I see the continuous cycle of brutality that infects our culture ending. Mankind will eventually push itself to the edge. Each generation thinks they are going to see a world ending event, but our ability to destroy has never been so grand. We wield this power as if no one would dare strike us. Yet the war machine presses on in its short sided vision of the future.
I am continually reassured that great things are coming. Rising out of the system, communities within this order that agree to live in peace. Groups of people dedicated enough to their cause that they come here to change the world and help make positive difference.
Within this aggressive America, I find peace everyday in my brothers and sisters. I see people giving themselves to their families. I see people help the less fortunate with all they have.
Only the few dedicated people stayed the course. Whether it is for good or evil. You and I have that power. You and I can help change manifest. You and I can make little differences every day and build those differences into a movement.
All I can aim for in my life; total peace for everyone that seek it. This is not a big goal. It simply requires a little personal change along with a commitment to justice. In the purchases we make alone, we help to determine what the planet will be for our children.
I thank you, all of you that are reaching out and helping others. I praise all of you who opened your minds and hearts to serve others.
Not too long ago in my own life I was ignorant to the state of the earth around me. I lived in a bubble of bliss where I did no wrong if I did not have to see it myself. When I opened my eyes I had an instant vision. I had a vision that I had to seek change.
Many of the people in our government start out with a plan to change the world for the better. They find quickly that the road blocks are large and built on generations of wealth.
We all need to use our collective voices and dollars to force change.
At the end of the day we have to change more than our government. It all begins with peace. Peace has to be the first thing on your mind when a disagreement arises.
"In times of universal deceit, telling the truth will be a revolutionary act." George Orwell
Never stop spreading the message of peace and love. If you are not, start now. Start speaking to others about changing habits and breaking down old walls.
Peace will prevail. Love will win.
Revolution is at hand
With a mighty stick I stand
Prepared to give all I possess
Love flows and I progress
Revolution starts in you
Showing you heart, being true
To stand alone on your two feet
Walking the lonely path in the streets
Revolution starts right now
Feel yourself crawling out
To the light of peace and dignity
Ideas born today will set you free!
Thank you Joshuapeaceseeker for doing this for the world. When I read this entry I thought of the words to a song I often listen to while I work. it is my prayer and purpose. Sally
Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me
Let There Be Peace on Earth
The peace that was meant to be
With God as our Father
Brothers all are we
Let me walk with my brother
In perfect harmony.
Let peace begin with me
Let this be the moment now.
With ev'ry step I take
Let this be my solemn vow;
To take each moment and live
Each moment in peace eternally
Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me
Posted by: Sally | May 25, 2005 at 05:58 PM
Sally,
What a beautiful and inspiring song. I'd love to know the title/ author. Reminds me of St. Francis.
Inspiring words play an important part of the peace movement but so does action. This work you mention, do you pay income taxes at it? If you are like many people and work a 5 day work week, you work Monday and at least part of Tuesday just to pay off the feds. I'm sure you know what they do with that money you earn for them? Build bombs and prisons. One must ask, do my actions promote strife among men or support it?
Now I have heard before the cries of "I cannot afford to leave my job." What I hear is, "I am not willing to give up my western lifestyle (which is mostly luxury by nonwestern standards) to stop supporting war."
Sally, I do not mean to single you out. If your choice of music is any indication, you are a peaceful, loving person. I myself worked many years at a tax paying job. When I realized how much I was funding my oppressors I could not bear it any longer. I do not need all of the luxuries of the western world, although I do have many of them, but I obtain them frugally and by doing so I am able to keep my income below taxable level.
I should also mention that I do still pay sales tax, property tax and misc. fees but they are a drop in the bucket compared to the income tax I used to pay. I have done quite a bit to reduce these like buying used, growing/ making my own, and I'm a terrific barterer/ scavenger. With more conditioning I should be able to get around these taxes too (except perhaps the property tax, which I consider extortion, otherwise I may have to give up land ownership or relocate to an area with no property tax).
I believe these same steps can be taken by anyone, but it seems few are willing to relinquish their incomes.
Posted by: arjuna | June 12, 2005 at 09:04 AM