November 3, 2025
It feels like a small thing, but it made a huge difference: When my son and I moved into our house—the first home we’ve ever owned—the sellers left light bulbs, towels, cleaning products, dish and laundry soap for us. They left two gift cards: One to a local treat shop for my son, and one to a restaurant.
Such thoughtfulness helped us on our first night in a new place. I didn’t have to run to the store for essentials. I didn’t have to cook or unpack the kitchen boxes. But the gesture has continued far beyond our initial move-in. I remember how considerate these strangers were, and I remember it doesn’t always cost much to make a lasting impact.
In this installment of Justice This Week, we’re looking at legacy. What work can we do now to help the future, including a future beyond us? From faith-based organizing to resisting the trap of technological efficiency, we need to think about the legacy of our actions. What are we leaving behind for others? How can we make the way easier for them?
Sometimes we’ll never know the impact we have. That’s all the more reason to be thoughtful, always.
Dr. Alison Stine
Climate Justice
Senior Editor
