The Peace Hour.org

WITH THESE SIMPLE WORDS ...

2008-08-08T09:50:00.000-07:00

WE CAN START HEALING THE HURTS OF THE WORLD

"Two Sides of the Coin--An Apology, Forgiviness"
The Price of Reconciliation and Healing

The incident happened years before. I had been fired from my job unfairly. It was a job I loved and it loved me, too. I had found my calling and then in a matter of minutes, with only a few words, it was gone and there was nothing I could do to get it back. I was hurt and disillusioned. As I attempted to overcome it, I was often given this advice: “Let it go. Just get over it” and I strived to do that. It took me a while, but over time I “got over it.” I worked at it. I didn’t talk about it much. Sometimes something would trigger a memory or a friend would ask about it. Truthfully, I didn’t recognize it as hurt anymore.

Then one day I had lunch with someone who wasn’t there those many years ago, but who now worked for this same organization. Yes, she’d heard the rumors about some of what had transpired, stories that still lived on. But, here’s the crux of the story. As we left lunch and I offered my help and support to her, to an organization that had “hurt” me but that I had a special bond with, this woman said, “I’m sorry for what happened. You’re a remarkable person and I’m glad to know you.”

I’m sorry.

This individual took responsibility for a slight, a hurt, a pain that I thought I had overcome and with those simple words, relief flooded through me. I almost responded, “Why are you apologizing? You didn’t have anything to do with it,” but I stopped myself and said, “Thank you. I accept. I appreciate the sentiment.” And now, the healing has begun. Where I thought I had merely “gotten over it,” now I am finally free.

A long time ago I wrote an article about forgiveness. I told my readers that forgiveness is a balm for most of the world’s ills. In fact, I believe that forgiveness is so important to our world’s health, that we must take it upon ourselves to offer it again and again. The truth is, though, that it takes lots and lots of practice; that it doesn’t come easy, but oh—it is worth it. And yet, what I’m learning is that forgiveness is only one side of the coin. The other side is repentance. Repentance is the “I’m sorry” that comes from genuine remorse and a desire to make it better. Together the “I’m sorry” and “I forgive you” are the coin that paves the way to reconciliation and healing.

But what of the “I’m sorry”? Many of the ills of the world were created by people who are no longer here. Yet, the tragedies of the world still permeate our air space and if no one is willing to offer the first half of the coin, how are we to spend only one-half of a coin? Forgiveness can be given without an apology, but it is not as potent. Without the full coin, you still have an incomplete, unresolved issue. In the story above, one person held the side of the coin that merged the part I had already given. I still believe that it was my responsibility to forgive, but having someone stand for the apology finished it—healed the rift. I’m now whole.

There are many other stories. At a prayer vigil for the earth in Washington, DC, a friend who is a minister offered an apology for what had been done to thousands of our Native brothers and sisters. He took responsibility for making the apology at a ceremony of healing because without it, there was a void that could never be bridged. He understood that the pain caused from broken treaties, displacement, and atrocities too horrible to mention, stood in the midst, ghost-like, but palpable to the soul of a people. He tapped into it through a genuine connection with a people who have offered forgiveness through a charitable spirit of love and compassion.

This wasn’t about guilt as much as it was about acknowledgement of the hurt. If you ask if I want an apology for slavery, I might even say no. After all, I was never a slave. But, truth be told, I’d like an apology for my ancestors, heartfelt and genuine. I want to know that my grandmother’s mother and father and all the unknowns of my ancestry are finally getting their apology and when it comes, I, who stand on their shoulders, accept the apology on their behalf. As a child of the Diaspora, I, who carry the DNA of those whose blood was spilled, can stand for them today. And, I, can stand for those who have been lynched and died at the hands of those “who know not what they do.” That comes from my Christian faith, but there are so many who are willing to stand in the gap for other tragedies. Hiroshima. Germany. South Africa. There are those who will stand in that gap to close the circle of pain into one of healing. But, who will carry the “I’m sorry”? Who will stand for the hurt and pain in genuine remorse and supplication? Who will stand with me?

I’m willing to stand for the “I’m sorry” side of the coin. I know what it feels like on the other side of it, but I’m genuinely sorry for the ills that have happened by my country’s hands, for the abusers of children, with true regret for the pain caused to them. I’m willing to bow my head, lower myself to my knees and stand for the “I’m sorry” that so many need. Can you? Will you join me?

As I’ve listened to other stories of pain on this show and in my travels, I’ve been shown the power of it all. I know it can happen and I have the perfect occasion to start—a day that each of us can take a role—either for the apology or the forgiveness. The spirit of it defies the gravity of any situation, no matter the hurt, no matter the pain. The spirit of it is to move forward to the reconciliation and healing of the world that needs to take place. If in this small ceremony of giving and receiving I believe that lives can change, so can each of you.

The International Day of Peace is September 21, 2008. I’m asking that we meet at churches, at synagogues, at temples, at parks, in homes, on the street—and stand for the apology and the forgiveness. Two people can do it. Thirty people can do it. A thousand people can do it as well. With half standing for the “I’m Sorry!” and the other half standing with “You’re Forgiven,” the work begins. We’ve gotten the hard part out of the way. Then, afterwards, we should start working together in our families, communities, and organizations, to reconcile and heal. The efforts of this one simple ceremony can reverberate around the world as we stand in the gap for all who have gone before us and all the good that can now come.

I’m sending out a request to all my relationships across the board—The Rothko, Interfaith Ministries, my church, my friends, my family. I’m asking that we take a place—either in the circle of Apology or the Circle of Forgiveness. You can carry signs that say “I’m sorry for Hiroshima,” or “I’m sorry for abusing a child,” or “I’m sorry for not ending Apartheid sooner (in any place that it is taking place)” --- and I want someone or many to go and accept that apology. Today, I give my forgiveness for the millions of children without healthcare. That’s a for instance, but it doesn’t stop there. Now the work begins. No one has to feel guilty because the full coin will let us purchase time, efforts, commitment—working together. That’s you and me.

So, you can call me at 713-893-1304 and tell me you want to participate. I’ll help you do it. You can email me at info@thepeacehour.org. I’ll respond back. Here at KPFT, the Decade of Nonviolence, in my work with United Religions Initiative and the World Peace Prayer Society, the many places we talk about building a better world, let’s hold the powerful synergy of the Apology and Forgiveness and start the reconciliation and healing process that eludes us. Today.

May Peace Prevail on Earth.

The Peace Hour.org

2006-09-26T13:32:00.000-07:00

The Peace Hour.org

9/11 Mysteries (Full Length, High Quality)

2006-09-26T13:22:00.000-07:00


All voices must be heard. Whether we agree or disagree, without full disclosure, without listening to all sides, we will never know the truth. This documentary of the 9/11 historical even brings to light QUESTIONS. This domain 9/11 Truth documentary portends that there is more to come. An excellent document. Pass it on.

International Day of Peace--A Day of Prayer

2006-09-21T08:43:00.000-07:00

PRAYER CHANGES THINGS

"When children pray, God listens. Are we listening?"

