Categories: Articles, Hazel Rosetta Smith,
PONDER THIS! A World in Peace Somewhere
By Hazel Rosetta Smith
As I attempt to find a word that would describe our greatest need in these trying times, I think of peace. Thoughts of peace speak to numerous aspects of what is most desired everywhere, far, and near.
A cry for peace can be heard from all quarters of the world. In desperation, we search for peaceful means, seeking some sense of the why and therefore of several wars taking place at this current time. We fall on our knees and pray fervently for peace and yet upon rising from that prostrated position, peace remains a fleeting fantasy.
It is insane that one dictator with an overactive ego could create such cruel chaos for his neighbor. Or a group of like-minded individuals could grow into a multitude of followers willing to cause destruction and bring death to an entire country, all the while sacrificing their own people along the way.
There is only one horrific conclusion to any war. The possibility of total devastation is imminent. As powerful and multiple as one side may be, most assuredly it will open the door to robust and brutal retaliation. No one is the winner. Both sides will bury their dead and grieve for the loss of innocent lives.
Webster’s dictionary offers several words to define peace. Freedom from war, and an agreement to end war, law and order, harmony, concord, serenity, and quiet. Interestingly the first two definitions refer to war. Freedom from, and an agreement to end. The people of the world need peace of mind and that is referenced in four words, harmony, concord, serenity, and quiet.
We cannot hope for the world to revolve in peace if we are not finding ways to create a fertile environment for peace to grow. It falls upon every human to plant seeds of positivity and harvest prosperity for all. Humanity is mortally wounded by hate. Help often comes too late. We must seek ways to touch that place of calmness within ourselves to inherit what is available to each of us. We must affirm wholeness within for the sake of lives to survive and thrive.
What you plant in your mind will come to the surface and permeate every portion of life, yours, and others. You may not be a reader of biblical scripture, but at least acknowledge the wisdom found within Philippians 4:8: Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable…think about these things.
Peace demands that we live honestly in the light of our conscience. It cannot merely find fulfillment in our personal success. We can only achieve our human potential by seeking ways to love our neighbor as ourselves. If there is peace, let it begin from within.
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Hazel Rosetta Smith is a journalist, playwright, and artistic director for Help Somebody Theatrical Ministries and HRS Speaks! Retired, former Managing Editor and Woman’s Editor of the New York Beacon News. Contact: misshazel@twc.com and online www.hazelrosettasmith.com]
