Some years back, I heard a story about Florence Chadwick, the first woman to swim the English Channel both ways. Before her victory, on a failed attempt on a day when a thick fog had set in, she was within 100 feet of the shore and asked to be pulled from the water. When the journalists asked her, "Why? she gave up, her reply was "I lost sight of the shore." Doesn't this happen to all of us in life? Sometimes, we nearly reach a goal there waiting for us and we miss it, because somehow we give up, just before reaching the shore.
Right now, with the shadows of sadness looming over the world from many places in recent weeks, it is easy to lose our faith in what is to come --- our dreams of living in PEACE. However, it is our collective belief in the possibilities that can open up the way to that dream come true ---- that slight shift in personal consciousness of people around the world that could heal and repair all that breaks our hearts today. It starts with our thinking and believing; our dreaming; our pondering anew; our purpose and the direction we choose.
"A revolution is coming - a revolution which will be peaceful if we are wise enough; compassionate if we care enough; successful if we are fortunate enough - but a revolution is coming whether we will it or not. We can affect its character, we cannot alter its inevitability. ...Efforts and courage are not enough without purpose and direction"
--- John F. Kennedy
In a book found among my father's treasures, I was reminded again that peace can come true in our lifetime if we will it so in our dreams and actions. As with visions of war have manifested too many wars. Visions of peace can transform what we see and feel sadness about today.
QUIET POWER
by Helen Lowrie Marshall
There is a quiet power,
At work in this old world,
The steady, moving force of Love,
Its flag of HOPE unfurled.
There is a gentle strength released
With every kind word spoken;
The barriers of prejudice
By understanding broken.
An act of simple friendliness
Moves in where Hate holds sway,
And Love is once again the quiet
Winner in the fray.
There is a quite power
The heart pays homage to---
The gentle strength of love to make
Our dream of peace come true.
What contribution will you make?
Debbe Kennedy
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