On this International Day of Peace I am reminded that we live in one world. Today, many of our world’s citizens are celebrating this one day with the hope of peace eternal. Peace is a concept for the mind, body and spirit. I’m especially grateful that these next few weeks are also symbolic of peace. We celebrate the Jewish New Year and Ramadan. This is a poignant reminder that we CAN walk side by side.

Someone asked that we celebrate this day with prayers, poems and songs. My prayer:

Wake in me, O Lord, the need for another
Prepare in me, O Lord, the way to acceptance
Instill in me, O Lord, true love and compassion

Help me, O Lord, to accept your gifts
And then, O Lord, let me live in thanksgiving for the harmony of this world.

Amen

My Poem:

I look on the faces of my sisters and brothers
To see the desires and dreams in their eyes
I look at the hands of my sisters and brothers
To clasp in fervent prayer for one another

I see beyond the different hues,
The cultural resonance of voices of different lands,
The shapes of eyes, mouths and noses,
And I see the Wisdom that God demands

I listen to the prayers of all
In languages too numerous to count
Chants, songs and silent meditations
Become a symphony of hope for us all

I see each of you
I see God

And my song:

Let us break bread together on our knees
Let us break bread together on our knees
When I fall on my knees,
With my face to the rising sun,
O Lord, Have mercy on me

Let us clasp hands together on our knees
Let us clasp hands together on our knees
When I fall on my knees,
With my face to the rising sun,
O Lord, Have mercy on me

Let us sing songs together on our knees
Let us sing songs together on our knees
When I fall on my knees,
With my face to the rising sun,
O Lord, Have mercy on me

Let us praise God together on our knees
Let us praise God together on our knees
When I fall on my knees,
With my face to the rising sun,
O Lord, Have mercy on me

And my final prayer:
Lord, have mercy on all of us. On this International Day of Peace, let us remember that we are each in need of your mercy and love. That we are in need of your compassion and grace and that in giving it to us, we will return the favor by giving it to others.

A blessed and hopeful International Day of Peace. P.K.

Faith and Peace—The Only Way

2006-07-02T13:37:00.000-07:00

I spent time with my grandson this week. As he knows I usually have something for him in my room, he went in to see and when he came out, he had my prayer beads looped around his neck. I told him about the beads and knew he understood as much as a two-year can, because the rest of the evening, he told everyone he had "Buddha Beads" around his neck.

I am a peacebuilder. I think I was born to be one. At age twelve I finally made six feet in height. My father took this opportunity to explain to me about the responsibilities of being tall. I would imagine he would have had to be the one. He was six feet five inches tall himself.

“P.K., do you know how tall you are now?”

“No, Daddy,” I responded. “I just know that I’m taller than most everybody in my class except a few of the boys in the 11th and 12th grades.”

I was in the eighth grade then, youngest of my classmates—taller than almost all of them and all of my teachers. My father’s mother had always emphasized standing tall and since that was ingrained I stood tall. That day I learned from my father that I would sometimes seem taller than people the rest of my life and probably would be. I’m 6 feet and 3 inches now. So, my father sat me to down to explain about size and the power size can have. He explained about periphery vision and how it played an active role in people’s perceptions about space. He told me how precious a person’s space can be. He also told me that I had a new responsibility now that I had grown so tall.

This is what he told me.

“People will see you before you see them,” he tells me. He explained that this could be a good thing. “But sometimes people will see you as a hindrance before you’ve opened your mouth.” And then he told me something I never thought about. “You will be perceived to take up a person’s personal space even when you don’t mean to.” My father then stood and demonstrated what he meant. He told me that people consider a certain amount of space their own. “If you tower over them,” he said to me as I looked up at him, “someone may consider that you are taking up their space.” My father’s height was imposing when we both stood. Now standing over me as I sat, I immediately understood his meaning.

“You can continue to tower over them, continue to make them feel uncomfortable or,” he smiled, “you can even the field of vision so that you are no longer threatening.” He demonstrated by sitting down again with me.

I told my father that I would never do anything to threaten another person. I was a gentle giant, after all. He told me that he believed that I would not. However, he gave me this last piece of advice. He then told me that there may be times in my life I need to make a point. His words to me were simple. “It is then that you stand.”

I’m also storyteller—naturalized, of course. My Aunt Ollie, my mother’s sister was the other family griot. I believe I inherited her gift. She was also the oldest of my mother’s siblings as I am. My mother told me when I was quite young that she and her siblings seldom could afford the nickel movies, so they would let Ollie go instead. She would return and tell them the story of Gene Autry’s pursuits and victories in movies such as “Back in the Saddle”—even singing the songs that made him so famous. I’m the oldest as well and I’ve been practicing my storytelling skills on my younger siblings for many years. I believe that my ability to tell a story has helped me to take the advice my father gave and use my skills as a storyteller to simply stand when there is a point to be made. These days the point is—there is no way to peace. Peace is the way.

So now I’ve become a student of peace through non-violence. I say student because I’m still learning. I believe that Jesus was also a teacher of non-violence. I’ve learned that non-violence cannot be simply a concept or even a tool. It must be a way of life. How else could Jesus at the moment they came to arrest him speak to his disciples so passionately for peace after Peter cut off the soldier’s ear. He said to them, “There will be no more of this!” How was he able to do this? Because he had prepared for it his entire life, at the moment of whether to use violence or non-violence, he had no choice. He chose peace. He even healed the person who came with a sword with the peace of healing. I’m sure that soldier was never the same. Perhaps at that moment, he lay down his sword. Even then the tenants of non-violence spoke that there is no way to peace—peace is the way.

Personally, I think God made me tall for a reason. He wanted me to be seen. But, God also had a plan. He never wanted me to use my size to bully or hurt another. He wanted to show that big doesn’t always mean power, but it can speak truth. As I learn the lessons that Jesus taught; that others such as Gandhi, Lawson and King also taught; I realize that I want no other life. I also know now what my father meant when he said that there would be times when I would have to stand. I stand to convey the stories of peace through my gift and hopefully show the way of peace in every facet of my life—in height and stories.

So, when the time is right, I'll tell my grandson this story. He's going to be tall. That's a fact. But, he will already know that his height is a gift (as it was to all of my children) and that I will hold to non-violence because of him and all the children of the world. He's my Little Buddha, after all.

---Peace

Answering to Who We Are ...

2006-06-19T09:05:00.000-07:00

My Dear Children ---

I want to abolish the "N" word. And while we're at it, I want to abolish self-doubt, self-deprecation, self-hatred. That is what the word NIGGER means to mean. I don't care how you spell it, how you say it, it is a word forged and fueled by hate.

I love you. From the darkest ebony to the lightest olive of skin, I see your beauty. It is blinding as it tells both the joy and the sorrow, but also the perserverance of a people who have endured much. And when I see that someone would pay you to say the word over and over again in a rap song, I not only want to protect you from the word, but also from its meaning.

