Looking for Peace, the Olympic Way

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Saturday, August 20, 2016

Looking for Peace, the Olympic Way

As I finished up with the personal definitions of PEACE I receiving from the good people in the Englewood neighborhood, I couldn’t help but think of current events. Yes, the south side of the city of Chicago does have crime, and shooting, and even killing. Similar to parts of Rio do Janeiro, where the Summer Olympics are being held right now.

The history of the modern Olympic movement is something I learned about when I was in elementary school.) It must have been in the early grades, because my memories of this material go really far back.)  The Olympic movement is based on the vision of Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the modern Olympic Games. He promoted certain values. These values continue to inspire what is known as the Olympic tradition.

The Olympic values of de Coubertin—the ideals of respect, fair balance, pursuit of excellence, joy in effort, and balance between mind, body and will—these are all important. To be reached for by all Olympic participants.

Just as these values were (and are) all important for Olympic competitors, so is the goal of peace. De Coubertin wanted to “build a more peaceful world by educating the young in a spirit of understanding.”

The Olympic Games will end tomorrow. Another four years to contemplate these wonderful values and ideals.

Each four years, at each Olympic Games, those ideals and values are stressed again. Plus, those ideas and values match so closely with Jesus and His values and ideas. May we follow Jesus and the values and ideals that please God, not people. May we follow God’s will and God’s way. Lord, in Your mercy, hear all of our prayers.

@chaplaineliza

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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: A Personal Relationship with God

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Sunday, August 14, 2016

 

PEACE: A Personal Relationship with God

A friend and I traveled to the Englewood neighborhood on the south side of Chicago again on Wednesday. We participated—again—in the nightly dinner outreach hosted by the Mothers Against Senseless Killing (MASK). This was a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with the good people in the Englewood neighborhood and show them that friends outside of their community care, and are concerned. Friends want to help them strengthen relationships, and bring peace into their streets. Their neighborhood. Their community.

My friend Laura had her face-painting kit, again, and the children loved it. They lined up to have all different kinds of face art painted on their faces. I made myself useful helping out by the serving table, making sure the bottled water was ready to be served, taking care of trash and checking to see that the area around the street corner was neat and tidy.

Yet, I remembered back two weeks, when Pleasant Green Missionary Baptist Church stopped by that same corner after dinner was cleaned up. The church folks set up a traveling outdoor worship service, just as they do each Wednesday night during the summer. As I finished my good-byes to Mama Knight and several other friends, I had the opportunity to talk with the Senior Pastor of that church, Rev. Walter Matthews.

A personable, earnest man, he was more than ready to share his view of peace. Pastor Matthews’ personal definition: “PEACE is having a personal relationship with God.”  

Just as the Mothers Against Senseless Killing wishes to strengthen relationships between friends in their Englewood neighborhood—on a horizontal plane, so Pastor Matthews wishes to strengthen relationships on a vertical plane—the personal relationship with God, our Redeemer and Friend. As I asked him to elaborate on his personal definition, he said, “I want everyone to have peace with God, so that we are able to have the peace of God.”

Amen! Pastor Matthews, thank you for those good words. May you and your church community have a nurturing, continuing relationship with your neighborhood. Dear God, please help Pleasant Green M.B. Church to continue to be faithful, spreading the Good News of a personal relationship with You. Amen!

@chaplaineliza

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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: God’s Love Within

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Tuesday, August 16, 2016

PEACE: God’s Love Within

This post includes a second definition of PEACE from Pleasant Green Missionary Baptist Church. But, before we get to that, I need to tell a bit about the Englewood neighborhood, and Mothers Against Senseless Killing (MASK). This excellent group has a dinner outreach called Take Them a Meal. Several people from Morton Grove traveled to the south side of Chicago to provide for the dinner, two weeks ago.

The weather was quite warm—and so was the fellowship and community! Heartwarming, too.

As the dinner outreach packed up, Pleasant Green Missionary Baptist Church started to set up on the same street corner. They have an outdoor worship service every Wednesday night during the summer. That church has a regular outreach to the Englewood community.

I greeted several of the church members, including the associate pastor, Frederick Schells. A kindly man, he gave me his view of peace right away. Pastor Frederick’s personal definition: “PEACE is the love of God within you.”

