PEACE Amidst Conflict

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Wednesday, March 30, 2016

PEACE Amidst Conflict

Tonight is my last post from Oakton Community College. I include another two personal definitions of PEACE.

(Thanks, Oakton College, for allowing me to come in to the cafeteria and set up a table. Thanks, members of the Oakton Christian Fellowship, for sitting with me and providing a welcome, too.)

These two definitions are more serious. They seem to me to be connected. Thanks to Tomer and to Ervin for your thought-provoking words. These words may be more political than I usually post: moreover, these words are sincere and deeply felt. I pray that my readers consider them in a similar spirit in which I heard them; I was receptive and encouraging for these young men. I hope each of them felt safe and felt what they said was sincerely heard.

Tomer’s personal definition: “PEACE = Acknowledgement of Actual Truth.”

A fascinating definition, I said. Could this young man tell me more? Tomer had conflict in the whole Middle East area on his mind. “All parties have their own truth. Their own view of what truth is. Each person needs to look at facts, and not just listen to propaganda.”

Tomer is an Israeli citizen. He hates seeing anti-Israel propaganda. He earnestly wants to encourage all people to approach the various conflicts and fighting in the Middle East with an open mind and not to be swayed by divisive, narrow-minded talk.

Ervin’s personal definition is a list. “PEACE is: honesty, understanding, confidence, truthful, unity.”

A hopeful list, I thought! I asked Ervin for a further description. He said, “Peace is being honest with each other and understanding what people are trying to say to you. Peace is being confident in the challenging situations, when things are going wrong. When there is conflict, I bring peace into the situation. I show people that I can overcome many kinds of difficulties.”

Yes, there is conflict. Yes, there is fighting and war. Yes, there are many people who spread false rumors, reports and propaganda. Yet, even though we all face challenging situations, there is hope. Honesty, understanding, confidence, truth and unity can go a long way towards healing divisive talk and actions.

Please, God, help us all to practice these positive, helpful actions. As the prophet tells us, encourage each of us to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with You.

@chaplaineliza

(Reminder: I will be posting more from the young people at St. Viator’s High School tomorrow. Have a joyful Easter celebration!)

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

PEACE: Belonging/Positive Environment

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Tuesday, March 29, 2016

PEACE: Belonging/Positive Environment

As I continue on my Pursuing PEACE Project, I include another two personal definitions of PEACE.

(Thanks, Oakton Community College, for allowing me to come in to the cafeteria and set up a table. Thanks, members of the Oakton Christian Fellowship, for sitting with me and providing a welcome, too.)

Two students had wonderful definitions. I thought Matthew’s was awesome! Sadly, he did not have time to stay and explain why he put down the definition he did. Here is his personal definition: “PEACE is a positive environment and open, in a peaceful place.”

Kayla’s personal definition also was along similar lines: “PEACE = feeling belonging in your family and community.”

As I asked her to explain more about that point of view, she said earnestly, “It’s when you feel PEACE within yourself. Also, when you feel connected to others, and they support you.”

Thinking about both Matthew’s definition and Kayla’s definition, I get the idea of a big, wide, open, spacious place. A peaceful place. A place where I—and everyone else who is there—have no need of fear or anxiety. A place of belonging. A place where there is no time pressure or hurry-scurry, or deadlines. A place where everyone is positive, friendly, nurturing, and encouraging. (And, the best part is, people are all that way naturally.)

A place like that would be marvelous. Almost, heavenly. (I wonder whether heaven will be anything like that?) Dear Lord, gracious God, please show me—show us the way to get to a place like that. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayers.

(Thanks to both Matthew and to Kayla. Blessings on your schoolwork!)

@chaplaineliza

(Reminder: I will be posting more from the young people at St. Viator’s High School later this week, after Easter. Have a great Spring Break and a joyful Easter celebration!)

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

PEACE: Follow Your Dreams

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Monday, March 28, 2016

 

PEACE: Follow Your Dreams

Another installment of my Pursuing PEACE Project. I include another personal definition of PEACE.  (Thanks, Oakton Community College, for allowing me to come in to the space next to the cafeteria and set up a table. Thanks, members of the Oakton Christian Fellowship, for providing a welcome, too.)

This definition is out of the ordinary. Yes, it started out similarly to several I have heard in the past. However, it quickly became quite a fascinating definition. Mahrukh’s definition: “PEACE is to follow your Dreams and pursue the eternal mind of Peace and Karma.”

