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Unless We All Care a Whole Awful Lot
Isaiah 41:17-20, 55:12 

     It all began with a lovely grove of eucalyptus trees in California.  The beautiful, mature trees were being cut down and quickly hauled away.  Theodor Geisel, alarmed to see this clear-cutting near his home, learned it was an approved project.  Soon there would be new homes and businesses built there.   But would any trees be planted nearby?   No one had any answers to that question.
    This was still very much on Theodor’s mind when he and his wife went on a trip to Kenya in Africa.  As he sat one day looking out at the lush vegetation, a story took shape in his mind.   That very day 90% of the children’s book “The Lorax” was written.   You must all know this author’s pseudonym by now: it is Dr. Seuss!  This year marks the 50th anniversary of this clever, rhyming story.  He was ahead of his time back in 1971; his main character was an outspoken environmental advocate long before such concerns became mainstream and urgent. 
     Today every nation in the world is well aware of global warming; we’ve identified many ways we humans have caused and still are causing great harm to our land, air, and water.  We also know what choices we could make to slow down that harm and help reverse it.   Let’s see what the Lorax might teach us this morning!
     1.)   Notice and appreciate the gift of unspoiled nature.  None of us want to tell children or grandchildren about the “days when the grass was green, the pond was still wet and the clouds were still clean”.   The next generation is counting on us to do whatever we can today to leave them a world that is still beautiful and productive.
   2.)   Be someone who will speak for the trees (and all that God has created for our use and pleasure).  The orange, mustached creation Dr. Seuss drew to be the vocal defender of the trees, The Lorax, was based on a rare monkey he saw out in the forest in Kenya.  Although that character is described as “sharpish and bossy” he was certainly a bold and helpful hero.  He said, “I speak for the trees, for the trees have no tongues.”  Let’s not be shy about reminding others that our world needs good guardians.  We can model respect for nature when we ourselves are enjoying outdoor activities.  We can post pictures online that celebrate the rich diversity found in nature.   And sometimes we can exercise our right to vote to protect the trees (and other living things) that have no voice. 
3.)   Remember that those with good intentions can still make poor choices for the environment - if there is money to be made.  The Once-ler chopped down just one Truffula tree and said, “There’s no cause for alarm.”  Then he knitted a Thneed and sold it.  When demand for his product increased, he quickly built a factory and harvested Truffula trees as fast as he could.  He didn’t stop to think that there was a limited quantity - he was too excited about high production levels and profits.  Let’s be consumers who do our part and try to buy products that are from renewable resources.  We can choose to support the businesses of people who are economically disadvantaged.  We can also use our collective buying power to support companies that are environmentally responsible. 
4.)   Always, always think about the far-reaching and long-term impact on our planet. The Lorax, with great concern, told the Once-ler, “I speak for the trees but I’m also in charge of the Brown Bar-ba-loots who feed on the Truffula trees.  They will go hungry!  The Swomee-Swans are now sick from the fumes of your factory.  And the Humming-Fish cannot swim in the polluted water.”  It can be very hard to imagine how animals, birds, and fish will be harmed or killed when we humans begin to change their environment.  Let’s be people who speak up and ask how the environment might be impacted if a new project is approved in our community.  Let’s be wise advocates for good stewardship of the earth! 
5.)    Nothing on our planet will get better, “unless.... someone like you cares a whole awful lot!”  The Lorax leaves us with this dangling warning - or is it an invitation?  He wants us to understand that each of us is needed.  It’s urgent that we take some form of action to protect Mother Earth.  You might decide to do your part by conserving water, recycling plastic or cardboard. You could use alternative energy, or stop using harmful chemicals for your lawn or as cleaners in your home. There are tons of ways we can collectively renew life on our planet.  What might be in your power that can help preserve or revive our planet?
6.)    This story ends with hope!   Our future can have a different ending than the one we heard about in the story.  Remember how the Once-Ler gave a young boy the last Truffula tree seed?  “Plant it...and treat it with care.  Give it clean water. And feed it fresh air.   Grow a forest,” he said, “Protect it from axes that hack. Then the Lorax and all of his friends may come back.”   We are all left wondering: Did the boy listen?  Did he carefully plant and tend the last precious seed? 
       Dr. Seuss leaves us hoping, very much, that that single seed would one day become a forest.  That is the future he wants us to hope for and work towards.  He helps us understand that each one of us is essential.  We have a role to play in caring for this beautiful world God created for us.
      When you head home after church, I hope you’ll think about what you might do to preserve or renew our planet. The possibilities are endless.  If you lack ideas, ask a young person for their thoughts… I’m pretty sure they’ll share lots of ideas. I find many kids have a real passion for caring for the earth. 
      And if you might want to plant a tree, after hearing about trees all summer... that would be a wonderful gift for today and for generations to come.  Amen!

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