Roses and World Peace
In the breach of all this fighting and destruction and incredible loss of human lives in Syria, there is a lot of emotion stirring on the surface. You want to ease the suffering. But some of these people are inevitably going to die and there is nothing we can do. Or can we?
How do you fight world wars? As a child I was living during war period in my own country, but gratefully was never severely impacted by it. I remember as a kid, drawing this image of a tank that blows flowers through the barrel. It was a child’s wish for converting something meaningless into something that makes sense. I was very young, but I remember eating the best cookies in the world while in the bomb shelter. That is one vivid memory I like to recall. I also remember my excitement when the war was over and I thought Mom and Dad wouldn’t watch news anymore, meaning I could watch more cartoons, which unfortunately never happened. For me, and countless others, war never made sense. It didn’t make sense then and it doesn’t make sense now, over 20 years later. My choice is to live a life of peace.
The only thing I can do is love and accept other people. Understanding the people who have done you most harm in your own life. That’s how you fight all the evil and wars in this world.
There is no way to “kill” enough people to satisfy the need for revenge and soothe the pain of loss. What is the exact number of people you need to “kill”, criticize and undermine that will make you feel better? The injustice of the world is calling you to raise up. Raise up.
I got asked a lot why do I believe the world is so rosy and do I think we should all behave so enthusiastic? They say: the fact is the world is not all butterflies and roses. I say — so what? These cookies are the best. :)
Having a simple childlike perspective on life, gives you the ability to be present and enjoy even in the midst of not so rosy news coming from some parts of the world. It gives you perspective so you can, after watching troubled news and world horrors, go and buy that gift for a child without parents this Christmas. That way, maybe he won’t grow up resenting the world. It doesn’t mean closing your eyes. For someone, it will be an invitation for a calling: be a doctor, politician, teacher. Everyone can make a difference in their own lives. Don’t ever follow the masses. Choose your response in your own life, so it can be meaningful and not just a reaction to suffering under a media magnifier. Say a prayer quietly, in your heart. And maybe next time, you won’t cringe at that neighbor that just moved in, and is so different than you.
For me, this news is asking me: are you being an example of love in your own life?
