Today is the day we set aside to honor the life and work of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The photo posted here is one of my favorites of Dr. King. In the background, you see a portrait of Mohandas Gandhi hanging on the wall. Gandhi’s influence on King is obvious. Both men are heroes of mine. I wish their influence on me was just as obvious.
My minister and mentor, Rev. Linda Pye, told me once that we teach what we most need to learn ourselves. I guess that’s why I keep being drawn to the themes of Peace and nonviolence.
Lao Tzu, the founder of Taoism, wrote, “If there is to be peace in the world, there must be peace in the nations. If there is to be peace in the nations, there must be peace in the cities. If there is to be peace in the cities, there must be peace between neighbors. If there is to be peace between neighbors, there must be peace in the home. If there is to be peace in the home, there must be peace in the heart.”
If I am to create Peace in the world around me, it must begin in my heart. I must overcome the prejudices, judgments, and misconceptions I carry and confront my arrogance and pride. It is only in the humbling of ego and the lifting of my consciousness that I can know the Truth of Oneness. When I can see myself in the eyes of my neighbor, I will know the Peace I seek.
Please join me here on January 31st as I join the Association for Global New Thought (AGNT) in celebration of the Season for Peace and Nonviolence. The Season commences on the memorial anniversary of Gandhi and draws to a close on April 4th, the memorial anniversary of Dr. King.
Each of us working on the transformation of self in unity with one another propels the world toward true Peace.
Peace on Earth in our lifetime. The choice is ours.
breathe Peace ~
Rev. Rebecca
