PEACE: Tranquil State of Mind

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Saturday, April 9, 2016

PEACE: Tranquil State of Mind

Today I will share some special personal definitions of PEACE. I had the opportunity to visit the Muslim Community Center in Morton Grove last Sunday afternoon.

After the presentation on clear communication, the president of the Sunday school reminded the gathered crowd that I was there to ask the simple question “What is PEACE, to you?” The responses I received? Some were quite similar to what I have been gathering for the past two months. And, some were poignant, even heart-wrenching.

Hina’s personal definition: “PEACE is tranquility.”

Short, simple, effective. When I asked her for more information,her description was simple, too: “I want peace everywhere. That’s calm, no disturbance.”

Hina, you are so right. That is my hope and prayer.

Kulsum Tariq is the principal of the Sunday school where their community does continuing education. Tarig’s defintion caused many people to think about various ways PEACE happens.

He was so kind to write down all of these: “Peace is harmony between people or groups; treaty marking the end of a war.”

True words, indeed! Thank you also for your kindness in suggesting these expressions of PEACE, Tariq.

Gracious, merciful God, we give thanks to You for communication. Help us to have open ears to hear diverse voices. Help us bring open hearts to conversations. Thank You, God.

@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

A Caring Acrostic on PEACE

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Friday, March 18, 2016

A Caring Acrostic on PEACE

Today is another day posting from St. Viator’s High School in Arlington Heights. Another day of my Pursuing PEACE Project (#PursuePEACE). Their principal, Fr. Corey Brost, offered me the opportunity to hang out in the lunch room last week. I talked briefly with anyone who came up to the table I had set up on one side of the large room.

Two more young people today, and two more personal definitions. I was so intrigued by both definitions! But more about that, in a moment.

First, Julia’s definition: “PEACE is not just being kind to one another because you have to, but because you want to.”

I asked Julia to tell me a little more about her definition. “Peace is an internal thing,” she responded. “You can’t be kind to people begrudgingly, but you need to WANT to be kind. On the inside.”

I was so moved by this. Julia had articulated something deeply significant. Peace starts off on the inside—internally, long before it is ever experienced by others on the outside. I thanked her very much for her profound insight.

Second, Maranda’s personal definition—an acrostic on PEACE! “P-eople E-verywhere A-re C-aring for E-veryone.

I thought this was awesome. And, innovative and imaginative. Maranda obviously had given her definition a great deal of thought. I would have loved to talk with her further! However, she needed to go—regretfully, but her homework was calling. (She needed to finish an assignment.) I thanked her so much, encouraged her with her homework assignment, and sent her off with one of my signature smiles.

I absolutely loved both definitions. Caring. Kindness. The internal kind/caring/loving thoughts processed mentally and psychologically, as well as spiritually discerned. Then, displayed through kind/caring/loving words, thoughts and actions. That is PEACE in action for both of these young people. Thanks to God for such awesomeness!

@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