At www.abolishthenword.com, a song plays in the introduction called "Strange Fruit." I remember the first time I drove through the South, heading towards Atlanta. I'd never been much pass the Louisiana border, but as I drove into Alabama, just as the sun was clearing the horizon, I saw lush, green, Kudzu. It choked the trees as it rambled around the trunk of huge trees and wound its way through the branches. The leaves looked rich and strong and I couldn't help but cry savage tears. It broke my heart in two and at that moment, I didn't know why. My babies (they were babies then) slept beside me and in the back and I felt afraid. Yet, I didn't know why. I thought it was hormones or something, but as I tried to look into that lush, green, forest, it came to me. Here is the growth from the soil nurtured by death. MURDER.

I can't begin to help you understand what went through me that morning. I looked again at my babies and knew that I would never let anything happen to them. I resolved, that was then--this is now! And stayed two years in Atlanta before deciding that I couldn't always separate the then from now in that place.

We have come a long way. That much I know. I have three beautiful children, a wonderful, intelligent grandson who is full of energy and life. And I have a new mission---to help end the use of the word, not to be afraid of it, but to never answer to it. Neither from friend or foe.

"Strange Fruit" has been sung by many. My favorite version is still Nina Simon's, in part, I believe because she took herself away, as I did, from the tyranny of the south. Did she find comfort in another land. I doubt it, but she kept her sanity, I believe, because of it. I often look for those sacred spaces---places away from racism and classism. I find it, too. My friends far and near have shown me those sacred spaces, where racism and the other isms of life are conquered. They are conquered by our friendships and other friendships like ours and the knowledge that it isn't just because I'm the exception to the rule (I'm not), but that we find the humanity in each other and relish the love that comes from knowing true relationship despite the differences.

This year I've spent time away from home. I was running away for my sanity, it seems. A lot has happened in the last decade that makes me understand how precious life is. Hard times can make us hard, or ...

And here is what I'm learning. Hard times can make us appreciate the quieter, sacred spaces because there is nothing that guarantees hard times won't come. Just ask those who were displaced by Katrina last year. Ask any child in Uganda and ask anyone who has lost a loved one. But, as to what I'm learning, we must answer to who we are. Who we are is God's gift. Because we are a gift to one another, we should call ourselves by our rightful name. We aren't any of the names that were created to separate us, to make us feel unworthy or unloved, to disenfranchise us. No matter the race or culture. We are God's gift, children of the world, brothers and sisters all. So, the next time you want to call out to your homegirl or boy---remember, brother or sister is who we are and that's all we should answer to.

--- Peace

Lord, I Want ...

2006-05-04T07:52:00.000-07:00

to be a Christian--in my heart!

Yes, I want to be a Christian--in my heart. It is, I believe, where Christianity truly resides. However, I understand that once I am a Christian in my heart, I am now challenged to the be a Christian in my life.

On May 5, 2006, I will have a conversation with UT Professor Robert Jensen and pastor of Austin's St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, Jim Rigby. Both have been caught in the crossfire of two dissenting groups: Christians and Atheists. I haven't had the honor of meeting Rev. Rigby, but I do know Bob. And the truth is that I know quite a few professed atheists and further, I don't like some of them. There! I said it.

So, why do I like Bob, the professed atheist, and not some others? Well, its quite simple. Bob has never made fun of or ridiculed my beliefs. I guess I'm sensitive when it comes to someone telling me that what I believe is about my being both superstitous and stupid. I don't like being made fun of especially when poking fun is done to try to make me feel bad. These days I don't defend my beliefs. Not too much anyway. I'm at least hoping that my actions speak louder than my Christian rhetoric. Of course, as I've learned, I often fall short of this Christian action when my back's against the wall. More often than not, I just don't want anyone trashing my beliefs. I also know that I've got to get over it.

Once, as part of a panel discussion, I responded to a question from the audience where I talked freely about my faith. Soon after, one of the panelists remarked that he wanted everyone to know that he didn't believe in God and that he certainly wasn't a Christian. He said that he was a Marxist and that Marx pointed out that "Christianity is the opium of the people." It got him a few snickers, but when it came time to respond, I told him, "Speaking as my drug of choice ..." 'cuz if that's his definition, I'd roll with it. But, what I also said was that my faith, my belief, wasn't a license to ridicule him just as his Marxism wasn't a license bait or ridicule me.

And I guess that's the reality of where were are. We've got so many divisions, some of them pretty darn serious. Racism. Classism. They each rank right up there as the number one divisiveness. And when I intellectualize things like faith, belief and religion, I find that I'm often not standing for much if I don't take a stand.

It's interesting to note, however, that it is easier to ridicule me about my Christianity than say, Desmond Tutu. Some of the very folks that will do their level best to 'diss' me would break their neck to get a seat next to Bishop Tutu and not because he's a Christian. Simply because he's famous. I've watched it happen too often to mention here, but suffice to say that we're constantly throwing out the baby with the bath water when we put up the fence of division, only to tear it down when it suits our purposes. Anyway, it would be a lot simpler to build bridges for all the building and tearing down that we do. And I'm guessing that we're only going to start building bridges when we find a way, as I'm thinking Bob and Pastor Jim have, to build a bridge where none existed before.

So, what's the answer? Seems like every peace hour blog ends with that question. I wish I had answers -- the kind of answers that would make folks say, "Hey, she's got a point--a good one." Then they'd change their narrow-minded, gilded actions to be more like the heart of Christ, even if they don't believe he's the son of God. I don't mind. I really don't. That's not the sticking point. The sticking point for me is to say you believe it and then act like you don't. And when its all said and done, I just want to know that I'm Christian in thought and deed and that if you're not, you at least act like a decent human being--Christ like after all. Makes us even, sort of.

So, I get Bob's Christian trek and I at least know that when we stand shoulder to shoulder on the same pew, we're talking about the same tenets of faith that makes us want to build a culture of peace for the world. That's bridge building, folks. Amen.

The Peace Hour Vision ...

2006-04-25T10:56:00.000-07:00

"The future is something which everyone reaches at the rate of sixty minutes an hour, whatever he [or she] does, whoever he [or she] is."

--C.S. Lewis

This quote from C.S. Lewis jumped out at me this morning as I started writing this week's blog about The Peace Hour radio program. The Peace Hour offers its listeners a chance for one hour to explore the reasons for peace through non-violent communication and action. If we are heading into the future, as Lewis acknowledges, at sixty minutes per hour, we might be looking at accomplishing peace in record time. That's the quest and hope of The Peace Hour. As stated in its mission statement, 'The Peace Hour sets aside sixty minutes to explore peace through non-violence in the stories of others.' This is one small step on the road to accomplishing the peace we wish to see by finding those who are that peace in word and deed. What I am finding in doing The Peace Hour is that the voices of peace vary in cultures, races, classes and religions. They are male and female. And they are brothers and sisters of the Earth family--connected by threads. Some threads are delicate and break easily. Other threads are sturdy and durable. Every thread is important, however, to the fabric of life. Woven together, all are strong.

The Nobel Peace Laureates of this time have appealed to us to build a culture of peace for the children of the world. What does that mean? I try to answer that question on each Peace Hour program. When I find evidence of it, I try to capture it in story form. I do my best to set aside my biases and prejudices when telling these stories, but I have found that I AM always a part of the story. We all are. That's another reason for the peace hour. Connecting us one to another is what building a culture of peace is about. If we don't stop to think of ourselves as part of the whole, we will continue the spiral of violence that has permeated the centuries before.

