Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Dona Nobis Pacem 2014

If you only write one blog a year, make it the blogblast for peace on November 4.  And here we are.

Last year, a person who has been in my life a very long time said to me that blogging for peace was all well and good, but I had to know that it was a waste of time.  Over the last year, he has continued to keep me updated on all of my poor choices and misconceptions about life, until I finally decided to put him on permanent ignore.

The point of this small rant is that we don't have to fight every battle, prove every point, convince every single person that we are right.  Most of the time, it doesn't matter whether we are right or wrong.  An amazing number of things we do in the world are issues of personal choice --- what vegetables to eat, what sweater to wear, whether or not to take your vitamins.  Even whether to live or die.  But people argue about them as if they are moral imperatives.  

Then there are cultural norms disguised as moral imperatives.  Food, again.  Do you eat beef, pork, puppy?  Who cares?  (Other than the puppies... that is just wrong.)  Do you wear long dresses or pants, do you cut your hair, wear make up?  Women, too, face these issues.  Who cares?  Everyone knows you don't wear white after Labor Day, and once we can get that straight, all else is choice.

These are the things we fight about, in our homes, our neighborhoods, our churches, our nations, and our world.  These are the dumb things.  

And all of these things: land, power, what to eat, what to wear, how to pray; the need to control other people, all of these things are about fear.  Fear that I won't have enough or that someone else will have more.  Fear that I am not dressing right or that someone else looks better.  Fear that I won't be loved enough.  

I know, too simplistic.  But I have become a simplistic person.  

As a Christian, I believe that we are to love God and to love others as God loves us.  That is simple.

We have enough, let go of that piece of bread and give it to your sister.  We have enough, let go of that need to control and give it to your child.  We have enough, be your true self and let others be their true selves.  That is the moral imperative.

I can't control the monsters --- the people so controlled by fear that they hurt others.  But I can refuse to be one of the monsters.  At least for today, with God's help.

14 comments:

Susan Demeter said...

This was really inspiring and thank you :) I agree we cannot be overwhelmed by an unfair and sometime violent world, but we can choose to be a peaceful person through our own actions and lives. I very much enjoyed your post. Peace be with us :)

My Peace Globe

Michelle said...

Brilliant brilliant post!

Thank you for reminding me why I keep keeping on.

Peace day blessings to you. x

Michelle said...

PS... INFJ writing recluse here. ;-)

http://crows-feet.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/dona-nobis-pacem-2014-sowing-seeds.html

rose AKA Walk in the Woods - she/her said...

Dona nobis pacem.

Unknown said...

We seem to live in a time when everyone feels a need to criticize everyone for whatever does not align to their personal thoughts, beliefs or rules. I fight this urge every day because I once was a slave to this particular sickness. I urge everyone to join the fight. Resist the temptation to critique others and maintain a adamant stance against such intrusions against yourself. Try to love the annoying person as you would wish to be loved were you being so rude yourself. No doubt we have also been unkind. Love, tolerance and being a better example to others is the best tools we have.

Akelamalu said...

Excellent post. Peace to you.

Anonymous said...

I learned something from you: "permanent ignore". I am going to put that tool in my back pocket for when I need it! Peace.

Sherry Blue Sky said...

Very inspiring. God bless!!!

Mike Golch said...

sometimes the best we can do is keep the monsters at bay.

Travis Cody said...

Well said. After all, it's hard enough to live one's own life in the way that seems best without trying to live everyone else's life too.

Peace to you and yours on this and every day.

Anonymous said...

Bringing you Peaceful Pawkisses, Little Binky and Granny :) <3

Amel said...

AWESOME post! I was nodding and nodding and nodding in agreement. I've also been so tired of reading about so many debates that you mentioned here.

Unknown said...

Like you say, many - most - of the things people get worked up about, care about, are not the most important things in life. I only have to think of myself as having been born in poverty in, say, Africa or somewhere where food, shelter, survival can't be taken for granted (let alone a place where war is commonplace), and then I am able to reassess whether the issue at hand is really important enough to fight over. It doesn't always work...still working on it...but it certainly puts things into perspective. I am one of the lucky ones - quit moaning/argueing!

Peace to you and yours. Nameste x

Mimi Lenox said...

Standing. Applauding.
Simplistic? Hardly. Wise and deep!
You write sooo well. I really enjoyed this post and could relate to every word.

I am thankful that you are my friend. I am thankful that you are a peace blogger. I am blessed to know you. Thank you for being here with us today. I know you've had a difficult year.

Peace to you and yours,
Mimi

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