A thought.

This Wednesday we had the founding president of the Danforth Center come and talk during our intern meeting. I could go on and on about what he's done and what he's doing now. Let's just say he's a big deal and had done a lot of good, through science and beyond.

At one point, he said something rather compelling.

"It's amazing how long we've assumed food"

Think about it.

Especially as Americans, we assume that there will always be food at the grocery store, in our pantries, served at our school cafeteria. In fact, we demand it. Not only do we demand food, but we demand high quality, safe, nutritious and tasty food.  I think this often causes us to assume that the world will have enough food forever - and then we cast this perspective on the rest of the world, much of which is struggling just to harvest enough for their family.

It's dangerous to think that food will always be there. Take this summer for instance- we've had drought. Who knows how that will effect the fall's harvest and how that, in turn, will effect our food supply. Do I think there will be famine across America? No. But there could still be some adverse side effects that we are completely unaware of now.

I think it is important to remember that we live in an incredibly blessed society.  I have the privilege to walk to Trader Joe's to pick of bananas for the morning or go to my sink to fill my water bottle with potable water. We have the ability to assume food, but we must remember the portion of the world who cannot. And we must work towards continual improvement so that, one day, maybe the entire world can assume food.

Higher than our Protest Lines and Dollar Signs.

Yesterday the interns went on a tour of the Monsanto world headquarters here in Creve Coeur. Going into the tour, I wasn't sure what to think because I didn't feel well versed enough in the controversy and scandal that surrounds Monsanto. All I know is that I have heard locals deem it "The Most Evil Corporation" and that they own a lot of land around here.  Before the tour, I did some quick reading on the issues but was more just interested to see what they do first hand -- or at least what they would show us.


It was fascinating to see some of the technologies they have developed to improve crops, improve the process of improving crops, and, well, to improve their profit. And while I still am not an expert by any means, I feel like I can make a better verdict on where I stand on this issue.


I'm not against the science Monsanto is doing. I believe that GMOs are a viable way to improve crop yield, nutrition and health. There are layers of regulations that these crops have to go through before they reach the market, and I feel that they are suffecient. They have designed ways to protect agains spread to of resistance and plans of actions incase tragedy strikes. (Which they've never had to use). The Danforth Center is pursuing GMOs as well- but it's their motive that's different. It's Monsanto's motive that makes me a little uncomfortable.


Monsanto is involved in two fields: Science and Agriculture. Both of these fields are intensely collaborative. Both these fields are also essential to humanity, agriculture as our food science as a way to understand and improve this life source. How, then, can one company remain so isolated and profit driven? They say their goal is to increase yields and feed the world... but only for their benefit? For their profit? They have developed incredible technology - but refuse to let others use them. How much faster could we solve world hunger if they would share?


Maybe it's just the way I'm wired because of my faith, my upraising, my beliefs. I believe that feeding the world should be a united effort, not focused on making a profit, but on saving lives and bringing peace. 


I understand that this is how the business world, capitalism if you wish, works; everyone is out for their own benefit. I just wish more people would see how much greater collaboration is than competition. How much more could be accomplished if we were allies rather than enemies. This world is full of problems, but I think the greatest problem is selfishness. If people constantly only work for their profit, how will we ever help those who cannot work for themselves?


On my morning run I was listening to Hillsong and the song "Solution" came on. This song has always been an anthem of mine but today I was struck by one lyric in particular:

Higher than our protest lines and dollar signs-

Your love is all we need

This is what I yearn to see in this world. People putting down their angry posters and megaphones, putting aside the need for profits and status and working together towards God's kingdom. This is what I have dedicated my life to, this is the world I will try to create. May God be the solution, but may I be his servant.