September 21st is the International Day of Peace. The United Nations' International Day of Peace - marked every year on September 21 - is a global holiday when individuals, communities, nations and governments highlight efforts to end conflict and promote peace. On Saturday, September 19th, I attended an event sponsored by One Peace, "Creating a World That Works for All." The keynote speaker, Dr. Sharif Abdullah, discussed his book "Creating a World that Works for All." There were videos, music, and poetry to celebrate the UN International Day of Peace. Insightful meditations created peace in our hearts and minds, and (almost) everyone wore logo-free whites to symbolize unity.
I also purchased a DVD there, titled "One," which was a movie produced by three amateurs from Michigan. Almost as a lark, the three bought a video camera, came up with a list of 20 questions, and went around the country asking both sages and ordinary citizens these questions. The answers were insightful, and thought-provoking.
From all of this, I was reminded of the fact that God is in all of us. Not only does that make ME very important; it makes YOU very important, too. So whether I agree with you or not, I must honor your essence, which is God. Seen from this viewpoint, it becomes very difficult to be uncaring about another's suffering or to dismiss them as worthless. Each one of us is a different reflection of God. Isn't that the recurring theme in this amazing world in which we live? No two snowflakes are alike, nor two blades of grass, or two flowers. There is no identical "two" of anything. What a wonderment! Each one of us is different and unique, and brings something different to share.
In seeking to create peace in the world, I think the words of Mahatma Gandhi, quoted at the beginning of "One," sum it up:
"If you cannot find God in the next person you meet, You do not need to look any further." ~Mahatma Gandhi
May peace be with you.
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