Make Love Not War

Image courtesy of dan/ FreeDigitalPhotos.net / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

This morning my mind keeps turning to the Book of Isaiah and its words that I read on a plaque when I was 15 years old and standing outside the United Nations building. There were protesters there, and I was too naive to realize what they were protesting, but, since it was 1965, I am guessing it was the Viet Nam war. These are the words from Isaiah 2:4 that we still need to pay attention to after all these war-filled years:

"And they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore."

It is over 40 years later, and we still need to heed the wisdom of those words. I am one of the lucky ones who has not experienced war combat first hand, but television has brought me many graphic images that will not let me forget the importance of peace and putting an end to killing each other.

This morning I watched an interview of Syria's leader on CBS, and based on his words and my own misgivings, I could very easily start worrying about the end of the world-----and, now that I am older, I must admit I am more worried about the pain and agony that comes before the end. When I lived in San Antonio a wise elder, whom some would call a shaman, taught me the importance of getting prepared spiritually and helping others to do the same. It was his belief that civilization as we know it would end in our life times and only those who were spiritually fit could survive the result.

I am beginning to appreciate his wisdom even more now than I did then because I have come to realize the essential role my own spirituality has played in my own survival. All last week and especially this week, as our country and Congress decide the fate of the world, my faith has continued to be bombarded with "what-ifs." At moments like this I am most grateful for the "Peace that passeth all understanding." I pray that others may know that peace and be sustained by it. That doesn't mean I just sit here and wait for the world to end or get worse. It means I live today, this moment I have, to the best of my ability with compassion and love following my Higher Power's guidance. It means praying for peace, speaking out for peace, and often going inward to be re-charged with God's spirit. It means accepting the "what-ifs" are always in God's hands and not mine. It means acceptance, surrender, and a willingness to do God's will rather than my own. Today, like every day, is an excellent day to get "back to spiritual basics." After all, our spirit is eternal and all else shall pass away. In this light, it makes a lot of sense to nurture and strengthen that spirit with the Holy Spirit's help.

Please share your thoughts and comment on today's topic about the importance of spiritual basics----when facing crisis and in everyday life. May God bless and keep you.