We Americans live in turbulent times. We experience conflict in friendships, families, traffic, at work, and even within our congregation at church!

Every day I see conflicts between our political parties, our states, and in our world.

What is one who has lived in calmer more peaceful times to make of this strife?

May we take a moment here and think?
Humans are brilliant. We have learned how to transplant hearts and other organs. We have cured measles, smallpox, and polio. We launch rockets into space daily. We are building self-driving cars. We can communicate with people around the globe instantaneously. We see videos on our televisions and computer screens from places thousands of miles away and the images are crystal clear as if they are just outside our window.

Our world has become a smaller place but not a community.

Although we enjoy fellowship, a sense of community, with our friends and families it would be naïve to expect this to develop throughout the vast and differing cultures of our world. But may we at least try to move towards fellowship with our fellow man whether he be in Malaysia, New York, or next door?

We have no control over anyone but ourselves and there lies the answer. We can control the very fiber of our being. Peace emanates from within. However, to achieve inner peace, we must resolve any anger that exists within our soul.

A gentleman I admire recently said that righteousness and peace are linked.

We do not have to be right all the time because it is far more admirable to be righteous.

If we wish for Peace, we must become “Peacemakers.”

Thank you, Jerry O’Meara, for sharing this thoughtful article with our readers to enjoy and learn from. Your insight and perspective are a welcome addition to our community publication.
— Bryan McDonough, Publisher, Spotlight Magazine Inc.