Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Wednesday, May 25, 2016
PEACE: Embracing Difference—Not Judging!
Today, I continue a series of posts from Gemini Jr. High School in Niles. (Again, a big thank you to Mr. Rich Groeling, Gemini’s principal!) This was a wonderful opportunity to engage with the young people. I encouraged them to make a sign with their personal definition of PEACE. This was a chance to get their viewpoints on PEACE.
First, George’s definition: “Peace is not simply living in amity, but recognizing that others are different and embracing it.”
Next, Ashutosh’s definition: “Peace is everyone being free, fair, justified, and not judged for their actions.”
Yes, these are two parallel definitions. Except—both overlap in one particular aspect.
Yes, we are to recognize others have differences. We are encouraged to celebrate those differences, and embrace them. (Thanks for the excellent insight, George!) What is more, we need to quash that idea of judging one another. (Yes, Ashutosh.) Sometimes, certain people can judge harshly. No!
That is what I want to promote a week from today at the Morton Grove Community Peace Vigil: hope and harmony in the midst of diversity. I am one of the organizers of the Peace Vigil (7:15 to 8:15 pm in Morton Grove, 6140 Dempster). We live in such a diverse community in the Chicago suburbs. Why not celebrate it? Lift it up!
I go back several months to the time when I just started asking people for their personal definitions of peace. I wanted to continue the conversation. Continue to encourage people to think about peace, and pursue peace. Just like our two young people today, in their definitions! God willing, we all can continue the conversation for peace.
#PursuePEACE
Like what you read? Disagree? Share your thoughts with your loved ones and continue the conversation.
Why not visit my sister blogs, “the best of” A Year of Being Kind. @chaplaineliza And, read my sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er
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