As I asked for him to elaborate, he said, “Peace has to be recognized from within.” He talked about the importance of God in each individual’s life, and how the presence of God is a foundation for peace.

The presence of God can be a comfort and encouragement for many, especially when going through difficult or challenging times. The Gospel of John lets us know that Jesus promised peace—His peace. Not as the world gives. Not fleeting or temporary, but permanent. Everlasting peace.

Praise God. Thank You for Your peace.

@chaplaineliza

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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: No Chaos, No Confusion

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Sunday, August 14, 2016

PEACE: No Chaos, No Confusion

Presenting another in the series of definitions of PEACE.

I was in the Englewood neighborhood some days ago, serving dinner on the south side of Chicago. A mothers’ group called Mothers Against Senseless Killing (MASK) offers a free meal outreach called Give Them a Meal.

The dinner outreach was packing up, and a local church was getting ready to set up on the same corner. Pleasant Green Missionary Baptist Church has an outdoor worship service every Wednesday night during the summer. Complete with sound system and moveable pulpit, that church has a regular weekly outreach to their community.

I struck up a conversation with one of the congregation members. Even though she was among those preparing to transform the street corner into the setting for a worship service, she still has time to give me her view on peace.

Darlene’s personal definition: “PEACE is knowing that you can wake up on a daily basis and know that there is no chaos and no confusion.”

I was struck by Darlene’s definition. No chaos, and no confusion. What she was describing—in reverse—is not only the absence of peace, it is the opposite of peace, in a fundamental sense. When a situation is chaotic and confusing, or when a person’s life is in chaos and confusion, there is no peace. At all.

It also made me think of the concept of waking up in a peaceful, serene place. A placid, safe setting. How many times does Darlene—and others in her community—wake up to the sounds of strife, or arguments, or gunfire in the streets? Truly, something to yearn for, to pray for.

Dear Lord, thank You for Darlene’s definition. I pray for her and for the congregation at Pleasant Green M.B. Church. Help that group of believers in God be a witness for Your peace, Your reconciliation and love, in the Englewood community. In Your mercy, hear all of our prayers.

@chaplaineliza

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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: Community, Family Dinner

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Friday, August 12, 2016

PEACE: Community, Family Dinner

This post includes another in the series of definitions of PEACE. But, before we get to that, I need to give a little background. Several people from Morton Grove travelled down to Chicago a week and a half ago to participate in a dinner outreach called Give Them a Meal. Run by Mothers Against Senseless Killing (MASK), this is a generous act. An opportunity to be kind, to anyone who comes to the table.

When I was helping at the dinner, I asked one of the Mothers Against Senseless Killing for her personal definition of PEACE. Tamar’s personal definition: “Peace is family dinner—dinner with your community. Fellowship.”

Tamar is a straight-forward, no-nonsense person, instrumental in the outreach Give Them a Meal. When I asked her to elaborate on her personal definition, she was clear. Almost forceful in her enthusiasm. “This is it. People eat dinner together, get to know each other. This is what it’s all about.”

She wants to bring the neighborhood together, and provide an opportunity for community and fellowship. Table fellowship, where individuals can become friends.

This can be a powerful, life-changing act, breaking bread and sharing a part of themselves, a part of their very lives. Yet, such a simple act of friendship, too.

Thank God for this meal outreach. Bless all those who share in the meal, either daily or on an occasional basis. Bless those who faithfully serve, donate, and pray for this outreach. Dear God, we pray not only for the Englewood neighborhood, but also for the whole city of Chicago. For all of the suburbs, too. Bring PEACE to these many neighborhoods. And, stop the senseless killing, we pray. Dear Lord, 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

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

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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: Balance between Justice and Fairness

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Monday, August 8, 2016

PEACE: Balance between Justice and Fairness

Today, we take a serious look at peace. A serious personal definition.

Before we turn to that, let’s set the stage. Here we are in the Englewood neighborhood of the south side of Chicago. A mothers’ group called Mothers Against Senseless Killing (MASK) offers a free meal outreach called Give Them a Meal. Several people—including me—ride down to help out last week.

