PEACE: Pursue Happiness, Flee Negativity

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Wednesday, August 10, 2016

PEACE: Pursue Happiness, Flee Negativity

Can you consider another personal definition of PEACE?

But, before we get to that, I need to give a little background. Several people from Morton Grove travelled down to Chicago on Wednesday to participate in a dinner outreach called Give Them a Meal. Run by Mothers Against Senseless Killing (MASK), what a great opportunity to give back what God shows to us: love and grace.

While there, I looked for another few definitions of PEACE. Here is Damani’s personal definition: “PEACE is when you can pursue happiness and not have to worry about negativity.”

He went on to say, “If you are pursuing happiness, you are not even thinking about negativity. Kids can be at peace, because they don’t have worries like adults do. Yes, innocence. Kids don’t have all that adult responsibility and worry.”

Just imagine. Being as carefree as a kid, and pursuing happiness. Such a heartfelt way of defining peace. Sadly, many people are burdened with a double portion of responsibility and worry. Fear, anxiety, depression, even anger. Yet, God can help us to pursue happiness. As I say, #PursuePEACE. God, may it be so.

@chaplaineliza

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.  #PursuePEACE. My Facebook page, Pursuing Peace – Thanks! And, read my sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er

PEACE: Inner, Positive Quality

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Saturday, August 6, 2016

PEACE: Inner, Positive Quality

This post includes a second definition of PEACE. But, before we get to that, I need to give a little background. Several people from Morton Grove traveled down to Chicago on Wednesday to participate in a dinner outreach called Give Them a Meal. Run by Mothers Against Senseless Killing (MASK), this is a tremendous opportunity to give back what God shows to us: love and grace.

While there on the south side of Chicago, I asked one of the Mothers Against Senseless Killing for her personal definition of PEACE. Everloyce’s personal definition: “PEACE is an inner quality that is expressed in positive ways on the outside.”

Absolutely marvelous, I told Everloyce. Since she has obviously given the matter much thought, I asked her to elaborate on that explanation. She said, “PEACE is something that you feel intuitively. My mother said, ‘Still water runs deep, but it’s hell at the bottom.’ In other words, you can look at the calmest person, but it’s all turmoil inside.

“Unbelievable. You think, just like on the outside, everything is calm. But on the inside, it is pain, rage, sadness. The full range of emotions.” As I checked further, I ran into people who were so emotionally invested in this question, and it is powerful. Thank you, Everloyce.

Let’s pray. Gracious God, we pray for the catechism that is coming to those young people. For freedom of expression and passage. Dear Lord, we pray for the Mothers Against Senseless Killing. Bless their outreaches, including Give Them a Meal. Give all those in the Englewood area Your peace, Your peace that passes human understanding. And, bring about a lasting peace that is expressed in positive ways, dear God.  In Your mercy, hear all of our prayers.

@chaplaineliza

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.  #PursuePEACE. My Facebook page, Pursuing Peace – Thanks! And, read my sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er