A Stronger, Kinder "US"
“…the only true solution of our political and social problems lies in cultivating everywhere the spirit of brotherhood, of fellow-feeling and understanding between [people]…” ~Theodore Roosevelt
To some peace conjures up something soft, comfortable and relaxing. But doing the work of peace is very often messy, uncomfortable, time-consuming and even dangerous. Thinking about being a peace builder in today’s world can be daunting. We live with the reality of gun violence and racial and ethnic hatred that can erupt anywhere – even in the most mundane of places. It’s a natural tendency to seek safety by gravitating toward those we feel a common bond with, to define the world as “us” and “them”. The call to peace is a call to find those places where we feel the divide between “us” and “them” and cross them – not to convince, but to understand. I wonder if we would see different outcomes if violent offenders felt more understanding from others. But even on the same side of this divide, there is often not enough understanding and support. Today I saw a letter written by some Missoulians to their state legislators telling them they were appreciated and they had support as they fought the good fight on tough issues with difficult opponents. We all won’t be on the front lines of peacebuilding, but we can all be part of the crew that supports them. And, like those Missoulian letter-writers, we can build a kinder, stronger “us” that makes those divides a little less daunting. Whether you reach across the divide or within, you are doing the work of peace.
