Tarheel Ramblings

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2009 Blogblast For Peace

Where does peace come from? For that matter, what causes a lack of peace? This is something that has been discussed and debated since the beginning of time. And the answer usually boils down to a lack of willingness to find common ground when there is a disagreement or differing opinions.

In Judeo-Christian tradition, the first homicide happened because Cain was jealous of the sacrificial offerings of Abel – the firstborn from his flock of sheep. Cain perceived that his humble offerings of grain were somehow less than what his brother was offering, and were seen as such by God. The result was one brother murdering another in order to save face.

This same idea comes into play every day in gang-related violence in cities across the United States and around the world. The biggest motivation for killing another is often a perception that damage has been done to a reputation, or a proper amount of respect has not been shown. In fact, the Columbine school shootings a few years ago were motivated by feelings of persecution. Harris and Klebold were angry because they had been harassed and bullied by others.

Many wars have been fought in the name of God, or some religious principle. In truth, these conflicts really have very

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little to do with the supposed wishes of a higher power, or Supreme Being. Almost every religious war can be traced back to a desire to impose control over others. The Crusades were nothing more than subjugating a group of people and controlling a piece of land that elevated the status of the conquerors. When the Church was able to prevail, the personal wealth of those in control usually increased as a result.

Today, there are continuing conflicts in many parts of the world. In Iraq and Afghanistan, Muslim extremists fight to impose their will and brand of religion on those who see things differently. In Mexico, drug cartels kill and destroy those who stand in the way of individuals interested only in increasing their personal wealth. And in the United States, there is frequent violence between individuals and groups who differ over ideas around sexuality, reproductive rights, and racial issues. There is an overwhelming need by some to ensure that others accept their particular viewpoint or idea, and violence is the way to achieve that.

So where does peace come from? It seems to me, that being able to accept the diversity of opinions, beliefs and values

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is necessary to even approach peace. If I am able to find a level of comfort in my personal situation in life, I will be less likely to be threatened by differences I encounter. From that self-confidence and self-acceptance an attitude of serenity will develop and influence my interactions with other people.

I must also discover the ability to treat every person I encounter with dignity and integrity; regardless of how closely their beliefs reflect my own. Experience has taught me that no one agrees 100% with everything I think and feel. It is not my job to convince them otherwise. In fact, by calmly and rationally discussing those differences, there has been growth in my own understanding of the world around me.

Peace in the world will not be accomplished overnight. It will not be accomplished with force, or coercion. I believe that true peace will be achieved through individual interactions and learning from each other how to find inner tranquility. It will come with pain and tears and frequent failures. But it will come. Because so many of us yearn for peace, it remains a possibility. And through efforts taken one person at a time, one interaction at a time, progress is being made on a daily basis. And I believe that success is the only possible outcome.

Join the 2009 Blogblast for Peace at http://blogblastforpeace.com.