This Decade ends in 2010. What will we have accomplished? I'm not sure. But I am sure about this. We will accomplish more than we could ever believe possible. Why? Because every day someone takes the road to peace at sixty minutes per hour, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year---day in and day out. We are clocking the minutes and so is the peace.

Peace Education In Schools

2006-03-21T19:42:00.000-08:00

“We’re building a culture of peace for the children of the world.”

Why should peace education be taught in schools? Simple. Because there is no way to peace. Peace is the way. I've waited all my life for a method by which we can teach children honesty, respect and integrity. But, I realize that we teach them that and more. We also teach them to lie, to steal and to turn away from endeavors that take time and effort. We want easy. We want fast. We are teaching our children that "other" children don't matter. It is worse than when we taught that the world was flat. Yet, I'm convinced that while we are teaching bad behavior, we are waking up. And waking up means a constant vigil into self to understand why we don't become the peace we wish to see.

I was with my grandson this weekend. He wanted gum. I said, "Please, may I have some gum?" He looked at me and held his hand out more forcefully. "Gum," he said with a seriousness that meant he wanted it then and there. I said, "Gum, please. You must say please if you want some gum." He cried. He demanded gum as he said with more force, "GUM!" I said, "Unless you say, 'gum please' or 'please may I have some gum,' I will not give you any gum. And I put the gum in my purse. He cried in earnest and I took him in my arms. I held him and started singing a made up song.

Please is a word that says you care
Please is a word that gets you there
If you say 'please' I know you care
And please can take you anywhere

Please, Please, Please
Won't you please say please
If you say please
Then I won't sneeze

And then I pretended to sneeze. He laughed and said with that wonderful smile of his, "Gum?" And I said, "Gum, please." And he just looked and put his head back on my shoulders. He wanted gum. He didn't say 'please' and it seemed we left it there.

The next day as we were getting ready to go outside and play, he asked for a cookie. "A cookie, please." And with a grin so wide, he said triumphantly, "Cookie, PLEASE!" And I told him how proud I was of him and we got a cookie and I sang more of the made up please song. He got it. He'll be two at the end of the month. It was a moment of peace. I loved it and so did he.

The Noble Cause ...

2006-02-20T21:25:00.000-08:00

"Where there is hatred, sow love ..."

The stage was devoid of people. Chairs and a podium were all that identified that a program was to start. How soon? No one was quite sure. I sat and watched the empty chairs, waiting on the program to begin and waiting on my reason for being in this place.

These days I'm not standing on ceremony. I'm not trying to be politically correct, overly polite or especially not, the gentle giant! Then I saw him. My reason. The beginning of the story that would culminate the next evening at Sage at Woodway in Houston. But, for now, I'd like to call your attention to this man. He's placing pictures in front of the podium. Two, in fact. The first is a picture of a soldier. Solemn. Dry. The second picture is of a young man with dancing eyes and a slight, but irresistable smile. It's a casual moment. He's wearing a striped shirt. He's loving the moment and he is loved at that moment. The man placing the pictures, stops and gently kisses the casual picture. A tear slowly rolls down his cheek. I'm here for him, I think. I look around. No one else has noticed.

I'm uncomfortable because more and more I'm paying attention. And you can't sit on your hands when witnessing such events as this one. I know without asking that this is the father of the young man--the soldier, yes, but the father of the son with the dancing eyes and charming smile. As he walks away, I come forward and ask him if I might hug him and share a moment in his grief as well as his love for his son.

This has made me consider DEATH and HONOR. We hear these words batted around ... like dying for noble causes: HONOR? I think not. These days the words are used simultaneously. Death AND Honor as in a soldier's death can an honorable one. I would agree with that in theory. Dying to protect a worthy cause. That's an honorable death. That is Death with Honor. Similar in nature ... the "and" and "with" being somewhat synonomous with a slight deviation. This in turn leads to the defining of noble causes. Death and Honor come about only with nobel intentions. Death with Honor are for noble causes. And this is the rub. The death and honor of these young men and women are without question. Their intentions were noble, protecting hearth and home. Their death with honor is lacking acceptance because there was and is no noble cause to justify their deaths!

How do we adjust?

"How can we find a way to honor our dead? The wars of the 21st century have brought tremendous suffering to the world. How do we make our children's deaths count for something?"

I understand pain. There's a Biblical scripture that talks about a time when children won't die before their parents. It talks about an order to the nature of things. We have children, grow older and pass on. Our children bury us with a heart that knows completion. He lived a full life. She lived life her way. None of this happens when our children die before us. I still think of my granddaughter and the short life she had. Yet, whether she was here for a day (in fact it was seven) or seventy years, I was supposed to go first. Period! I also know how my grandmother felt. When her sons died, one at the tender age of 2 and the other at 52, she lost a little more of herself. In later years, I would hear her speak of my Uncle as if she just talked to him although he had been dead a few years.

I've also listened to the parents of those children--yes, children? My children are 26, 27 and 32. They are grown, but I would suffer greatly if one of them were lost to me in death. I know just how painful that can be because my precious Mellilah left before her time. And knowing just that much gives me a small inkling of having someone die who didn't have to die. And isn't that the real issue here? Did these sons and daughters have to die? The answer, they will tell you, is a simple, but resounding "NO!" One would be too many, but the numbers are in the thousands now and before someone else tells me about how many died in WWII or in Vietnam, let me just say this --- we're older and should be wiser. War is not the answer. These deaths did not have to be.

So, there is no genuine comfort in the ceremonies that lay them to rest. For many parents, the souls of these sons and daughters cannot rest because they died unjustly. It wasn't their time and no amount of "honor" or "noble causes" talk can make it so.

So, I listened to the mothers and father that night. I saw the grief in their eyes and I felt the pain in their hearts. But, I also saw resolve. They are ready to wage peace in the names of these children, gone too soon and for no apparent good reason. In order that they bring honor to the lives of their children, they must wage a battle to protect other children. And when they end this war---and mind you, I believe with everything that is in me that they will see that it happens---when this war ends, then their children's deaths will not have been in vain.

"We must make the commitment to JUSTICE and HEALING! And we must do it through non-violent action. True patriotism requires this path of redemption for us all. We must become the instrument of peace."
P.K. McCary

When We All Get Together ...

2006-02-05T18:10:00.000-08:00

What a day of rejoicing that will be

When we all see the peace come
We'll sing and shout the victory!
---readapted from a Negro Spiritual

The Peacemakers ask, "What do we hope to achieve?"

On Saturday, February 4, 2006, peace ambassadors from several organizations in the Houston area came together for a day of renewal, collaboration and fellowship. The event was hosted by the Unity Peacemakers (at Unity Church). At the beginning of the session led by Department of Peace-Houston representative, Kathy Kidd, the question was asked of the participants, "What do you hope to achieve?" While the question was specifically targeted to the present event, the answer became an idea that has been permeating the peace movement for a while: IMAGINE ...

