We can all breathe a little easier.

I recently applied for a position with the AQMD (Air Quality Management District) in their PR department. At the time I applied, I was interested because it involved PR work, which I enjoy and it aligned with our mission to leave the world in better condition than when we found it.

As I did more research into the organization I was struck with how little I knew and how much they did. Did you know that the AQMD manages a area equal to almost half the population of our state in 15% of its size? That’s a lot of people in a small area which makes sense for why we need the AQMD to regulate and inform people about pollution.

In a recent news story, the AQMD was reported to be considering new standards for regulating the construction of wood burning fireplaces. I remember hearing the story and getting miffed at the AQMD for limiting such a wonderful and environmentally "friendly" home feature. Little did I know that the 1.4 million homes with wood burning hearths, mine included, put out four times more pollution than all of the power plants in the region. You learn something new everyday. And the plan they have to clean up the air only affects new homes or remodeled fireplaces. So it's not like they are killing the beauty of a warm fire. They are just trying to keep too many of them from killing us.

What really impressed me about the agency was their mission statement.

The South Coast AQMD believes that all who live or work in this area have a right to breathe clean air. AQMD is committed to undertaking all necessary steps to protect public health from air pollution, with sensitivity to the impacts of its actions on the community and businesses. This is accomplished through a comprehensive program of planning, regulation, compliance assistance, enforcement, monitoring, technology advancement, and public education.

I was particularly struck by the line, “…undertaking all necessary steps…with sensitivity to the impacts…” It’s about balance.

We are all painfully aware of watchdog organizations. We applaud them when they take action on things we don’t like, but we also complain the loudest when they do things that limit our “freedoms.” Well, the AQMD has a tough job and I, for one, feel obliged to become more aware of how they are protecting my lungs and eyes and the same for future generations. Because of them, we all can breathe a little easier.

People hurt. The problem that needs an answer.

A few months back I wrote, “People matter. The answer to the question.” I believe that statement whole heartedly and yet when you involve your heart in people, you better be prepared to get stomped on at times.

Today I wanted to write, “People hurt. The problem that needs an answer.”

I suck at English grammar. I wish I studied it better in school. I failed my first year of Greek because I was so bad in English. I don’t understand the rules. When I say, “People hurt.” I want it to be a play on usage. I don’t know if it’s that I want it to be both passive and active or what, but when you read it, it can say, “People are in a state of pain,” or it can say, “People can cause pain to others.” Somebody with grammatical expertise, tell me what it is called in both usages. Please.

Sometimes I think people hurt others because they are hurting. It’s not an excuse, but a reality. Like a dog that bites the hand of the person trying to dress its wounds.

But we are not dogs and we should know better to welcome the comfort of others. Do you ever wonder why people are so afraid of finding the source of pain? I have been in plenty of counseling over the years and it still surprises me how many people cast a negative eye on therapy. People, if your relationships are broken, get help. If you can’t figure out why you are stuck in a rut, get help. Not everyone was equipped, growing up, with the tools to deal with all of life’s situations. We can all use some outside help now and then.

I’m tired of getting my hand bitten by individuals that hurt. My heart bears the scars of many a wounded soul and I fear my scars will calcify my heart toward injured people. “Lord, keep my heart soft.”

I am in relationship with people because they matter. Sometimes it gets a little prickly and even sore. But I believe people need people to heal. And I believe people need God to heal. And the only way I know to bring both of these necessary elements together is to bring God’s presence in us to the table. It takes vulnerability and risk and occasionally pain, but I believe that when God and humanity come together in the context of brokenness, something divine takes place. Healing. It’s the answer to the problem. We all need healing. I just wish more people realized that they needed it. Maybe if we were more open about our own healing, it might encourage others to seek the help they need. We are not the cure, but we can all be part of the process.

I hurt right now, but it’s ok. God is healing the wound. I just don’t want my hurt to hurt others in the process.