PEACE: Understanding/Equality. Part of God’s Creation.

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Monday, March 14, 2016

PEACE: Understanding/Equality. Part of God’s Creation.

Today, I start on a fascinating part of my Pursuing PEACE Project (#PursuePEACE). Last week I had to opportunity to visit St. Viator’s High School in Arlington Heights. Their principal, Fr. Corey Brost, gave me the opportunity to hang out in the lunch room and talk briefly with anyone who came up to the table I had set up on one side of the large room.

I’ll be featuring two personal definitions of PEACE per day. As I said before, a fascinating experience!

Kiana’s definition: “PEACE is when everyone understands each other’s differences and treats everyone as a part of God’s creation.”

I asked Kiana for further explanation. She said, “I wish for our world to get along [with each other]. Each person has their own opinions, and everyone needs an open mind.”

Maddie’s definition: “PEACE is equality and understanding.”

Maddie considered balance to be a fundamental part of peace. “There’s a lot of unrest when you don’t have balance between people.”

Looking at both these definitions, I see a common thread. Understanding and equality. Yes, the added icing on the cake is treating everyone as a part of God’s creation. Yes, yes. However, as a part of the #PursuePEACE Project, I am looking for the similarities. What a wonderful thing to hope for. To work for. God willing, God will help me.

@chaplaineliza

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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 Community

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

PEACE is Community

As I ask people for their personal definition of PEACE, I am intrigued by the ones who have to think hard about the decision. Sometimes, taking a good deal of time for the answer. And, I am equally impressed by the ones who immediately know what their definition is going to be.

Today’s definition falls into the latter category. The name of the person I talked to? Karen Hohl. Her personal definition of peace: PEACE is Community.

Fascinating definition! I never, ever thought of that word before. A breath of fresh air.

When I asked Karen for a sentence or two of explanation about her choice of definition, She was quick on the draw with the following words and thoughts. “When I think of Peace I think of community. [To me] means sharing with others, caring about others, understanding and respecting our individuality and uniqueness, similarities and differences. All are essential to building and nurturing a healthy peace as comm-unity.”

Such a wonderful way to think of community. According to Karen, sharing, caring, understanding and respecting are all hallmarks of a peace-filled community. Another way of saying it, I think, is a community that actively strives for peace.

Karen is one of the conveners of the Des Plaines Ministerial Alliance, and an instrumental part of the DPMA. I have heard—a number of times—that Karen is a marvel at lifting up the work and ministries of the different houses of worship and nonprofit organizations that make up the DPMA. She is a minister at large at the moment, and is looking for a good fit for employment. Her skills for detail and office management, and gifts of compassion, encouragement, love, and organization make her a marvelous addition to any ministry or nonprofit organization.

We can pray that Karen finds a community that appreciates her many skills and gifts. Dear Lord, thank You for Karen and her love for the community, both local and more wide-reaching. Please support and encourage her heart as she continues to look for a good fit, in terms of employment. God, bless her richly today. 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.   @chaplaineliza And, read my sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er