Something that we all want?
21 Sep 2020
Dear LPG,
In my older age I have become a sucker for an old movie and, although it is not that old, I recently found myself watching that relatively young 21st century classic which is entitled Miss Congeniality which was released in 2001.
It is about a policewoman who goes undercover as a contestant in a beauty pageant, but throughout the film when asked about their ultimate wish for the world, it is stressed that most contestants answer with the phrase ‘World Peace’. It is used as a cliché in the film, but it is interesting to note that some people must be serious about it because, if LPG have managed to post my message as requested, today should be World Peace day.
Even those of us who have no interest in governance have to concede that the ultimate direction of this world of ours comes with its own problems as the ‘you either like him or hate him’ combination of Trump and Johnson find themselves at the guiding forefront of the western world’s political rudder. (…although I am writing during the run up to a general election and who knows what will be the result of that!)
I got to thinking about what most religions in the world are ultimately looking for and, regardless of anything else, it appears that World peace is pretty near the top of every list. It is interesting that the words members of the Islamic faith use to greet each other, “As-Salam-u-Alaikum,” means "Peace be unto you.", and that many Christion’s often end their religious events by quoting the words of the blessing which are said to derive from Philippians chapter 4 verse 7 in the bible. There are variations towards the end but, most churches I have attended offer the words ‘and the peace of God which passes all understanding…’ somewhere in that blessing.
It is very evident that each and every one of the world’s private citizens, no matter their age, religious or political derivations, are all too aware of their own share of personal unrest and I find that alarming in a time when most of the younger members of our UK society have only ever experienced war by watching it on film or taking part in some computer game, they often appear to be some of the most violent souls on earth. I know that is a generalisation and that nearly every one of us have at least one aspect of life that we would like to bring a little more peace to.
So on this, the 38th celebration of World Peace day, even though this year’s theme is “Climate Action for Peace” and we need to keep that in mind, perhaps we should each focus on one person in this world that we need to make peace with and take the first step; turn up at their front door, telephone or leave a text message.
Do your bit to get the ball rolling…
KD, New CrossJohnson