...that day when we can see our words in action! What a day of rejoicing that will be. I see it often, but not often enough. Perhaps I see it more clearly than some because I'm intentional in my seeking--intentional in my pursuit. Actions always speak louder than words, but the words set forth in this poster galvanized a thought. We have to keep putting it out there--the words, that is. We have to keep saying it and then acting on these powerful sentiments of what the world will look like when we open our hearts and minds to the possibilities.

IMAGINE! The world awaits our decisions. P.K.

Building Bridges: Peace by Peace

2006-01-19T15:54:00.000-08:00

If God is a god who chooses sides, pits one child against another, then there is no God. But, if, as I suppose, as I try and live my life, God is a god who has no need to pit his children one against another and who offers the same amount of love to either, that is the God I serve.

— P.K. McCary

Conversations on interfaith relations can often take a strange and tension-filled turn. Even one faith, one group of people, can be at odds with one another if one or more individuals branch out to commune with other faiths. People get upset with one another not only because of the choices they make or are making, but because they are not agreeing. One of the questions raised in interfaith communities is whether to allow groups or individuals that espouse fundamentalist beliefs into the (or that particular) interfaith arena. They say things like, They’re not ready. You can’t change ‘em. They do more harm than good.

I’m not sure I like the word—fundamentalist—to describe narrowly interpreted adherence to a faith. I understand intellectually that we’re speaking of narrowly interpreted traditions that create an attitude of supremacy. I get that, but fundamentally, I’m Christian. Because I believe in the virgin birth and in salvation through Jesus Christ, I’m sometimes grouped with those narrow-minded groups headed by leaders such as Pat Robertson or Jerry Falwell. While I don’t proselytize my faith to others, I am hopefully living it. And perhaps that is where the comparison should end. I should just get over it. But, what can I say? I’m sensitive! Oddly enough, many of my friends of other different faith traditions honor my commitment to my faith as I honor theirs. So, where is the tension coming from? Where is the discord in our interfaith work?

I believe that most of us have experiences that obscure our objectivity when it comes to interfaith work. Perhaps we’ve seen the damage that comes from the bigoted and prejudicial thinking of some individuals of their faith tradition. We know the kind of talk that decrees that we have the answer or that God speaks to us alone. For instance, I find it difficult sometimes to talk with my fellow Christian brothers and sisters about my work, but I never give up trying. I tell them that it is important to be committed to your faith, to practice your faith traditions and doctrines. I also tell them that the commitment to one’s faith does not negate another’s commitment to theirs or makes one faith superior to the other. There is no conflict for me in that thinking, but I see the confused look on some faces and fortunately, I understand. I’ve been there. I’m not trying to change their minds about the faith. I’m trying to encourage them to broaden their faith with a respect for other traditions. But, there are those who would believe that we shouldn’t invite the dialogue with those who have a narrow view of this world and the many religions and spiritual expressions if they are not ready to come around. NOW!

We’re up against a mountain of human stubbornness and, of course, fear. Interfaith work is difficult. And rewarding. It is badly represented by some and an awesome experience with others. It seems all we do is talk. We don’t talk enough. We’re working together on some incredible projects. People have been nourished, nurtured and cared for in spectacular circumstances. Interfaith communities around the globe have met challenges. So, should we limit who participates by some criteria? Then one has to ask by what criteria? ‘Who sets the standards?’ This is not a rhetorical question. I’m genuinely asking here. Is there a time when you refuse someone entry into the ‘club’ of the growing interfaith community? Are there some people who just cannot be allowed in? When is it ok to be exclusive? What does being inclusive entail? Who is right about the direction we take in interfaith dialogue? And who gets to decide? What is wrong withthe questions we ask? Questions like: Where should we go? How do we get there? Who gets to answer them? Zora Neale Hurston said once, “There are years that ask questions and years that answer.”

This is the half-way mark of the Decade of Non-Violence. We are definitely in the years of the questions. However, we will have the answers to our questions soon enough and we may not like those answers. If we are asking who can belong to the club, who can participate in the building of this better word, the answer will be in what we create or worse—what we fail to create. I want to build a better world. And I’m tired of looking under rocks and beating the bushes for the snakes. True, I don’t want to be bitten. But, I’d rather die knowing that I didn’t let the threat of snakes deter me from the work that needs to be done? I also know something else. There is another Me waiting in the wings to continue where I left off. I’m finding that I am part of a growing circle of interfaith workers who love this planet. Tenacious. Yes, stubborn, but loving. AND We’re not giving up.

My enemy and I came nigh.
He drew a circle that shut me out.
Heretic, rebel and thing to flout.
But love and I had the wit to win.
We drew a circle that took him in.

Edward Markum emphasizes the need to create a world that includes all. But, I believe some of us want to include all ONLY if and when they change to our way of thinking. In reciting this poem to others, I’ve come to realize that the first line of the poem is often not recited. The first line is telling—‘My enemy and I came nigh’—and reminds me that at this stage of our planet’s metamorphosis, we are currently made up of friends and foes. But, as Pogo once quipped, “We have met the enemy and he is us.” So, I guess we are our own worst enemy. Perhaps we’re standing so close to the enemy (‘us’), that we fail to grasp that it more of the reason why we aren’t building this world we say we want. We’re getting in our own way of building these bridges and making that difference.

There’s a story I love about two brothers who were feuding. A river ran through their property. If that wasn’t enough to separate them, the brothers wanted a clearer line of demarcation. They each decided to build a fence. Since it was such a large task, they both had trouble getting good help, but one brother found a man that not only was willing to work for him, but to start right away. Later, when the brother came to inspect the work, he was livid to find that his precious lumber had been used, not for fences, but to build a bridge. But, just when he was going to give the carpenter a ‘what for,’ he sees his brother running across that bridge, tears streaming down his face. Before he knows it, his brother throws himself into his brother’s arms, tearfully exclaiming, “You are the better brother. You were the first to mend the rift between us. How can I ever measure up?”

Indeed! How can we measure up? By emulating those who are willing to build bridges instead of guarded fences. I believe that we are the carpenters for this better world. What that means is that the feuding, fighting, warring factions will probably continue UNTIL someone builds a bridge that one of them will cross. OK, I can hear the rumblings now. But, some will tear down that bridge. Some will shoot the first person that crosses that bridge. The bridge won’t even get finished! But, I’m hear to tell you that while some of that may happen, other miraculous things will happen, too. We just have to change the percentages. Keep building bridges.

Where are the stories about the real models of peace. I love these stories. I love to tell the stories. Every natural disaster of the year 2005 has been witness to some wonderful interfaith work. Disasters in Louisiana, Sri Lanka, Somalia—to name a few—have shown us what people from different faiths can do. When it is time to help a brother or sister from the depths of such disasters, no one stops to ask—are you a Christian? A Muslim? (OK, maybe some groups asked, but that has not been my experience concerning Hurricane Katrina.) Why can’t we see that we have the capacity to work together and build a better world no matter the faith tradition?

