related to sight for 2022, and listening to it again this morning I noted (around 13:00 minutes in) I spoke of people movements coming to the fore in the latter months of this year. I suspect that – as per many prophetic areas of sight – that what we are beginning to see is only the start of this and that there will be an increase as the year turns.
Where will this lead? The predictable with arrests and disappearances, but the voice on the street has been released – it is the counter voice to the voice that is given to the beast. In 2023 we will see the end of a dictator’s rule.
I tried to find where I wrote, in the public arena, about a new currency is being shaped and that crypto-currencies were not ‘it’ but a sign that something was coming forth. The current shaking on the crypto- market I think is a real sign of this. To all those involved in the big world of economics, who carry a heart and courage beyond me, watch for the signs of something appearing in the early months of 23… those who have been willing to pilgrim in the desert can learn how to ride the beast. Currencies, old and new, are not necessarily evil, what they are put to serve determines their morality.
I do think we are coming to some sort of culmination. Perhaps just a first step or so on a longer journey. I am amazed by the resistance shown particularly by women and young people right now. I put it down to exposure to other cultures through social media. Young people, minorities and women simply reject oppressive and patriarchal authoritarian structures. And bravo for the men supporting the women in Iran and other places. All of us need to be allies in this struggle, in whatever way we can.
But the big question with revolutions and transitions is what comes next? How is power configured? Can the government and its structures meet the needs it should meet? The people perish for lack of vision or imagination. We need great imagination right now to see how we can configure societies for equity, caring, and care for the planet. New vision is required to counter the old visions that keep rising up.
One place I see new currencies in terms of morality rising up is all the new investment options for green and social equity investments. Years ago I had a few dollars to put away. I asked for an environmentally ‘green’ set of investments. The fellow I was working with had nothing available. Couldn’t find much. Went and took a course in it. Got certified. Now I see many more investment funds geared to renewable energy and social equity. I’ve listened to investment leaders talk about how they no longer invest at all in fossil fuel industries. I have seen development funds, huge investment funds by the EU and others reject carbon intensive industries. Much is happening that most people don’t know about. Much to do yet.
That said, I am about to plan a course for the winter where climate change and the needs of cities will be the topic. And I need to coach a whole lot of young adults through the realities of it all and still convey hope. I find they are less and less optimistic every year that goes by. So in preparation my current reading is on resilience and mental health, how people can and are making decisions in light of an uncertain and unstable future. Change politically or economically right now won’t free us from climate change but it can greatly reduce and mitigate the ultimate outcomes as well as enable adaptation for billions of people.
There is a voice rising from the streets and it is calling for care of people and care for the earth. I find it all very encouraging!
I think encouraging is the word; and we look for what is encouraging simply to be the door to something that will be of substance. There will be / is resistance but if we believe the ‘earth will come to help’ maybe that help will come in disguised forms, with resistance against yet more extractive / destructive directions. Ever hopeful!
The voice arising from Iran. Pertinent to me at the moment with a colleague and students from there and impacts on their research and the pain they are going through. What do young people do in parks has just taken on a whole new meaning. Such an innocent sounding question but incendiary in its outcome apparently.