Pope Francis, Lack of Housing

Pope Francis’ visit to the US was nothing short of amazing, regardless of a person’s beliefs, he seemed to touch the hearts of so many. I, myself found myself crying and reading daily about his journey. What touched me is his understanding of where we are now, and his warning of ” not repeating our errors of the past”. Seems so simple and yet, so many can’t see this.

Affordable housing is another passion of mine, green affordable housing of course. While visiting the Tiny house and the Freight Container house exhibit here in Asheville. I realized how efficient and cozy, elegant and doable these homes are.

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I’ve studied tiny houses and container homes for years, I just hadn’t had an opportunity to visit them. I felt a sense of hope for our future, a sense of pride for my community, and strong sense of connection within myself to continue to follow my passions in life.

Then I read Pope Francis’ quote. “There is no justification whatsoever” for lack of housing.

He called for “the right use of natural resources and the proper application of technology” to build an inclusive, sustainable and modern economy.

I felt relief and tears of joy at the same time! I felt a sense of connection. Finally! A part of me said.

I started the It’s Hip To Be Green line phrase in 2006 to do just that. It hasn’t been easy, and I won’t give up. BEING Green is so much more than action, it is heartfelt compassion for human rights, the earth and all of it’s inhabitants, it is the future of our children’s lives. It is a healthy attitude, way of life, belief system and total commitment. Being Green is more than just buying green. It truly is a being-ness that emits from within.

I would have loved to have been there, to hear it in person, see him, thank him for his “wake up call” to our government, to hold them accountable for more than just the 1%, for the 99% on this planet. Our home, something I truly do love, from the bottom of my heart.

I’m so grateful for this opportunity to be a part of this movement!!

Pope Francis speaks on the Environment

Pope Francis speaks on the Environment. My emotions are high as I cry about how my hearts desire is possibly coming to reality! When Pope Francis comes to the USA to speak about the environment, religious or not, it brings up so much for me. Tears, finally someone with great power and compassion is speaking the truth! Finally all I’ve worked to bring to awareness about, is being spoken to the masses.

I sit here writing and tears rolling down my face, trying to put into words what I’m feeling right now. I love this planet, truly I do! It is amazing, beauty beyond words, miracles, treasures ( not oil) not yet discovered, and I cannot believe we have gotten to where we are, our planet is filthy! Indeed, very well put. Our God given home is being treated as if it is our personal dumping station.

Animal species are dying, because we humans, are so selfish we cannot see past our own egocentric desires and modern conveniences. Our need for more, our addictions to having bigger, better, newer.

That in spite of the speeches by many, we continue to be in denial of our impact on this planet. We as humans do not have the right to use this planet as we wish, as it isn’t not just ours. It is our children’s, grandchildren, the plants and animals also. We treat it like a trash can.

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I have anger, frustration, compassion and love all at once! At times I could just SCREAM at times I want to just crawl in a ball and sob. My heart is open, and hopeful.

This trip to the USA by Pope Francis to speak on the environment is so important! So absolutely incredible, and profound. I feel like I’m stumbling over my words to write this blog entry. I hope with all my heart that this trip, these speeches will be taken in, wake up many Americans as well as our nay sayers in the government, who continue on insisting climate change is a hoax.

As I’ve written before, climate change is just one of the issues, debatable, I say not, yet it is still questioned. Regardless of climate change we still have horrible habits of how we treat our earth, our home. Even if you can’t be on board about climate change, can you see the filth the Pope is speaking of? Can you see waste, over use, and poverty?

Can you find in your heart to see how we are treating it, can you bring yourself to make changes for all the inhabitants on this planet. Can you put your instant gratification desires aside and look at the whole picture. Can you open your heart ?

Can you listen when Pope Francis speaks on the environment and take action? Open your eyes?

I hope you will join me in the effort of so many of us, including Pope Francis, to treat our amazing gift called earth, with respect, love, and gratitude. It’s Hip To Be Green, and necessary thing to do!!!