Become Peace

Our world is in disarray – war in Ukraine, economic turmoil, global pandemic, climate disaster – everywhere we turn, things are happening that are basically out of our control. We are at the mercy of the rich and powerful, at the mercy of leaders who look out only for their own interests. People, countries, the earth herself, are pawns to be used in the global power game.

I sense that most people right now are living in a heightened state of anxiety and fear. While we in the United States go about our lives as usual, we can’t help but feel deeply as we watch the atrocities being committed, not only in Ukraine, but in other parts of the world. We are horrified and disgusted by flagrant human rights violations, by the murder of innocents. While we pray for the end to upheaval, we feel helpless to know how to make a difference. Sending love and prayers seems so little. I don’t think that I am the only one who wants to do something more concrete than sending love and prayers in Facebook postings.

Each of us may be called to do different things. Some people may be moved to go and fight, but most of us are neither young, nor brave. Others can help financially by choosing a group that can make a difference. I, personally, am donating through Rotary International and their peace-making initiatives. While it isn’t much, my donation is multiplied through the gifts of Rotarians around the world, and there are local clubs which understand local needs and can use the money in the best way possible to meet those needs. Some people may be called to demonstrate for peace. How many Russians have been arrested by their government for doing just that? Others may create art or music, or they may write powerful words of protest. Others of us may be called to be the ones who pray, and while prayer seems so little, it may be the most powerful tool of all.

As we all pray, we become the containers for holding peace. As we pray, we become more peaceful and loving. We become the peace we want to see in the world. We hold the vessel of peace in our hearts and minds. We allow peace to flow through us, around us, and out from us. We channel peace into the world through our prayers, through the vessels that are us. We become a living prayer for peace and harmony as we become peace and harmony ourselves.

Each of us is called to do whatever tangible thing that we feel can make a difference – donations, creations, demonstrations – and then to pray. Pray continuously for peace by
demonstrating peace ourselves. Be Peace, Radiate Peace, Be at Peace, Hold
Peace. Become Peace.Become Peace