While there, I asked a number of people on that street corner for their personal definition of PEACE. This definition by one of the Mothers Against Senseless Killing struck me in a heartfelt way. Maria’s personal definition: “PEACE to me is a balance between justice and fairness for all groups in society.”

When I asked her to elaborate on this well-thought-out definition, at first she was hesitant. I encouraged her, and then the words started to flow. “There is a reason why we don’t have peace—especially in these [inner city] areas. Residents of these areas do not have access to opportunities in some ways. That is, in an even level as other groups.”

Maria strongly presented her excellent point. She talked about the limited access to education, decent jobs and housing, and low crime areas. That is, the limited access to opportunity, of all kinds. Little wonder why the cycle of violence perpetuates itself, over large parts of the city of Chicago. A cautionary definition of PEACE, certainly. Thank you so much, Maria.

Let us pray. Dear God who loves the cities, God who loves the residents of those same areas so torn by violence, and unsavory words and deeds. We thank You for Your everlasting love for humanity. We pray for the city of Chicago, and especially the Englewood neighborhood. Bring Your peace that passes understanding into unpeaceful hearts. We pray support and encouragement fill hearts that need Your serenity. In the powerful name of the Prince of Peace we pray, amen.

@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

PEACE: Loving Everyone

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Thursday, August 4, 2016

 

PEACE: Loving Everyone

Yesterday afternoon, I accompanied several people to the south side of Chicago. My friend, Laura, had been in touch with a mothers’ group called Mothers Against Senseless Killing (MASK). This group has a free meal outreach called Give Them a Meal. (Wonderful idea! It’s been done many times before, in different places. Yet, it still is quite effective!)

Anyway, the four of us went to the Englewood neighborhood of Chicago from the northwest suburb of Morton Grove. Yes, it was hot. And sunny. Hovering around 90 degrees. Good thing there were some trees shading most of the street corner. (Not completely, however.) It did not seem to matter to these faithful people. What a wonderful opportunity for people to come together, to share, to have fellowship and make community.

Mama Knight is a firecracker of a senior. Petite, walking with assistance, still she keeps a sharp eye on that corner and does what she can to help this free meal outreach to continue. We went to her house at first, and unloaded all the supplies we had brought. We didn’t waste any time, but set up everything so that the free meal could be offered to anyone who came up to the corner.

Remembering my Pursuing Peace Project, I asked Mama Knight what her personal definition of PEACE was. Mama Knight’s personal definition: “Peace is loving everyone.”

That was only the start of it! She went on to say, “Peace is where everyone is loving and gets together. Peace is what makes you feel happy. I do not forget to thank God. Without Him, I could not make it. At 91, I thank God for my health and my right mind.”

God bless dear Mama Knight! What a marvelous definition. She is respected and loved by so many in that neighborhood. She has such sincerity and love in her own heart, she radiates it forth. Anyone who knows her and talks with her can witness to her generosity of spirit.

Dear God, bless this meal outreach. Bless the faithful volunteers who continue to come out, day after day, week after week. And, we pray PEACE may come into the Englewood neighborhood of Chicago. Stop the senseless killing, we earnestly pray. Lord, 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

Being Of Service—and in Prayer

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Tuesday, July 19, 2016

 

Being Of Service—and in Prayer

I took the opportunity to be of service today. In several ways.

Yes, I was a chauffeur for an acquaintance of mine. Driving around to several different places. Yes, it was needed. And yes, appreciated, too.

Then, several more ways of service. Too complex to go into now, but, yes. I did go out of my way to do a number of things, today.

I look upon this as being of service, or being helpful, or doing what I can with what I have. I don’t begrudge it! Certainly not.

Yet, I know several others who would begrudge it. The couple people I have in mind would never even think of doing such a thing. (Or, do them with a total quid pro quo attitude. You know, “I scratch your back, you scratch mine” sort of thing.)

How sad. They never can know the joy of helping someone simply for joy’s sake. Or, for grace’s sake. Or, for mercy’s sake. Not expecting to be paid back in some way, or for some sort of mental bidding or reciprocity contest.

Oh, and those several situations I dealt with, today? I prayed for them. The people involved, and God taking care of these situations. God be with them. All of them. (And, God be with those sad people who are not in a mental space to take the opportunity to help others.)

@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