Shock and Awe

Peace is a lot like the weather: everybody complains about it, but nobody does anything about it. Now don’t get defensive. Just think a minute. When was the last time you gave up your long-awaited parking space at the supermarket to a total stranger as a simple Act of Peace -- with a wave of the hand and a smile? Or didn’t make a rude gesture or mutter a choice word to the guy in the 4x4 who tailgated you all the way up the hill at night with his headlights blinding your rearviews, then zipped around you on the curve and cut you off in style? Most recently – yesterday – did you call that person who really needs to hear from you, even though you just didn’t have (or didn’t want to make) the time? And did you take out the garbage without complaining?Fact is…we can blister all we want about those guys (male and female) in our governments who louse up the world with wars and rumors of wars, and then turn right around and knife each other at the office, on the street, or around the kitchen table. We nurse grudges for years (like tribal feuds), spread nasty rumors (to rile up the enemy), or deliver blistering one-liners (like inept politicians), that -- in another country -- could start a war. It’s gotten cool to be rude; savvy to be cutthroat; clever to be cruel. It doesn’t take much – either to make peace or to make war. I suggest a global campaign of SHOCK AND AWE: Acts of Peace that blow people’s expectations right out of the water. When someone snaps at you – give him (or her) a smile and ask how you can help. That’ll produce instant shock. The next time you want to criticize a co-worker, how about taking the blame yourself and cleaning up the mess? That’ll be awesome. When you have an argument, let ‘em have it with both Peace barrels: be willing to compromise and even apologize for your anger – before the other guy does (or doesn’t.) That’ll sure disarm the opposition. And I dare you to give a compliment to your direct competition. And mean it. It could be cosmic.If we all stop complaining about the state of The World and start taking a little more responsibility for how our world looks ten feet away from us in each direction, we could finally do something about Peace instead of just complaining that it never seems to arrive. At the very least, we might begin to feel less helpless in the face of so much TV and real-life violence – and start to take calculated Peace Risks. One shock at a time. Go ahead: Show ‘em what the Face of Peace looks like!

Notice:Our blog writers welcome your comments. Please be respectful, thoughtful, and considerate in your responses - and aware that this site is regularly visited by kids of all ages, as well as adults (of all ages.) We will not allow profanity, obscenity, or verbal abuse. And please -- no personal or political agendas! Whatever you want to suggest that is creative and constructive -- and that will add another layer to the discussion -- will be most appreciated. Consider your comment an Act of Peace.

A valid email address is required to have your comment posted (but your email address will not appear.) Comment moderation is enabled and may delay your comment appearing. There is no need to resubmit your comment.