After catching the updates on facebook this morning, I see a theme that has been repeated on TV, in print and in the streets. Perilous and hatred filled times seem to surround us to the point of overwhelming the human spirit.
It is tempting to be moved to anger, to lash out with louder voices, bigger signs and more hate fueled accusations than the other guy. To give in to an "It's ALL OF US against ALL OF THEM!" mentality.
Can there be any peace today? If so how? I think the answer is an old one, HOPE, FAITH, and LOVE. Not too flashy and certainly not great fodder for a screaming match on the corner of a heated demonstration.
HOPE says that it doesn't have to be this way; FAITH says it will change because I know who holds the future and in whom I believe, and LOVE says I will change, I will do what is right, I will become as wise as a serpent and as harmless as a dove. And because I embrace HOPE, FAITH, and LOVE I will educate myself and seek the truth, I will pray and hold fast to the promise that God has a plan for my life and the life of every human being, and having done all I can do I will stand for the battle is not mine it is the Lord's. My job is to prepare, to stand, and to wait upon the Lord.
I am convinced that the only peace we will find is within our own hearts. In our zeal to "represent" we add to the madness and disregard the fact that "ALL OF THEM" believe they are right too.
"LOVE EVERYBODY" is not a whimpy groovy hippy phrase it is a tough as nails call to action that requires a rock hard faith, atomic hope and steely determination to love even "ALL OF THEM." You see love spoken can be turned aside but love demonstrated is eventually irresistible and is the only way to make a difference.
I challenge you to the same challenge I am taking myself and that is think about what you plan to say or do and ask yourself "Why am I saying it? What do I want to accomplish?"
Just like a boat and water, it's not the madness surrounding you that will sink your spirit; it's the madness we allow inside that does the job."
This blog was started when I thought I should be a writer. I no longer think that so this blog is just my little page of thoughts, photos, and the occasional painting.
Your passion for Faith, Hope and Love is well taken...or....Love They Neightbor As Thyself.
ReplyDeleteIf only we can turn the passion of hate into the passion of love, the world and ourselves would be transformed and healed.
Love Thy Neighbor As Thyself requires faith in God and that gives hope to those of us who strive for peace on earth, good will toward all mankind. It requires giving up prejudice, greed, averice, and above all to turning the power back to God, the Almighty. It requires looking and finding the good in every person, no matter their race, religion or creed.It requires unselfish acts of kindness in our daily lives. It requires so little and yet, the so litte, is so much, so big, so healing. The journey to peace on earth begins with me, and you and you and you...and you ad infinum. What is hard for one can still be done with one and one and one and one.
Cousin Linda Shannon