Going into our Faith Farms and Climate conversations in rural Iowa communities this past month, I had some reservations about how I would connect with those we talked with.
Though I grew up in an Iowa town of just over 2,000 people, I am a generation removed from agriculture. My mom grew up on a dairy farm, but her parents sold the land before I was born. And although I see farmland in every direction everywhere I travel in Iowa, there is a disconnect in the farm knowledge that I know.
And although I grew up Catholic in a predominantly Catholic town, going to church is no longer how I practice my faith.
This is a roundabout way of saying that churches sometimes make me uneasy. I feel a heavy amount of guilt when talking with clergy and entering their places of worship because I’m not someone who fills a pew for them.
Irene and I have so far had discussions with rural farmers, growers, and clergy in three different areas of the state: Washington, Waverly, and Storm Lake. As we entered each church to begin our dialogue, I had to ask myself, “Where do you connect?” I was nervous, I had some preconceived notions about how these events would go, and I didn’t see a way in which I could find common ground.
I was pleasantly surprised by how wrong I was.
We talked to farmers and growers who do their work just because they love it. Because the native animals that visit their farms make all the hard work worth it. Because they feel so deeply connected to the land, and want to be stewards to it. I understand that connection. I understand the delight in listening to the birds and feeling grounded in the earth, because I feel that as well. And it’s a relief to hear that there are others who feel as connected to the natural world as I do.
That is when I feel faithful. When I am outside, surrounded by trees and enveloped in sunshine, or when I am meditating on my yoga mat. There is a sense of calm and gratitude that washes over me. I feel incredibly small compared to the vast land and open sky. And I feel awe and wonder for what I have been blessed to witness.
I know that isn’t always when others feel connected to their God; in fact I know there are a million other ways in which people feel connected to something greater than themselves, however they define that. Faith is a very powerful thing. I was reminded of its power as we talked to clergy over our breakfast meetings. I was humbled by their gracious understanding.
It’s easy to believe, through media and a worldwide pandemic, that there is a huge divide between individuals that can’t be mended. But our conversations with rural Iowans in their communities solidified Iowa IPL’s goal of coming together to talk about climate. We don’t all have to agree, but we can agree to respect boundaries and be kind to one another. Iowa IPL hopes to empower Iowans of faith AND conscience. We hope to meet you wherever you are. No matter how we get to the conclusion of taking climate action, we are taking action, and that is what matters most.
Iowa continues to surprise me in the lessons it offers. Growing up in the state, you become accustomed to how things work here and how the people are. But when I talk to individuals who break the status quo, who have innovative ideas and a bright outlook on the future, I am proud to be a native Iowan. Our Faith Farms and Climate conversations gave me some of that pride back, and I am grateful for the chance to have met so many inspiring individuals across the state.