If We Have No Peace
Mother Teresa was the supreme sacrificial giver, helper, lover. I think she was an excellent model of living a life full of Christ. She said, “If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten we belong to each other.” In the days of political campaigning and ushering in our new president, I have been witnessing many people feeling unsure, questioning our country’s leadership, wondering if the foundational values of what makes us America…the United States of America are going to remain. Supporters as well as those who oppose, have uncertain feelings of anxiety and it makes me think of Mother Teresa’s quote about belonging to one another. Have we forgotten that? Admittedly, it is more than challenging to feel a kinship with someone who cowardly attacks unsuspecting innocent people, inflicting horrific injuries with some losing their lives. So, I can tell myself, “well nobody’s perfect so I can just let that one go.” Not really, though. Thinking that reminds me of my career with United Way. Our board, volunteers and small staff worked to strengthen our community and to help solve problems that our citizens experienced. When we had a big, serious issue to present itself, we convened a meeting and brought representatives of different sectors of the community together to work at the “community table” toward finding solutions. We knew that we couldn’t truly achieve a “community ” solution unless friend and foe were around that table to offer their particular perspectives. It’s very challenging but most often we were successful. And every time we were successful…or even when we weren’t successful but WE TRIED, we were building community. Community is a precious asset. And we were people of the same community. My point in the above paragraph is that we may not feel like we “belong” to someone of differing opinions, actions, faith,race, but, perhaps, we can remind ourselves that every living soul on this planet earth are all created by God. So, someone who blasts social media with their caustic thoughts, assuming and disrespecting other human beings, thinking they are the only person who feels passionate about their faith while slamming others of the very same faith…how do we say we belong to them? I don’t have an answer to that question. But could we possibly agree to act, speak, recognize, etc. as a community? Our world is a lot smaller now with technology, communication, fast travel, so we just might need to start thinking of our global community. Many have for some time now. We must take care of our planet. There are parts that are aging and if we can use our shared intellect and technology we might reverse some potential loss of where God has placed us. Why are we here? Peace to all! ...
Read MoreHow Things Change
When I was younger with little ones running around barefoot with a high level of noise and excitement near the arrival of the Baby Jesus AND Santa Claus, I used to answer the question, “What do you want for Christmas?” with the half-giggled response “Peace and Joy!” Oh, brother, did I want Peace and Joy!!!! As years passed, I realized soon enough, Peace, was far off in the distance and, besides, I had always been a glass half-full kind of gal and one who, thankfully, realized Joy often presented itself right in the MIDST of chaos. I had some chaos!! Now, the bare feet are those of grand children adored whether 25, 21,11 or 8 years of age…its just the sound their bare feet create has changed…some pitter patter while others boom-boom actually like the reindeer on the roof. And when I am asked that same question, “What do you want for Christmas?” my response is the same but without the giggle, though; “Peace and Joy!” Now, that desire for Peace and Joy is more like a very sincere prayer. I really do hope for Peace and Joy…not just for my life or my home or my family and friends but for our WORLD. I’m still that glass half-full gal, and I still affirm that there has to be darkness for the Light to shine, I just don’t like to feel that I am seeing more darkness…and its not cataracts because I’ve been there and done that with removal and new lenses. When I watch the evening news, I am totally silent, mostly in dismay over the criminal acts, the expressed strife that so many riots and rebelling represent, the horrific beheading of innocent people by evil doers who claim to be acting in the name of Allah, the never-ending anti-semitic warfare Israel must experience, the countless school, workplace, large public places shootings, bombings, etc. etc. I feel our world is in a state of morph…and not in a good way. So, as NBC has started when closing out the nightly news, they offer a final report that makes the soul smile a bit…I find myself doing my own version of perspective adjustment by adding to my prayer list those identified throughout the newscast in need of prayer. My problem now being a septuagenarian (even though I cannot pronounce it)is, I seem to drift off into another train of thought or fall asleep before I cover the entire prayer list. I do firmly feel that God knows what is in our hearts so I do believe He has received all my prayers whether I was awake or not going down my list. Isn’t God just so amazing!!! Yes, things…even we change. I’m 70 years old. My doctor says I’m shorter. My doctor also says I don’t NEED ice cream. I like her anyway. I don’t stand quite as straight now. I don’t have as much energy. I live alone but don’t feel alone. I love more people. For some reason, I think more people love me. I see God EVERY day and talk to Him off and on all day long. God puts up with me. God orders my steps. I am so thankful. So what about Peace and Joy? If I have Peace in my heart there will always be Joy in my life. The way we deal with the darkness in our world is to shine our Light. Light overcomes darkness…there is NO PUTTING IT OUT! Can you imagine how bright our world would be if EVERYONE would shine his/her light!! Let’s go light our world!!!...
Read MoreWorld Peace????
As the 2012 Olympics are underway and billions of people around the globe are watching the many Olympians competing, I think about ahow our focus is on similar goals. All the athletes are there to WIN giving it their absolute best, pushing their talent, strength and spirit hopeful for the Gold Medal. We billions are observing and cheering, feeling the sting of defeat and the excitement of winning. So many countries have their young most skilled there…we have in common the appreciation of talent, the respect of “fairness” and the love of the games. Feels like we aren’t so different after all…and THAT realization transports me to thoughts about the war in Afghanastan, the other mid-east crises, the suffering in Ethiopia & Haiti, the killing waste of life in Aurora, CO…lives just as important as the lives of all the Olympians. World peace? Why not? Why not NOW? Why does the spirit of the games have to end? A favorite poem/prayer from Lao Tsu follows. Contemplate the road to world peace… If there is to be peace in the world, There must be peace in the nations. If there is to be peace in the nations, There must be peace in the cities. If there is to be peace in the cities, There must be peace between neighbors. If there is to be peace between neighbors, There must be peace in the home. If there is to be peace in the home, There must be peace in the heart. —– Got it? ...
Read MoreWhat's Your Passion?
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