Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Tuesday, March 22, 2016
PEACE: Understanding, Acceptance, Advocacy
I’m embarking on another venue today, another place where I asked people for their personal definitions of PEACE. I appreciate Oakton Community College for allowing me to come in to the space adjacent to the cafeteria and set up a table. And, I am grateful to the Oakton Christian Fellowship for sitting by me and providing a welcome.
I had a number of excellent conversations over lunch time today. The first one was with Allison. Her personal definition of PEACE: understanding, acceptance, and advocacy.
When I asked Allison to tell me more, she was happy to! “Everyone has their own different perspectives on peace. All are valid.” In short, she told me how each person has their own unique understanding, coming from their individual family of origin and their own life experiences. She went on: “True peace can only exist when we are not killing or hurting each other. Peace really is community. When we understand and accept each other.”
Allison used such a welcoming way to describe PEACE. She expressed the understanding that each person can have a different way of describing peace, of interpreting open and welcoming thoughts, words and actions. Yes. All of these are so beneficial when considering PEACE!
Dear God, on such an unpeaceful day, calm hearts. Encourage those who are fearful. Support those who are traumatized. Spread Your love and peace through all hearts that sorely need it. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayers.
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