Peace, Feathers, and the Library

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Friday, June 10, 2016

Peace, Feathers, and the Library

The Peace Vigil was a wonderful experience.

I remember the Morton Grove Community Peace Vigil on June 1st with great appreciation. I am so pleased it worked out so well. The way Janine, Dilnaz and I conceived of it, we made it a simple event. We provided an opportunity for people in our community to come together, think about peace and harmony, and seek to continue the conversation of peace.

As I reflect back, I almost pinch myself. (Did it really happen? I mean, really?)

It almost seems like one of those made-for-tv movies, the warm-and-fuzzy kind. The kind where diverse folks gather together at a community event, and everything ends up happily-ever-after.

Except, this time, it really happened.

One of the personal definitions of peace that came from the Morton Grove library reminded me of just this kind of feeling—the made-for-tv kind of feeling, I mean. Did the Peace Vigil really happen?

Almost all of the personal definitions of peace I gathered had some kind of story behind them. There was some meaning, some point of view from almost every individual. Except—not from the library, and not from the Peace Vigil. I did not gather them, did not talk to each and every person from the library, nor from the Peace Vigil.

This is a bit different for me. I need to reflect on the meaning of those definitions in a different kind of way. Sort of the way I reflect on this particular image: a page with the words “Peace is … “ and a bunch of feathers glued, scattered over the page.

This could mean that peace is—ephemeral. Able to be blown away like feathers. Or, it could mean that peace is—light, airy. Not heavy! Not ponderous! Instead, something light and positive. Or, it might mean that peace is—fragile. Easily broken, and easily disrupted.

A fourth possibility? This picture could mean all of the definitions I just mentioned. All of them, at once. I especially am attracted to the last definition I thought of. Fragile, easily broken, and easily disrupted.

God willing, may I hold peace lightly, but at the same time, with hope and expectancy. Just as I would hold a page full of pretty feathers.

@chaplaineliza

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PEACE: Morton Grove Community Peace Vigil

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Tuesday, June 1, 2016

PEACE: Morton Grove Community Peace Vigil

Tonight was the night. The night of the Peace Vigil.

I was in fear of no one showing up, especially with the downpour and otherwise heavy rain that fell several times in the last week! Thankfully, we were able to change the venue to inside the Morton Grove Civic Center (from outside and behind the Center). The grassy area was still very soggy. I can just imagine what that might have looked like with all those people tramping on the grass. Churning the grass into mud. I shudder at the thought.

I especially would like to thank Ralph, the Village Administrator. Such kindness. He assisted me with so much in the past few weeks. Also Paul, the director of Public Works, and the several other Village employees who helped. Not to forget Mayor DiMaria, who was wonderful enough to open the Peace Vigil and welcome everyone who attended.

And Janine, Dilnaz, Jill, and Donelle. Appreciate all the encouragement, support, and downright coordination that happened over these past few weeks.

Right now, the Peace Vigil is a bit of a blur. I will probably run through it in my head a number of times, and critique it over the next few days. Right now, it is enough to say that the Peace Vigil accomplished its purpose wonderfully. It was a simple event. Janine, Dilnaz and I wanted to get some of the diverse people in our community together, think about peace and harmony, and seek to continue the conversation of peace. And, we did. It happened.

Morton Grove and its surrounding communities are indeed quite diverse. Culturally, ethnically, in terms of religion, and in several other ways. Great opportunity to embody the melting pot that is the United States.

The choir, the conversation, the community—all marvelous. Thank you to all who attended.

Dear God, thanks for a spirit of openness, of encouragement, and of friendship that was here in this Peace Vigil tonight. Thank You for assisting me in organizing and coordination. I am grateful, thankful, and humbled at the marvelous response and participation.

Bless all who attended, and give their families and loved ones comfort.

@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

PEACE is Sweet, and Contentment

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Monday, April11, 2016

PEACE is Sweet, and Contentment

I am continuing with some special personal definitions of PEACE. These definitions came from my invitation to visit the Muslim Community Center last Sunday afternoon.

The president of the Sunday school reminded the gathered crowd that I was there to ask the simple question “What is PEACE, to you?”

Several people wrote down their simple definition, and that is wonderful! However—I did not have an opportunity to speak to them, because so many people gathered around the table where I stood. I felt so glad to have so many people get involved! This is important. Encouraging individuals to think about what PEACE means to them is key to continuing the conversation of peace and harmony. Especially, peace and harmony amidst such a diverse community!

Silvat’s personal definition: “PEACE is contentment of the soul.”

Javed’s personal definition: “PEACE is SWEET, and to be sweet.”

I would have loved to ask each of these dear people a follow-up question! Found out, further, exactly what each of them was thinking.

When I think of the sweetness of peace, I can’t help but think of honey. Sweet. Natural. And, when I used to have a bad cough or a sore throat, my grandmother used to suggest honey and lemon to soothe and coat the inside of the throat. What a wonderful mental image! Sweet—honey—peace.

The first impression that comes to be when I think of “contentment of the soul?” A long, gentle exhalation. Unwinding of my muscles. Decompressing my body in preparation for a peaceful time of meditation and prayer.

Gracious, merciful God, thank You for such vivid images. So helpful for me as I think about PEACE.

@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

(Thanks to everyone at the Muslim Community Center in Morton Grove, for making this week of personal definitions of PEACE possible.)