I’m tired, but not so tired that I’ll give up building bridges that sometimes take more time than I’ve been given on this earth to build. But, I know this. There are a lot more bridge builders than we know. We just gotta get to know one another. And there are bridges being built. How do I know? I’ve crossed them. And, it may not look like, feel like, be like, what you envision, but I believe that it will be better!

It has been said that there are some of us who have to see it to believe it. To those I say, ‘You ain’t seen nothing yet!’ And then there are those who believe it so that they might see it. They already believe that ‘We ain’t seen nothing yet!’ Just wait. It’s coming—the bridges, that is. Whole lots of ‘em. Mighty, well-built bridges. You might be surprised who you see coming your way.

I’ll teach my children that bridge building
Will help them to see the world
Across a bridge to foreign places
The world will be strange no more

I’ll teach my children to teach their children
That building bridges is grand
Because the person on the other side
Can often become a friend

I’ll reach my children’s children’s children
Who will no longer fear the others
They’ll see the handiwork of bridges we’ve built

A world united—finally—bridges to one another

The Proverbial Brick Wall ...

2005-12-09T08:57:00.000-08:00

The peace movement. What is it? What is moving? Where are we moving to?

I ask these questions in earnest as it seems I hit my head against one proverbial wall or another. The focus gets skewed by all the different directions that are being taken in the quest to create a movement that includes all. And then I realized I was missing some salient points about peacemaking and the MOVEMENT.

One thing is clear. We get disappointed and discouraged. The reason most of us get discouraged and disappointed is that things are not going our way! Simple. We aren't getting what we want out of the movement and we don't see the way clear. But, that's what the movement is about. The movement is the doing. The movement is the crashes. The movement is the disappointments. The movement is the baby steps of creating and the movement is the successes as well as the failures. But the movement is that ... MOVING. We are working towards creating and re-creating our world and while it seems that we have these setbacks (the capture of Christian peacemakers: Tom Fox, Norman Kember, James Loney, and Harmeet Singh Sooden in Iraq; the murder of Taize leader, Brother Roger), we are making progress. I live in that hope.

The questions we must ask of ourselves are:

1. What is my commitment?
2. Where am I willing to go?
3. What am I willing to do?
4. What am I willing to sacrifice?
5. What are my intentions?

The other questions depend on where you are in the movement, but can be key in ascertaining your own direction and the merit of the work that you do. Last week, the Department of Peace-Houston group met to 'exercise' the movement. We met at a little peace coffee house for about two hours, enjoying fellowship and a meal. Some of the questions included the simple ones: What was the most fun you've had this past year? What is your highest dream for yourself?

But the other questions communicated where we were here in Houston. Those questions included:

Discuss the nature of fear. How did fear come up for you as it related to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita?
How do you handle disagreements?
How do you communicate to people you disagree with?
What does it mean to be a peacemaker and what does it mean to the world around you?
What do you expect from yourself?
When we are a world at peace, what will that look like?
What is the next step you want to take in creating peace in your life? In the world?
What are the changes you will make to be the change you wish to see in the world?

Hearing the stories that night was so important. It made me realize that we aren't communicating enough in settings that allow us to be vunerable AND safe. We must create these sacred and safe spaces and we must be so inclusive in our design. The design must be created out of desire to build bridges of hope instead of walls of despair. That is one gift. The other gifts include the sharing of our 'faith,' the giving of our 'grace and compassion,' and the depth of our 'love.'

So, again ... ponder the questions. BUT ... seek out the answers.

Being the peace I wish to see ... P.K.

Getting Off Our High Horse ...

2005-10-08T00:37:00.000-07:00

For Better or For Worse is written and created by Lynn Johnston

I love the comics. Every day I read my favorites, 'For Better Or Worse' being one of them. And what caught my eye came on the heel of conversations that have taken place across the Internet the past few days about acceptable conversations when working on peace issues. It made me realize that some of us need a serious reality check. We need to get off our high horses, down from our ivory towers and check ourselves at the door while engaging in the hard conversations that will take us through the storm to the calm shore on the other side.

It seems that we forget that we are learning from each other while engaging in conversations that aren't always easy and that sometimes the greatest lesson to be learned is that we don't know everything! No one person has all the answers. In this piece by cartoonist, Lynn Johnston, Elly is visiting with eldest daughter Elizabeth who is now teaching in the fictional First Nation province of Mtigwaki. Elly celebrates with Elizabeth's new family by atteding a powwow with the Ojibway community. At the end of a full evening, Elly realizes why this place has become dear to her own heart as it has for her daughter. The last line of the strip offers an insight for me as I continue to work at being a peacebuilder. Elly's epiphany is that while Elizabeth came there to teach, she also came there to learn.

I love the Pattersons. Although Canadian (Lynn is a Native), I see other Elly's here in America and even in my own family--which is African American. There are somethings common to all of us--difficult family situations, community relations-husband, wife trying to raise children in modern times. But, what is best about Lynn's characters is that they have real-life problems and she is not afraid to touch the hard subjects. In one series of cartoons, Michael's friend, Lawrence, tells Michael (Michel is Elly's eldest child) that he is gay. Lawrence is 17 years old. Michael urges his friend to tell his mother and ... well, it is a real story. What was interesting was the backlash that Lynn received in doing the series of cartoons. But, this is what she said, "I learned a great deal when we ran the Lawrence story. I learned that the comics page is a powerful communicator. I learned that people read our work and care about what we say. We all look forward every day to that one page in the paper where the small truths lie, hoping for a laugh, or a little sarcasm, or a punch line that will ease the burden just a bit. I learned that our work is taken seriously, and despite the reduction in numbers and size, the comics matter a great deal. Those of us who produce these panels have a responsibility to ourselves, our syndicates, our publishers, and our audience to use this space with conscience and with care."

We have an opportunity to lend our voices to the atrocities, conflicts, pain and sorrow that permeates our planet. But, we must do it with truth, integrity, compassion and grace. Oh, yeah -- humor never hurts. There are many cartoonists who attempt to comment on life and some are very successful. Others give me pause, but I read most of them. Of course, it is my opinion about which ones are the best as I am sure that many disagree with the cartoonists I so dearly love to read each morning. I can't wait to see what happens in the toon towns of 9 Chickweed Lane, Boondocks and Doonesbury (the last two controversies in their own right) and that's not all. I need to laugh. We all do. I'm hoping that we find that artist who will write the strip that takes peacebuilding into consideration. I wish I could draw. Hey, I wish I could write better.

We need to look at ourselves. This Decade has been a learning experience as we learn what it will take to build a culture of peace for the children of the world. I can't help but think that we've come a long way, and now I know why. When you stand on the shoulders of those who have gone before us--Gandhi, King (to name a few), we have been given some mighty powerful tools for bringing this world into the 21st century and ending WAR! in all its forms. But, the paradigm shift has got to include ALL of the tools, including humor that also has commentary. I understand that this is just one glimpse of the world through another's viewpoint, and I am blessed to know that quietly I can agree or disagree with them. But, like with anything that stirs our consciousness into action, I can't sit on my hands any longer when Truth beckons me to partake of it.

