In the midst of our turbulent often fearful times, I find myself returning to the wisdom of Parker Palmer, Quaker educator, philospher, author. Now in his 80's he has taken on the mantle of a sage, offering wisdom and perspective to help many navigate the unsettledness of this moment in time.
Years ago as a young man, I participated in a workhop with Parker. In it he spoke of the 'economy of scarcity'. Much of the world he said, is governed by scarcity, a deep seated belief that there are only so many resources to go around and that ones responsibility is to protect what one has. To take care of oneself and those closest (nation, tribe, family).
The economy of scarcity was on full display during the pandemic. Early on, as vaccines were gradually being rolled out, wealthy nations raced to purchase in advance huge allotments. In those initial months the wealthiest, including the USA had more vaccines than demand. Meanwhile the remaining 2/3 of the world, particularly developing countries had to wait many months, until the wealthy slowly began to share from their excess.
This is what the economy of scarcity looks like.
Underlying a scarcity mindset is fear. Fear that there won't be enough. Fear that what you have may be taken from you.
We need only look to today's headlines to see scarcity at work. For example: In this presidential campaign the GOP candidate Mr. Trump, is spreading blatant lies that Haitian imigrants, (legally living in Springfield, Ohio) are vicious, illegal criminals. He claims that they are even eating the dogs and cats of neighbors. As a result of this fear mongering, Haitians and city officials are rceiving death threats from outside their community. The GOP governor and mayor have said that none of this is true. Trump and his running mate JD Vance, have seemingly pinned their candidacy on fostering fear.
They've referred to migrants on the southern border, as 'murderers and rapists', not withstanding the truth that the vast majority are individuals and families fleeing poverty and violence in their homeland. Most simply want to work and provide a better life for their loved ones. Studies show too, that immigrants living in the USA, legal or undocumented, are less likely to commit a crime than citizens.
This is what the economy of scarcity, fueled by fear, looks like. As a result walls are built and dehumanizing 'the other' becomes common place. It becomes a convenient backdrop for a political campaign. History tells us, that scarity and fear are an age old playbook.
What then is the alternative?
Again, we turn to Parker Palmer. He counters that the alternative to scarcity is the 'Gospel of Abundance'. The Gospel of abundance, is a deep seated belief that there is always enough. Rather than the clenched fist and reptilian mindset, the Gospel of abundance fosters compassion, courage, creativity.
Abundance doesn't mean that anything goes, rather that resources (which indeed may be limited) can more often be stewarded, in a way that meets the needs not only of the few but of everyone. Imagine what the rollout of vaccines might have looked like during the pandemic, if the wealthy nations had pursued responsible and compassionate ways to distribute the vaccine. Not only for themselves but also for the sake of others.
Imagine what happens when scarcity gives way to generosity. When the clenched fist becomes an open hand and fear gives way to courage and creativity.
Wishful thinking you say? Dream with me.
Imagine a world in which immigrants fleeing violence and poverty are not seen as criminals but as fellow human beings in need of compassion. Imagine our nation developing a humane, holistic immigration policy that sets limits when necessary, yet also looks for ways to celebrate the countless contributions which immigrants bring.
Imagine too, breaking the seemingly intractable cycle of violence, grievance and retribution between Israel and Palestine. Imagine approaching the question of how to share a land, in a way that is fair and just for both peoples.
Impossible most would say. Yet, we know that scarcity, fueled by fear, leads only to more violence. The tragedy unfolding yet again in Gaza, is the result of a scarcity mindset. It doesn't work. It never has.
How then to share the land? Imagine begining with a belief that both groups have a legitimate claim on the land and that both people share a common desire to see their chlildren grow up with health, hope and peace. The question then beomes: 'How then do we make this happen?' Abundance when embraced, opens the heart and imagination to what can be. Do you believe this to be true?
In my Christian tradition, Jesus modeled this abundance in the Gospel of Mark 6: 30 - 44. In this story, 5000 people gathered to hear Jesus teach and heal. As the day was coming to a close, his disciples urged him to send the people away, so that they might find something to eat. Jesus said, 'you given them something to eat'. His disiples were incredulous, that's impossible they responded, we only have a few loaves and a few fish. (Here the economy of scarcity is on display).
Jesus then did something remarkable. Guided by a spirit of abundance, rooted in compassion, he had the disciples break the crowd of 5000 into companies of 50 and 100. Then, Jesus took his few loaves and fishes, blessed the food and laid it before the vast crowd and said 'everything I have is yours'.
Then a miracle happened. The crowd, now in groups of 50 and 100, were so inspired by Jesus' generostiy and vulnerablility, they too began to take out pieces of bread, dried fish, figs and dates hidden away in pockets and bags and began to share freely with one another. The story ends with these words: 'They all ate and were satified, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish' (Mark 6: 39-44). Imagine.
This is what happens when scarcity gives way to abundance. I believe that such miracles still happen. All that is required is a willingness to open our heart, mind and imagination to a new way of seeing and being. World renown chef and humanitarian José Andres, founder of World Central Kitchen, reflects this spirit of abundance, when he says: "Make longer tables, not taller walls." May it be so.
With you on the journey ~ Kent Harrop
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