Sharing Some Thoughts on Love and Peace

Article Title: Sharing Some Thoughts on Love and Peace
Submitted by: Craig Lock
Key Words: Inspiration, Love, Peace, Words of Inspiration, Empowerment, Spirituality, Spiritual Growth

Craig's new blog with thoughts and extracts from various writings is at http://newbooksbycraiglock.wordpress.com

Craig's blog with thoughts and extracts from various writings is at
http://en.search.wordpress.com/?q=%22craig+lock%22 + www.craiglock.wordpress.com

Other Articles are available at:
http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/user/15565 and http://www.ideamarketers.com/library/profile.cfm?writerid=981
(Personal growth, self help , writing, internet marketing, spiritual, 'spiritual writings' (how 'airey-fairey'), words of inspiration and money management, how boring now, craig)

Publishing Guidelines:
This article originally written many years ago (but updated, as with all my writings) may be freely published, electronically or in print.
Enjoy (hopefully)...

"stirrer" craig
*
SHARING SOME THOUGHTS ON LOVE AND PEACE

In the light of current world uncertainty and turmoil, I ask myself: "What would Jesus have done (or wanted to have done) with Saddam Hussain?" Also What would Jesus do with all the other "hot-spots" in the world, like Iran, Afghanistan, North Korea... and especially the "tinderbox of hatred" in the Middle East?

In my view, Jesus Christ challenged the conventional thinking of the day (as He no doubt would today) and totally understood man's nature. As Christ said 2000 years ago, "Love thy enemies". I truly believe that the immense problems of this world cannot be solved at the same level of thinking that created them. So 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 .

I truly believe that countries should NOT seek to dominate other nations; but rather seek "Win-Win" solutions, through working together in a "new multi-lateral and more collaborative world". (The process of synergy at work: ie. 1 + 1 = 3... or perhaps it's 111!). The path to peace starts with education and communication, which then leads to negotiation, compromises and "trade-offs".

If we ALL fully use our imaginations, doing it RIGHT, with total commitment in a spirit of love and acceptance of other cultures, and especially attempting to understand other peoples and societies*... then other immense and seemingly insoluble problems of the world, like violence, war and poverty would one day be alleviated... and the world would be a far safer place.

* an enemy is just someone you don't understand and who doesn't understand where you are coming from (thanks for sharing, my 'kind airey-fairey philosopher' friend Andy.)

Absolutely NOTHING is impossible with kindness and love: A spirit of love dismantles evil...and... Love is a power in us more powerful than bullets (sorry President Bush and the military establishment!).

I truly believe that!

We have to trust not man or countries (and especially the "sole super-power and self-appointed policeman of our planet", who have done a lot of good in the past, incidentally - thanks), but God, the Universe, Our Creator, the Ultimate Source, the Grand Designer of Life for justice to prevail in this world ("there are many religions; yet only ONE God"). Yet, I truly believe each one of us has to do all in his or her power to try to make a better world... and this is my reason for publicly sharing these thoughts (please don't shoot, "stirrer but peaceful, little old me"!).

* I am reminded of something Dr Martin Luther King, Jnr said not long before he was assassinated:

"When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love has always won. There have been tyrants and murderers and for a time they seem invincible; but in the end, they always fall. Think of it, ALWAYS."

Jesus really did understand perfectly man and the human condition. As the world's greatest Possibility Thinker, He DID have all the answers to the problems of the world - then and TODAY.

"When the world is filled with love, people's hearts are overflowing with hope."

"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."
- St Francis of Assisi
(thanks for passing on your generous spirit to the world, dearest mom)

"Let us build bridges rather than barriers, openness rather than walls. Rather than borders, let us look at distant horizons together in a spirit of acceptance, helpfulness, co-operation, peace and especially LOVE."

craig

"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 goes very far beyond the physical person of the beloved. It finds its deepest meaning and his spiritual being, his inner self. Whether or not he is actually present, whether or not he is still alive at all, ceases somehow to be of importance."

- Viktor E. Frankl (Man's Search for Meaning)

"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

"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 in union"

"But what can a 'mere I' do, God?

...and the Lord replied...

"I made you!"

Shared by craig (just an ordinary person, but a "tireless worker/writer and warrior for a better and more peaceful world")

"Become the person you are CAPABLE of being ... and ALL the person God, Our Creator and Ground of our Being intended us to become."

Lord, broaden my horizons for all the rich promises you have in store for me."

Together, one mind, one heart at a time, let's march into a bright new tomorrow

"Change can only happen when you change the hearts and minds of those who oppose you.”- Exiled Chinese Muslim leader Rebiya Kadeer

"When the world is filled with love, peoples hearts are overflowing with hope."- craig

THESE THOUGHTS MAY BE FREELY PUBLISHED

PPS
To end off, lets reflect on the words of a leader who stood steadfastly for the values and for the causes of justice and freedom for all..."Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that."
- Dr Martin Luther King, Jr

Together, one mind, one heart at a time, let's march into a bright new tomorrow