Whereas peace is a possibility, we will not be able to stop the insanity of war until we are willing to stop glorifying it. While fighting for what we believe, whatever side we may be on may make some folks heroes, and rightly so, there are other ways to work through our conflicts. Ways that do not kill or maim others, and destroy our precious planet. We must be willing to refuse to participate in the movies, games and television programs that glorify violence and war.
Because war is insane, it causes insanity. We can't make sanity out of insanity and to try to do so only makes us insane. We may call it by the name PTSD, but to me, it is the effect of involvement in an activity contrary to our True nature, which is love.
Violence begets violence. Regarding war, the thoughts we consistently hold in mind...COLLECTIVELY...will manifest after their kind. Of course the law works individually, but war comes out of the collective consciousness. War and violence show the effects of the collective violent thought sent forth. Unchecked, untransformed, there is only one direction it can go.
We cannot judge our military people. They are doing what they believe is the right thing, and in the current state of human consciousness, they very well may be right...at this level. We cannot judge our perceived enemies. They, too, have are doing what they believe is right, and have been influenced by the culture; the collective consciousness they were raised in.
The one thing we can assign "blame," or "accountability" to is consciousness. And that is one thing we can change, first within ourselves, and then as a part of the collective.
Charles Fillmore, co-founder of Unity said, and scientists agree, that the energy of the thoughts and feelings we hold send forth a vibration...a 'magnetic energy' that attracts like energy. When "critical mass" is reached, manifestation occurs. We can start sending out a vibration of peace, aligning our thoughts, feelings and actions with peace, and reaching out to others of like mind.
Mother Teresa said she would never attend an "anti-war rally," but she would be there for a "pro-peace rally." There are many organizations we can join that support peace. Seeds of Peace teaches young people from the Middle-East new ways to deal with conflict, and live peacefully. It is striving to be a part of the shift to something better. For more information, go to
www.seedsofpeace.org. Another organization is called "I Wage Peace"
www.iwagepeace.org. I, personally, have offered my services to Seeds of Peace, hoping I can serve in some way at one of their summer camps. In July, Spirit of Unity will be screening "Billboard from Bethlehem" a documentary showing how peacemaking is being taught in Israel and Palestine.
Because we have not yet manifested World Peace does not mean that it cannot happen. Where, as the Apostle Paul says, "We shall all be changed in the blink of an eye," Jesus said to the man by the pool, "Do you WANT to be healed." That will be the key to how long it will take. What will it take for us to want to be healed?
Until that occurs, how can we live with the daily reports of the horrors of war, the political rhetoric, raging emotions and rampant fears? We can establish peace in our minds and hearts. It won't be easy, but it will be well worth it. Ponder the words of Jesus, "What is that to you? Follow me." It does not matter what your religious faith is, following peace and love is always the way to go.
Author Marlene Schiwy wrote these moving words in her book "Simple Days," "I know I can't prevent war. I can't even protect those I love most from pain or suffering. But I can care for them, make sure they know in their bones how much they are loved. We do what we can."
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A Prayer for Peace in a War Torn World
Sweet, Holy Spirit; Divine Creator of all, reach into our hearts, aching with the pain of war, and comfort them with your love. Fill our minds with the Light of Truth, that all people will one day see the futility of war. Open our eyes to the Truth of our being; that we are all One; one with You, Lord, and One with each other. What affects one, affects the whole. Help us to live our wholeness.
Protect those who are in battle, on foreign soil, or their own. Soothe their fears and anxiety, heal the wounds of the soul caused by the human aberration we call war. Put the knowledge in their hearts that they are loved and respected, not for what they must do, but for what they are willing to sacrifice to protect the people they love, and live their highest ideals.
Strengthen those who tend the wounded of body, mind, and soul. Help them to know that they serve as Your hands, and eyes and ears and lips as they work to help their charges heal. May they know the preciousness of their mission, and that they are loved and appreciated for it.
For those who wait, and pray for the safe return of loved ones from the hell of war, we pray knowing that right now you are easing their stress and anxiety, and their prayers will be strong, affirmative, and faith-filled.
For the fallen, who have paid the ultimate price we are grounded in Faith that their sacrifice will not go unnoticed in Your eyes. We see them enfolded in Your love and comfort, and filled with the Peace that passes understanding.
We pray for the timely healing of the hearts and lives of those they left behind, and look forward with anticipation of the day when every tear will be wiped away, and war will be no more. Amen. Sealed in Faith. And so it is.
Blessed be the Peacemakers
RevAli