I  love this month’s theme of Awakening Humanity. It gives us cause to pause for the privilege of refocusing on the reason for the season and turn away from the path of rampant consumerism that commercial interests would have us travel—to whose benefit? The Christmas season of giving has far more meaningful and selfless roots. 

Some 2,000 years ago, God gave the world the ultimate gift of His son, Jesus Christ, for our salvation. Matthew tells the Biblical story of how the Magi came when the child was a toddler, bearing treasured gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Thus, the origins of giving Christmas gifts are underpinned by love, respect and generosity, principles we feel good about embracing.  We begin by being thankful for our most treasured gifts of all—health, family, good friends, joy in life, jobs and a safe and nurturing environment. None of these can be purchased online or in a store.

In sync with all this, Judith Fertig’s feature article, “Spiritual Activism: Love in Action Can Change the World,” addresses other magnificent gifts to our world given by like-minded people coming together to do good. If one individual takes action and consequently inspires others to join in, substantial helpful change can occur.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation, which brings this concept to life, started just this way. When a Department of Public Safety patrolman in Phoenix, Arizona, called his colleagues together to grant the wish of 7-year-old leukemia patient Chris Greicius, it inspired a national movement. Today, it connects businesses, individual donors and volunteers with children battling life-threatening illnesses, bringing hope, strength and joy into their lives. We celebrate the superb present of such a presence here in the Metroplex (see NTX.Wish.org).

We also cherish the gift of the wealth of conscientious watchdogs helping to attain a healthier environment and praise the North Central Texas Council of Governments (COG) for their year-round vigilance, especially vital during our region’s ozone season. Their air quality educational and monitoring programs that inform, alert and connect citizens with needed services are essential. This area has been cited for federal air quality non-attainment list for many years, and we are blessed by the accomplishments of this organization (page 24).

Joining the COG in efforts toward a healthier planet, Breeze Energy, our region’s only energy company dedicated solely to wind energy production with zero emissions, zero pollution and zero use of non-renewable resources, is proving that clean and sustainable energies are more affordable than polluting fossil fuels. See how this holistic business protects Earth and gives back to the community on page 14.

We hope you are encouraged and inspired by some this month’s offerings. Natural Awakenings of the Dallas Metroplex strives each month to present new ideas and positive ways of thinking aimed to gift us all with a little inspired push for making each year our best ever. Please let us know how we’re doing, because together, we continue to prove that healthy living is green and green living is healthy.

 

Blessings,

Bernice Butler, Publisher