In the coming months, we have to get ready for the rest of this Decade of Non-Violence. There is an urgency like never before. Sometimes you get a better sense of the world through the eyes of a cartoonist. I know that we get upset with the political cartoons that come our way, but it is good to listen, and yes, challenge, the thoughts behind them with thoughtful considerations of our own. We must be willing to challenge one another with our different views because unless ALL of our different views are allowed at the discussion table, we will continue to fight about them. Unless we "Hear" and "Heal," we will never get to the place in the sun that says, "The world is a place where we can all learn."

I'm hoping that we can listen to one another, laugh and pray together, but also, get real comfortable enough with one another to argue and disagree with truth and integrity. Once we do that, we can get to that place where we won't need to argue as much because we will finally learn how to trust.

Laugh a little. Even get angry, but don't throw punches. In fact, perhaps reading the comics today can give you some insight. Perhaps you can practice on some of the fictional charactes of toon town. Peace...for real!

Non-Violence: More Than A Tool

2005-08-19T20:55:00.000-07:00

Non-violence: Can It Be A Way of Life?

“Who do you say I am?” That is the question asked by Jesus in the Biblical text that we as Christians read. But, for me the question is “Who do you say you are?” Is non-violence your tool? Is it your way of life? Is non-violence possible in every as aspect of your life? Can you (more importantly ‘we’) be non-violent in a violent world? I believe that the answer is unequivocally, “Yes, if you know who you are.”

Brother Roger knew who he was. He was a disciple of peace. Founder of the Taizé Community (a community of peacebuilders who graced the world with its fortitude towards non-violence), Brother Roger committed his life to non-violence. Earlier this month he was fatally stabbed in the middle of a service of 2,500 people. The horror of it must be etched in the hearts of those individuals who witnessed it, but it should be etched in our hearts as well as we commit ourselves more fervently to the cause of peace ─ through non-violence.

Can there be any other way?

Last month on The Peace Hour (heard on KPFT, 90.1 FM in Houston, Texas), I had the honor of having Atul Kothari on with me. Atul is the founder of the Gandhi Library where the center strives to promote the work of Gandhi. The show’s content was on non-violence. Now, often when I have guest, I don’t take call-ins. Not that I don’t want to hear from the audience (I do), but with only one hour, lots of information to impart, sometimes it is impractical. But, on non-violence, I’m concerned that we aren’t hearing each other and my audience usually gives me the needed fuel for driving the point home of where we are and how we are faring when it comes to non-violence. It is important to HEAR each other. I strive to make ‘hearing’ an important component to most of the Peace Hour shows.

Callers ran the gamut of what happens when non-violence is discussed. One person wanted to know how we get to a place of non-violence in a violent world. A very astute question because if you are going to believe in non-violence, it is probably the hardest obstacle to overcome – our violent world. One caller responded that non-violence was a gray area to which we aspire, but that there were key areas of black and white that keep us from committing to it. He served the question to Atul of ‘what would he do if someone broke into his house to rape his wife or daughter?’ He emphatically announced that he would respond with violence.

One of our major obstacles to overcome is how we respond to violence. It is said that if you live by the sword, you will die by the sword. That doesn’t seem to make sense in the questions being asked by individuals who want to know why a man dedicated to non-violence didn’t die peacefully in his sleep. To take up the banner of non-violence does not insure that violence won’t land at your door, but it does promise that you have done all you can to alleviate the violence that lands at our doorsteps every day.

This is a sidebar, but I feel it must be said, so … of course … I’ll say it. Someone asked, “If God is everywhere, why doesn’t God end the suffering of the world?” I never really have an answer for this because it clouds my own thoughts and prayers. "God fix this!" I demand and the great energy of God … Truth … that flows through each of us, answers. I hear God say, “I AM here!” and “Your suffering is my suffering.” And on the heel of those two statements, I hear, “What will you do to end the suffering of humanity and God?”

So, there it is. It is in our hands. God guides, instructs and inspires. Just as I as a parent hope to impart the great wisdom of my experiences to my children in order to alleviate their suffering, they can choose … choose to become who they are in that moment they are faced with a challenge.

We must take each day to fortify ourselves to be ready for those moments. The man who acknowledged that he would respond with violence has already set the course should that day arrive. The man of non-violence, however, who practices non-violence on a daily basis, will be ready … even if he does not survive. Brother Roger’s death tells me that.

Don’t we get it? It takes time, work, dedication and commitment. It takes a constant vigil to be ready to respond and there are many stories to attest to the fact that non-violence CHANGES things.

A story that has made the run through emails is shared here. The names may be different because while I believe the story is said to be true, I don’t remember the names used. However, I remember the story well. The names may not be the same … but what it imparts is.

Clark was a man who lived in the Brooklyn neighborhood most of his life. He married and raised his children in this neighborhood and he was a good neighbor and a good man. When his wife died, Clark knew that he had to keep busy. His children were grown, scattered around the United States and while he kept in touch, he knew he needed a day-to-day busyness to survive the loss of his beloved wife. He went to the neighborhood church he attended and asked permission to tend the yard and gardens. It was accepted gratefully.

Over time, Clark drew the attention of a group of young men who spent their time harassing and terrorizing their elderly neighbors. Clark wasn’t a feeble or weak man, having served in the military, but every time the boys would come, grab his hose and wet him down or kick the newly tilled soil, Clark would brush himself off and when they left, laughing loudly down the walk, continue with his work. He almost seemed unaffected by their taunts, jeers and harassment. He never called them names or threatened them.

One day the boys took it a step further. This day they decided that they would do more than taunt or harass him. They would steal from him. They threw him down this time, drawing blood and then proceeded to steal his wallet. As they were leaving, one of the young men looked back and saw Clark, once again, brush himself off and continue with his work in the garden.

Two days later as Clark was working on his hands and knees in his garden, he saw the young man standing over him. He rose, once again to accept the onslaught, but this time it was different. The young man handed Clark his wallet.

“It’s all there,” he said. “Including the money.”

“Why?” Clark asked.

“I don’t know,” the young man replied shyly. “I see you out here ever day making this church here look good. You seem to love what you do.” He went on. “You could respond like the others do, calling us thugs or worse. But, each time we do something to you, you go back to what you’re doing. You ain’t even called the cops. I should be asking you ‘why?’”

Clark just smiled. “You.”

Now without taking up too much of your reading time, suffice to say, Clark and the young man became friends. Clark taught ‘Sam’ how to take a seedling and make it grow. He taught him about the earth and how it gives back. Over time, Sam got a job, found a wife and had a child. One day he doesn’t find Clark at his usual place. He goes and inquires about his whereabouts. The Pastor reports to Sam that just the night before Clark died peacefully in his sleep. Sam turns and walks down the walk to his apartment. His heart heavy.

The next morning, Sam shows up to the Church, garden tools in an apron on his hip. He tells the Pastor, “I believe this job is mine.”

This job is ours. Peace is possible. In Houston as we assist evacuees from the Katrina wrath, we run into individuals so angry, frustrated, and tired they don’t seem to ‘appreciate’ all that we do. They lash out and sometimes they hurt others. But, it is our job to be ready for that moment. When our response is one of non-violence, we make a difference. It changes things. I believe because I have to.

