Article Title: Sharing a Collection of "assorted" Thoughts and Writings on Peace (Part One)
Author Name: Craig Lock
Line Space: 65 characters
Key Words: Inspiration, Spiritual, Peace, World Peace
Publishing Guidelines: These "rather heavy" writings may be
freely published, electronically or in print. Enjoy
(hopefully)...
*
Sharing a Collection of some "assorted" Thoughts and Writings on World Peace (Part One)
"Those who seek to conquer other nations by force will only bring further violence."
(or words to that effect)
- rather prophetic words from John F Kennedy
"Intro": As I ponder the seemingly insoluble solution to endemic violence and stop the scourge of terrorism in today's world, the questions for me are endless. Number one:
Is there ANY solution to extremism for any cause - fanatic people, who are prepared to afflict the most inhumane cruelty imaginable for a desired end (religious* or political), the nature of "pure evil", etc.
* "God has no religion"
- Mahatma Gandhi
What can be done with the "quagmire" of Iraq, (like Vietnam!), Iran, the Sudan, Congo, North Korea?
What can we "ordinary" people do about these situations in far-off countries?
*
Just sharing some initial thoughts and my past writings on world peace (dream on, "far-out, idealistic",* Craig!) in an ever-more chaotic and violent world ...
and if there are any possible solutions. YES, I believe, the ONLY way the CYCLE of terrorism and violence can one day perhaps be ended...as I contemplate this complex matter in my own mind.
* at least, that is what dear Marie calls me!
PEACE
"Peace is, by all agreement,
what everybody wants, at this moment.
But violence - the weakest power
Still rules the world to each small corner.
Don't sit around -
Go out and do!
The world wants peace, For me and you."
by South African, James Van Minnen
"I watched it creep over the mountains, its warmth
spreading, its light growing stronger each minute.
Soon it will be up and another day will dawn on
South Africa. This day will be no ordinary day, for it
will be the day of peace. Tranquility had won another
war for mankind, utterly destroying pain and violence.
For this is the day we have been waiting for. This day
bringing new hope for all. The day stretches on and
finally it has to end. The sun will sink back behind
the mountains bringing another day."
- anon
and so peace came to South Africa out of a troubled, divided and bloody past...
so why not the WORLD?
- Craig Lock
"When you can see no light at the end of the tunnel, light your own candle and let your light illuminate the world, like the radiance from a window at midnight."
"Let the light of your BEING shine brightly; so revealing Who You Really Are, your "Authentic Self".
Be a Bringer of the Light, which emanates from our soul, God, our Creator, the Source (and Ground of our very Being). Therefore, it can do more than
illuminate your own path.YOUR spirit will help makes the lives of others easier by illuminating others paths. For this light is our humanity, the spirit of God, truth, beauty and especially love...and this "spark of God" lies within each one of us.
Through your actions and your being, let your light, YOUR spirit truly shine brightly on the world, like the radiance emitted by a candle at midnight."
- Craig Lock
"Let us build bridges rather than barriers, openness rather than walls. Let us look at distant horizons together in a spirit of acceptance, helpfulness, co-operation and peace."
- Craig Lock
"Become the person you are CAPABLE of being ... and ALL the person God, Our Creator intended us to become."
- Craig Lock
"Lord, make me an instrument of your peace;
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light...
and where there is sadness, joy.
I shall pass through this world but once.
Any good therefore that I can do,
or any kindness that I can show to any human being,
let me do it now.
Let me not defer nor neglect it,
for I shall not pass this way again."
- anon
"Love is the only force that can erase the difference between people or bridge the chasms of bitterness. In a changing world, it is a constant. It is the security of the home. It is a beacon of hope in a world of distress." *
- Wayne R. Bills, MA
Love WITH STRENGTH and resolve is a power in us more powerful than bullets.
It then has Unlimited Power.
"I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. That is why right, temporarily defeated, is stronger than evil triumphant."
- Martin Luther King, Jr
"Through violence you may murder a murderer, but you can't murder
murder. Through violence you may murder a liar, but you can't establish truth. Through violence you may murder a hater, but you can't murder hate. Darkness cannot put out darkness. Only light can do that...
Difficult and painful as it is, we must walk on in the days ahead with
an audacious faith in the future. When our days become dreary with
low-hovering clouds of despair, and when our nights become darker than a thousand midnights, let us remember that there is a creative force in this universe, working to pull down the gigantic mountains of evil, a power that is able to make a way out of no way and transform dark yesterdays into bright tomorrows. Let us realize the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice."
- Dr Martin Luther King Jr
"I believe often we greatly underestimate our potential and resources. We have it all within to do anything; but when we feel weak and don't think we have anything left to give, then all we need to do is ask in prayer. You will receive wisdom , strength, imagination and creativity you never knew you possessed from without, from a Higher Power, your Creator...
and then nothing is impossible to you and God."
The task ahead of you can always be overcome by the power within
you...and the often seemingly difficult or even "impassible") path
ahead of you is never as steep with the great spirit that lies
within you.
- Craig Lock
"There is no easy walk to freedom anywhere, and many of us will have to pass through the valley of the shadow of death again and again before we reach the mountaintop of our desires."
- Nelson Mandela
And we are all connrected by our common thread of humanity, no matter where in the world we may live ("I am what I am, because of what we all are").
"One man can make a difference."
- Robert Kennedy
"But what can a 'mere I' do, God?
...and the good Lord replied...
"I made you!"
So...
"To build a better world...
just build a better YOU."
Craig Lock
http://www.craiglockbooks.com
http://www2.webng.com/writernz/
"Let there be Peace on Earth
Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me,
Let there be peace on earth, the peace that was meant to be.
With God as our Father, brothers all are we,
Let me walk with my brother, in perfect harmony.
Let peace begin with me, let this be the moment now,
With every step I take, let this be my solemn vow,
To take each moment and live each moment in peace eternally.
Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me!"
- C. Bailey-Lloyd ("beaut words", Caroline!)
P.S: LOVE is the greatest and most powerful force in the world;
so shine your own unique bright light on an often darkened world ...in a spirit of living at the highest level of humanity.
"When the world is filled with love, people's hearts are overflowing with hope."
- craig
"Blessed are the peace-makers...
because they'll accumulate plenty of Frequent Flyer points
Uplifting, encouraging and empowering people through the power of words and thought energy. Change YOUR world and you change THE world."
THIS PIECE MAY BE FREELY PUBLISHED.