A Journey of Faith, Community, and Care for Creation
Blog written by Sydney Tye and edited by Jay Horton.
There comes a point in life where past experiences and future aspirations converge, creating a kaleidoscope of meaning where everything seems to make sense. Every step taken has led to a moment. This is how I found myself working for Georgia Interfaith Power and Light (GIPL).
Originally from the mountains of southeastern Kentucky, I was raised by a mother who instilled in me a deep reverence for the earth and the holiness of God. From an early age, I embraced the outdoors, discovering the Divine in the beauty of nature. The mountaintops and valleys of my childhood cultivated my faith and sense of wonder. My mother frequently encouraged my siblings and me to play outside, where we could witness the joy and splendor of Creation for ourselves. These experiences allowed me to better understand what the psalmist meant when they said, "Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice."
Growing up in a Christian household meant taking seriously the care we give to everything around us—including the Earth. The Bible tells us that we are to tend to and care for the Earth because it is our Home. Caring for the Earth is one of the core tenets of what we are called to do as stewards of Christ. That is something that has stuck with me throughout much of my life and academic career.
Today, I have the privilege of studying at the Candler School of Theology at Emory University. As part of my Contextual Education course, I had the opportunity to select a site where I could apply classroom learning to real-world ministry settings. With a background in sustainability and interfaith work from my undergraduate studies, I felt drawn to GIPL. Their mission aligned closely with my experiences and understanding of what faith communities are called to do: care for our neighbors and Creation.
GIPL’s work inspires communities to protect and nurture our Common Home through programs and advocacy. I am moved by their commitment to collaboration across faith traditions, recognizing that the call to care for Sacred Earth transcends individual beliefs. This interfaith approach fosters unity and community, reflecting the values I learned in my childhood. Working together toward a common goal for the betterment of all embodies the spirit of faithful service.
In times like these, building and sustaining community is more critical than ever. Shared goals and connections empower us to turn hope into action.
People of faith are uniquely positioned to lead in fostering collaboration and addressing pressing issues like climate change. Interfaith work, as exemplified by GIPL, demonstrates the transformative power of coming together to identify common ground and create meaningful change. As I continue this journey with GIPL, I am filled with gratitude and determination. Together, we can steward the earth and build a future rooted in hope, resilience, and unity.