Blessings of peace and non-violence, P.K.

For more information on how to offer your individual condolences to the Taize Comunity: http://www.taize.fr/ and to read about this tragedy, go to http://www.bruderhof.com/articles/Brother-Roger-Taize.htm?source=DailyDig

For information on how you can help the Katrina Evacuees, especially to underserved areas in the Houston area, go to: www.shrinebookstore.comhelpnowihtml or www.shape.org, two organizations that work with many of the smaller (and unknown) churches and organizations in our area.

Join the Dance of Peace

2005-08-03T18:01:00.000-07:00

Let us dance for peace!--Photo by B. Hartford

You'll find over time that somewhere deep in my psyche I believe. I mean, I really believe. I get discouraged and disappointed, but deep down inside -- I believe. I believe in the dance of life and I believe that when we truly start embracing each other and dancing with each other, the music of peace will fill our hearts and minds and we will dance!

This picture was taken by a friend of peace of me dancing with another friend of peace. Now what I want you to do is look at the picture closely. What do you see? In fact, I'd like to have you tell me a story! Tell me what the picture says to you. Be brave. Be creative. Be free. And I bet this picture tells you a story of peace --- and the dance.

I look forward to your story of peace. Namaste'

Politics not Religion ...

2005-07-31T10:15:00.000-07:00

Listening to Bill Mahr last night, I realized the problems we face are bigger than liberals versus conversatives--bigger than right versus left. I listened to Mr. Mahr rake "religion" over the coals for the ills of the world, while professing his born again anti-Catholic view for the world.

Here are the few of the problems with the liberals versus conversative bent. Some liberals (I'm a liberal) believe that the reason we are having problems is that people believe in Jesus Christ. Now throughout the monologue that Bill delivered, he didn't talk about any religion except Christians, more particularly Catholics. He called us (yes, I am a Christian), stupid, ignorant and uninformed about the realities of life. There is no God. Religion has bambozzled us! He cited the issues surrounding gay marriage and abortion, inferring that because some people believe certain issues, it is the reason that Kerry lost and liberals are suffering.

First, politicians have used religion for their own personal agendas for centuries--taking us away from real issues such as poverty, AIDS and other health issues, social security, the war in Iraq and the ever prosperous oil companies such as Exxon raking our pocket books over the coals (o.k. I carry one, but you know what I'm saying). They have exercised the pulpit to their advantage and it has worked only because instead of understanding that people are being duped about what the real issues of concern are, people of faith are being called crazy and ignorant for believing! And these politicians are succeeding because as long as you think those religious folks are stupid, you can't talk to them and they won't listen to you.

Believing in something that directs your life is a good thing. Some people call it religion while others call it spirituality, but while the statements of religions doing great harm is true to a degree, many people who follow a particular path do so for their own growth, go on to do great things and are some of the great minds of this world. No matter how much someone wants to blame a person for believing in something intangible, the truth is that leadership within these religious organizations is often the real culprit. And more, when you get to the bottom of any particular atrocity perpetrated in the name of religion, we find power and greed of certain individuals at its core.

I listened to my Aunt tell me that she was voting for a certain president because "He started the war. Let him finish it." Where did she get this message? Upon further engagement I found out that her pastor had urged his parishners to give the president a chance to fix what he broke. Why? The real reason was that he was receiving many of those faith-based initiative dollars and he wasn't about to throw them away with the unknown of a new president. Further, over time I heard people in my circle of Christian acquaintances give their reason for voting for a particular individual over another because "Abortion will become the norm." Or, "Gay people will get married." They weren't even interested in talking about any of the other issues because in their particular churches they were hearing the other message. No one was giving them the other. Once when talking with a Christian woman, she told me that abortions would become the norm without a Christian president. I pointed out to her that in fact abortion did rise ... during this administration and the most given reason for the abortion was, "I lost my job! I can't afford another mouth to feed." She never even looked at the economics of this particular time in history where companies such as World Com and Enron have blasted families apart financially. When given good information, she said that she was glad to know and that she was able to change her mind. I didn't have to change her mind about abortion, per se. It is not that someone wants an abortion when faced with the decision, but if I respect that belief while giving her real facts, we both won. Perhaps the real answer to address the leadership more diligently, calling for religious organizations to either give complete sides of the issues, or to stay away from the process. When rhetoric and diatribes are allowed to flourish, we all suffer --- religious or otherwise.

The problem with both the liberals and conservatives is that in both camps, violence abounds. They cannot seem to make their points of view without denigrating or abusing a group of people -- whether they are Christians or not. In fact, instead of calling a Christian or any other religious group ignorant or uninformed, how 'bout talking to them about the issues rather than goading them about how they believe. We'll never get anywhere unless we do this. It' a non-violent kind of thing.

I'm not asking anyone to believe as I do as a Christian, but I'm asking to be respected for the path I choose to take. And, for the record, I'm a thinking, involved, informed, Christian. If it didn't work for you, o.k., I respect that. Even understand it as I've struggled with dogma and people who try and push an agenda of deception utilizing something that is sacred to me. When you see me as whole, valued and respected, the conversation can begin.

By the way, Bill --- get in touch with me. I think you might be surprised what a conversation with a genuine Christian can offer.

Why A Peace Hour?

2005-07-28T08:03:00.000-07:00

If for one hour we could focus on peace --- intentionally --- with purpose and commitment, what could be accomplished? That's the question I've been asking for more than a year with The Peace Hour, an Open Journal radio program airing once a month on KPFT. We've tackled issues such as Education, Poverty, Health, and yes, War! The formula for the show is a basic one. Non-Violence. Not just as a tool, but as a way of life. July's show was "The Hard Conversations." It came about because of the bombings in London and the issues surrounding suicide bombers. There are those that believe that suicide bombers are not made from fundamentalist religious urgings, but something more basic. These individuals are willing to die for a cause that has its tentacles around occupation. However, as I attended my Christian church, I heard conversations that lent themselves to the same fanaticism they claim to rebuke. Where was the grace, the compassion? More importantly, where was the intelligence that comes with asking questions and seeking answers rather than regurgitating the words of those whose agendas are truly suspect.

The show gave rise to other concerns of individuals -- racism at the forefront. And it gave rise to the conversation at the core of The Peace Hour: Is non-violence a valuable tool? Is there ever a time when non-violence is inappropriate? Does being non-violent mean literally "turning the other cheek"?

I believe that non-violence means listening. I believe that it means valuing all as human beings. Yes, seeing even the worst of our kind (humanity) in a light that they are uninformed, unenlightened. But, I also believe in justice and truth. It doesn't mean foregoing punishment or consequences. It is not a Nirvana concept. It is realistic. Peace is not the absence of conflict, but how we handle conflict in ways beyond politeness, but in a direction of solving the problem, getting out of our comfort zones and seeking justice and healing as the only answer for all of us.

I will bring more of The Peace Hour to you over time. It is our hope to make The Peace Hour a regular weekly show, more informative and focused on real solutions from people dedicated to non-violence and peace as partners for solving our world's problems.

Namaste.
P.K. McCary