I understand a simple, basic definition of Karma; however I could tell Mahrukh had a deep and abiding understanding of Karma. So, I asked her to give me a fuller description of her personal definition of PEACE.

According to Mahrukh, “whatever your dream is, just make it happen. It’s your mind, your heart—always follow your heart. Pursue eternal mind. Whatever you are thinking of life, always be positive.” When I asked her to describe what she meant by Karma, she said, “Always want things that are positive. Karmic connections are whatever and whenever you do good to someone. The good you do will always follow you.”

Mahrukh is so right. Having a positive attitude and outlook is so beneficial. I have seen sourpusses, people who are simply down in the dumps all the time. What I call Eeyores. It always seems to rain on them. Things always seem to break or go wrong. However, if a person is expecting bad and negative things to happen, chances are, they will!

If I have a positive, encouraging outlook on life, things look brighter. Having few expectations and holding no resentments help me to stay positive. God willing, I will be able to stay that way.

Dear Lord, gracious God, thank You for Your encouraging words to us. Guide me—guide us all in the way of peace, encouragement and love. Lord, in Your mercy, hear all of our prayers.

@chaplaineliza

(Reminder: I will be posting more from the young people at St. Viator’s High School next week, after Easter. Have a great Spring Break and a joyful Easter celebration!)

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

PEACE: Cruelty-Free and Respect

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Sunday, March 27, 2016

PEACE: Cruelty-Free and Respect

Continuing on my Pursuing PEACE Project. I think back to last Tuesday, and I include another  personal definition of PEACE.

(Thanks, Oakton Community College, for allowing me to come in to the space next to the cafeteria and set up a table. Thanks, members of the Oakton Christian Fellowship, for sitting by me and providing a welcome, too.)

The definition of PEACE I collected last Tuesday intrigued me to no end. Angel’s personal definition of PEACE: “Cruelty-free (animals including). Respect for every species on this planet.”

Angel is really into species-ism. She’s involved with UNICEF and against big corporations. She is also against factory-farming,… and prudent to live as one. She went on, “This is not classifying people on their income, on where they live, and women’s rights.”

So true, Angel. Your care and concern for all creatures on this earth makes me think that each creature is made by God. God made all the plants, all the animals. Every growing thing here on earth. God made it all.

Dear God, You made everything! You made me! We love You. Thank You for loving us. Amen.

@chaplaineliza

(Reminder: I will be posting more from the young people at St. Viator’s High School next week, after Easter. Have a great Spring Break and a joyful Holy Week and Easter celebration!)

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

PEACE is a Quiet Stream

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Saturday, March 26, 2016

PEACE is a Quiet Stream

Continuing on my Pursuing PEACE Project. I feature a fabulous personal definition of PEACE.

(And, thanks, Oakton Community College, for allowing me to come in to the space next to the cafeteria and set up a table. I appreciate members of the Oakton Christian Fellowship for sitting by me and providing a welcome, too.)

This definition comes from a woman who is a bit older than the typical student in their twenties. She gave me her name, her definition, and a whole lot more! Her name is Mack. Her personal definition: “PEACE is a quiet stream.”

When Mack was little, she had a creek in her back yard. Really clear water! She would sit by the water, and watch the water splash over the rocks. More than that, as she got older, she would wade in the water, build dams across the creek and stone forts beside the flowing water (using the mud, of course).

Whenever Mack gets close to water—even today—she plays! She’s walked the Appalachian Trail a number of times, and always takes time to play in the rushing streams near the trail. Every chance she gets, she slows down and heads to the water.

She reminds me that it still works today, too. Streams still bring Mack peace, and an opportunity to slow down, to play.

Thanks to Mack for a poignant, evocative definition of PEACE.

Gracious God, what a description of Your creation. What a marvelous understanding of the world You created. Thank You for simple pleasures, and thank You for people with the wisdom and insight to see the boundless beauty in nature. Praise God.

@chaplaineliza

(Reminder: I will be posting more from the young people at St. Viator’s High School next week, after Easter. Have a great Spring Break and a joyful Holy Week and Easter celebration!)

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

PEACE: Happiness and Being Safe

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Friday, March 25, 2016

PEACE: Happiness and Being Safe

Today I continue to post personal definitions of PEACE. Thanks, Oakton Community College, for allowing me to come in to the space next to the cafeteria and set up a space. And, I am grateful to the Oakton Christian Fellowship for sitting by me and providing a welcome.

