Blog- Abuse part 2

Warning From Above – Abuse Commentary

Part 2: The Changing Environment — What Are We Seeing Around Us?

Introduction

When we talk about the environment, many people immediately think about weather, land, plants, and animals. But the environment is more than the physical world around us — it also includes the communities we live in and the way people interact with each other. After decades of watching the world around me change, I believe it is time to pay attention.

What I Have Seen Change Around Me

I have lived in the same California community for decades.

Because of that, I have a reference point.

I know what our seasons used to feel like.

I know what our land used to produce.

I know what was normal.

That does not mean every change is bad or that every change has only one explanation.

But when you live in one place for many years, you notice things.

You notice when the patterns change.

You notice when things that used to work no longer work the same way.

Changes in Our Land

One of the biggest things I have noticed is the struggle with growing food.

Gardens that once produced abundantly now require more effort, more protection, and more adjustments.

Plants that used to thrive now struggle.

Fruit trees that once produced reliable harvests deal with problems we did not see as often before.

Pollination has changed.

We have noticed fewer bees and butterflies.

Bird populations seem lighter.

New insects and weeds have appeared.

Things that used to be predictable are becoming less predictable.

For example, tomatoes and squash were once crops we could count on.

Now, even with protecting plants, adjusting locations, providing shade, and doing everything we know to do, production has declined.

Our fruit trees have struggled with blight.

Weather has damaged harvests that should have been some of our best.  Our cherry crop, ruined!

Eventually, we had to step back and regroup because the amount of time, work, and money required was no longer matching the results.

That does not mean we give up.

It means we pay attention, research, find another way.

The Sun, Weather, and Daily Life

Another thing I have noticed is how different the outside environment feels.

The sun seems more intense.  I feel it burning through my skin after a few minutes if I'm not wearing long sleeves and a hat.

Things that used to hold up outdoors seem to break down faster.

Outdoor maintenance has increased.

Plants, materials, animals, and people are all affected by the conditions around us. Our summers seem to get hotter every year. This year we have not been under 90 so far and it's looking like it's going to be between 90 and 100 for the next two weeks.  If we didn't have trees where we live, we'd be toast, literally.

When you live outside, work outside, and care for animals, you notice changes that someone who spends most of their time indoors may not see.

Small changes add up over time.

Changes Beyond the Physical Environment

But there is another part of the environment that I believe we need to talk about.

People.

Not just the weather.

Not just the land.

People.

Over the years, I have noticed changes in the way people treat each other.

Patience seems harder to find.

Anger seems easier to trigger.

Division seems to come more quickly.

Many people seem exhausted, overwhelmed, distracted, and disconnected.

Neighbors who once looked out for each other seem less connected.

People seem more focused on arguing than understanding.

I am not saying every person has changed for the worse.

There are incredible people who serve others, help their neighbors, and show kindness.

But I believe something has shifted in our society.

And we need to ask why.

A Spiritual Perspective

As a follower of Jesus Christ, I believe we have to look beyond only what we can see.

The Bible tells us that there are things happening spiritually as well as physically.

Luke 10:19 tells us, NIV keeping this very simple. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.

But you must be a dedicated follower of Jesus Christ to benefit directly.Those who do not follow are merely receiving grace from him to hopefully convince you to follow him at some point and/or you are blessed and covered by the grace of those who serve him at this time.

We are not only affected by what happens around us.

We are affected by what we allow into our hearts, our homes, and our communities.

This is why discernment matters.

We cannot just react emotionally to everything we see.  I know I have great company out there, it is so difficult to do this.

We have to pray.

We have to seek wisdom.

We have to test what we are hearing.

We have to ask:

“What is really happening?”

“What is the fruit of this?”

“Is this drawing people closer to God or pulling them away?”

The Bigger Picture

The changes we are seeing are not limited to one place.

People around the world are experiencing unusual weather events, disasters, changes in agriculture, and social struggles.

Whether someone believes these changes have one cause or many causes, one thing should be clear:

We should ALL be paying attention.

Ignoring change does not make it disappear.

The answer is not fear.

The answer is awareness.

The answer is prayer.

The answer is preparation.

Final Thoughts

I believe God gives us eyes to see and ears to hear.

That does not mean we accept everything without question.

It means we are willing to look, learn, and seek truth.

We should not be people who bury our heads in the sand.

We should be people who are prepared.

Because the world around us is changing.

The question is:

Are we paying attention?

Coming Next: Part 3 — Fires: The Scale of Destruction and the Questions We Must Ask

The changes we see around us are not just found in gardens, weather, and communities.

One of the most serious examples is the way fires have changed — their speed, their destruction, and the impact they leave behind.

In the next part, we will look at the human cost behind these disasters and why preparation matters.

Until next time may God bless you and your furry friends.

Warning From Above – Roxanne