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| Fourth stage of developing laternfly |
Amid the destructive forces of nature a new threat has emerged in the United States—the spotted lanternfly. I first met this bug while making a campground reservation in Pennsylvania last year. The park’s website asked visitors to report any sightings. We canceled our reservation because of Covid and have yet to see one.
The October 2020 issue of Smithsonian magazine tells a story that brings shudders to owners of vineyards, hops-growers, orchards and nurseries. The spotted lanternfly first appeared in mid-Atlantic states, and is making its way west.
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| Adult stage of Lycorma delicatula |
Ag-based businesses throughout the U.S. hope for a solution from researchers who study each stage of the lanternfly’s life cycle. Ironically, it’s a beautiful bug with a melodious scientific name.
The lanternfly story got me thinking of the relationship between good and evil, beauty that hides a sinister face. I would rather have approached it from an attitude of “seeing the good” behind the darkness. Instead it seems to be one more thing to be challenged by, as we struggle with injustice, racism, truth and natural disasters.
One song that keeps recurring became popular in the
early days of the charismatic movement. It gives me hope in every circumstance.
Sing along with me:
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
God’s mercies never come to an end.
They are new every morning, new every morning;
great is your faithfulness, O Lord,
great is your faithfulness.
