I just got published! New Digital Magazine Issue about Land, Theology, Culture, etc

I just got published for the first time!  I wrote the prompt for the latest issue of Between Lands Magazine.  There are some really spectacular articles, poetry, other pieces, art and photography in the issue.  In the cider press because it is ethics/philosophy, social justice, religious and spiritual, and some would say political.

My piece is the first one.  My wife wrote article 11.  Then the last piece is a video montage of a year in the life of our farm in South Central Kansas.  

Would love to hear anyone's thoughts!!!

Intended for desktop veiwing:
https://betweenlandsmag.com/

So beautiful, Beau! Thanks for sharing. Your wife's piece had me tearing up.

I am currently focusing on developing my skills around listening and caring for the land on a spiritual level. I think I've spent most of my life doing so, but now I "own" land, and there's a bit more of a sense of responsibility I guess. I've been seeking out writings like these, and reading theological texts and guides from spiritual teachers on various things related, (Actually, reading the bible for the first time currently) so this is a really lovely read. A lot to think over.

The second quote you share is fascinating, and in line with much of what I've been thinking about as I read the bible. It seems to me that the bible is quite clear on god wishes for us to care for the earth, each other, and ourselves. At the same time, the teachings of the bible are twisted to excuse or fuel rampant, unsustainable consumerism, colonialism, and violence. As I've read through, I find myself wondering how so many got so off track, and the idea that they're missing a valuable piece of perspective needed to interpret the bible and god's word makes a lot of sense.

My spiritual background and worldview are largely rooted in animism. I've been curious to see how this interacts with christian teachings, among others. Oftentimes they're positioned as directly opposing one another, but that doesn't seem to be the case as I read through... But I am reading it from an animist lens, so obviously that might influence my own interpretation.
But it seems to me that the bible does acknowledge a oneness we share, and a responsibility we have as stewards of the earth, at least (if not also a personhood in all things). I've been considering a lot what has taken us so far from this, when it seems to be at the root of most religions and spiritual paths. I have some ideas, but I'm not too far along lol. (And I only have my husband to discuss it with at this point, who is a staunch atheist, and often says I use too many words he doesn't understand for him to follow half of what I rant on about, lol)

Anyway! Beautifully written, and great food for thought. If this is your first published piece, I suspect you have many more ahead of you! Very well done.