Remembering today those men and women who have gone on before us to establish peace to protect future generations, let us work to establish peace in our hearts to help avoid more war. Here in the Pacific Northwest, we learn lessons from nature. The rain and rivers, the lush, green forests and the fresh, crisp air all give a peace that’s written about in the Bible in the Old Testament from Isaiah:
For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:
So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace.
Isaiah 55: 10-12
Mary Baker Eddy writes of peace in this way, “Spiritual living and blessedness are the only evidences by which we can recognize true existence and feel the unspeakable peace which comes from an all-absorbing spiritual love.”
Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures 264: 24
There’s a favorite song that I have that was sung by people of many faiths in an interfaith conference I attended. It’s difficult to describe the feeling experienced by all, other than the feeling of “an unspeakable peace which comes from an all-absorbing spiritual love”.
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
With peace eternally.
Let there be peace on earth,
And let it begin with me.
Christ Jesus said,
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14: 27
Remember, Love heals us.
Thank you, Marsha, for this lovely inspiring little talk! That song has been a favorite of mine for many, many years – ever since I sang it in our university choir in the 60’s, and I’ve even decorated a couple of Reading Room windows with this song as the theme of the window display. I found the history of this song on the Internet, and thought you might find it interesting.
http://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/history-of-hymns-let-there-be-peace-on-earth
Excellent historical article, Marilyn!! I hope others click on the link you provided and read it, also.
Reading what the author of this song realized in her attempted suicide reminds me of the the instruction and blessed promise in
Psalms 37: 37 Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace.
Beautiful video of peace shared so sweetly and simply yet profoundly! Inclusive of the peace that nature expresses, were your humble words and childlike expression. It reveals to us it’s our time and our right to love nurturing the beauty in life that we CAN recognize! Our gift that has been handed to us to thrive in. That’s what I gleaned from your video and wanted to share that with you. Thank you for making the video, Marsha!
After reading your comment, Tiona, the words from Isaiah came to me,
“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” Isaiah 26: 3
I really appreciate you writing. Thank you for your support!