Today, I am posting a heartfelt definition from Liz: “PEACE is having a world full of happiness and everyone being safe. Having kids be able to live their full life.”

Liz truly meant what she said. I asked her to elaborate on her definition. She said, “Everyone should be able to be happy. I am afraid of wars, fighting, and people not able to eat three meals a day. PEACE in our world has everyone able to be happy and not fight. Children especially have to go really far to get water, and sometimes any available water is dirty. So many children are in difficult situations. Many children don’t get to go to school in large parts of the world.”

Liz is touched by this heartbreaking truth especially because she wants to become a preschool teacher and director.

What you say you want a safe, happy place, Liz, I understand. Children are our future. God bless them.

@chaplaineliza

(Reminder: I will be posting more from the young people at St. Viator’s High School next week, after Easter. Have a great Spring Break and a joyful Holy Week and Easter celebration!)

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

Definitions of PEACE, Anonymously

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Thursday, March 24, 2016

 

Definitions of PEACE, Anonymously

 

Continuing on my Pursuing PEACE Project, I noticed that several people did not want to give me their names. They were quite willing to give me their personal definitions of PEACE, but no names. They wished to remain anonymous.

(And, thanks, Oakton Community College, for allowing me to come in to the space next to the cafeteria and set up a table. I appreciate members of the Oakton Christian Fellowship for sitting by me and providing a welcome, too.)

Today, I will feature two anonymous people and their personal definitions.

The first definition was: “PEACE is a brownie cupcake for all to share.”

I was intrigued at this definition! I followed up with a question: “could you tell me more about that fascinating statement?” The response made so much sense. “Food brings everyone together. People would be much more likely to get along much better if they could sit down and eat together.”

As we talked further, I could tell this was not the only thing on the student’s mind. “An awful lot of people don’t have enough to eat. Some people barely have enough for one meal a day. I think if we make a real effort to feed people, that will help to bring about PEACE, too.”

A second anonymous student wrote: “PEACE is harmony.”

This older person (older than the typical college student) was thoughtful, even pensive, before writing this brief definition. When I asked the student whether there was anything further to say about that brief statement, the student said gently but firmly, “No. That’s all.” Looking at the sheet of paper and deciding that was exactly what they wanted to say, the student nodded slightly at the written definition. And, walked quietly away.

Again, I am absolutely intrigued by the sheer variety and colorfulness of the personal definitions of PEACE. I wonder what stories people will have for me tomorrow?

Gracious God, thank You so much for these brief encounters I have with people. Help me to be genuine and loving as I talk with them. Thank You for Your PEACE that passes human understanding, dear Lord. Thank You for reconciling us to You and making PEACE a possibility. Amen.

@chaplaineliza

(Reminder: I will be posting more from the young people at St. Viator’s High School next week, after Easter. Have a great Spring Break and a joyful Holy Week and Easter celebration!)

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

PEACE = Love and Respect

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Wednesday, March 23, 2016

PEACE = Love and Respect

Continuing on my Pursuing PEACE Project, today I continued to ask people for their personal definitions of PEACE. Thanks, Oakton Community College, for allowing me to come in to the space next to the cafeteria and set up a space. And, I am grateful to the Oakton Christian Fellowship for sitting by me and providing a welcome.

The next conversation I had over lunch time today was with Ben. A thoughtful man, he said “PEACE equals loving each other and respecting each other.”

Fascinating. I asked him to give me some more information about his definition. He was glad to do it. “I am currently in a Sociology class. We are learning about societies trying to sustain themselves.” He and I dialogued, and I understood him to say that society sees the maintenance of PEACE as a good and desirable thing.

Ben continued: “To have peace, we first have to start with love. If [as a society] you don’t have love, you have hatred. And, hatred is bad.”

How interesting, to view PEACE as a societal construct, and the acquisition and maintenance of PEACE as beneficial for all members of society. I must admit, I have not thought as much about that aspect of PEACE. Instead, I have much more interest in PEACE on a smaller scale: say, in a family or a group of people, or in relationships, or perhaps even within myself.

God, thank You for the grand variations of personal definitions! Thank You for your infinite variations of different kinds of people. This is a wonderful opportunity for me to listen to many different views. Help me to remain open to each person’s ideas and viewpoints. Lord, in Your mercy, hear my 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.   @chaplaineliza  And, read my sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er