The Christ Pogonia

The article begins "I knew right away what it was." Paul Knoop found it while walking on a wooded trail in Ohio. The "small whorled pogonia, a tiny five-leaved white and yellow flower, is typically difficult to spot because some years it doesn't even bloom or emerge from the soil." This article was placed below an article about We Believe Ohio, likely in an Ohio magazine covering local stories. I was struck by the image of a rare pogonia emerging mysteriously, spontaneously almost, exemplifying our "wonderfully diverse planet."

Perhaps We Believe Ohio is this rare pogonia, revealing itself in a time when most needed, most unexpected to signify the wonderous, sacred diversity and beauty of our world. We are always searching for miracles and there is one right underfoot. Just when we think complacency rules, there, sprouting from between the cracks of pavement or under a plain fern, grows new life, the rare orchid, the voice of Christ resurrected to speak out against darkness and death.

I'm crossing wooded trails, peering under bushes to find my whorled pogonia. When will We Believe be in every state? United we cannot be defeated. This incredible diversity "remains vibrant in our corner of the world." Let us nurture it. Let us create an easement around it so that it may never be disturbed.

Amen