Seeing Beyond Enemies Part 3
I have been proud to be part of the Peace Center and stand with all people who want peace. Sometimes a situation arises where it seems clear which “side” peace is on. In reality, it isn’t that simple because we all see from our own perspectives and we understand based on our own experiences. From time to time, I have written things here that someone disagrees with. And I appreciate all of you who are willing to speak up and dialogue with me about it because we both grow and get a chance to see the bigger picture. Those conversations are not about changing minds or asking someone to agree with me. They are opportunities to really hear another person and find the place where we can learn from, understand and respect each other despite our differences -- and to me, that is the real work of peace, making the middle a little bigger!
One of the most difficult and complex places to see the way to peace is the violence between Palestine and Israel. I have been part of many emotional and painful conversations trying to sort out right and wrong. And I have avoided many such conversations because I was afraid to awaken those emotions. Avoiding those difficult conversations only keeps them hidden and keeps all of us from seeing beyond enemies to a clearer picture of the truth. Usually, the picture ends up being a lot grayer than black or white. Every truth DOES have two sides, and we often can’t see the one because we are so connected to the other. The real question is can we own our truth while also being open enough to see the world from someone else’s lens. My friend and 2012 Peacemaker Dan Gallagher often said, “You can respect someone and learn from them without giving up a single bit of who you are.” I hope that I will always have the courage to own my truth, be open to that of others, and willing to stand on the side of everyone whose voice needs to be amplified in work for nonviolence, whether they are black, indigenous, Palestinian, Jewish, LGBTQIA or any other race, group or religion. And I’d love to share a conversation with any of you who want to help make the middle a little bigger.
Author: Betsy Mulligan-Dague | JRPC Director
