MOVING FROM A CULTURE OF VIOLENCE

TO A CULTURE OF PEACE

by Sister Brenda Walsh, Racine Dominican

Recently, we heard about individuals and groups coming together to address violence of every kind that plagues our communities. Violence is not limited to any one class, color and creed. It is local, regional, national and international. The solution belongs to each one of us individually and as communities. It is time   to demonstrate that violence solves nothing and only begets more violence. Children and youth can learn from adults that violence is not a solution and we must explore other ways of solving problems. Conflict Resolution classes are becoming available in many communities and are proving to be very helpful.

We have been talking about the necessity for more gun control, and especially to keep guns out of the hands of youth, the mentally ill, and people with criminal records. We can urge our political leaders to effectively support gun control in their own communities. Children and youth can be taught to live peacefully, and model it in a variety of ways. and use their gifts to help and not harm others. Philosopher Norman Cousins once said that the creative minds that invented war can imagine a peaceful community, nation or world, and take steps to bring it about. To accomplish this, we must pray on a daily basis to create peace in our hearts, our homes and communities.

The federal budget we use today is a moral document that calls our leaders to redirect more funds toward peace and justice rather than toward war. This will take the efforts of each one of us. Let us rejoice that God’s power working within us and through us can enable us to do infinitely more than we dare ask or imagine.,  Each one of us can make a difference. No action is too small to help make a peaceful world, more in line with God’s design for all people.   

What are some things faith communities and other groups can do to address violence and work to create a culture of peace?

1.     Gather in small groups to study the meaning of peace and justice and ways to get involved to address the issue.

2.     Support current efforts to address peace and justice. Speak about them from the pulpit. Invite members to create groups to implement some suggested actions. Equip people of all ages to live non-violent lives and promote peace in their communities, nation and world. Help members to learn how to engage in creative and respectful resolution of problems. Create a peace mission statement for the church or organization and design ways to start practicing it.

3.     Raise awareness of economic justice, appreciation of cultural differences and global concerns. Support victims of domestic and street violence. Help families be aware of what children and adults are doing or watching in the media.

4.     Mentor children and prepare them to get a good education and have  meaningful and peaceful lives. Speak out against abuse of all kinds. Remind people that hands and hearts are made for healing and not hurting.

5.     Start a youth group with a spiritual base and a mission in mind to pray and work for peace. Look around and see if there is violence in the way we think, respond to one another, in the movies we watch and more.

6.     Take time to pray with the family, Develop positive attitudes and deep gratitude for all the blessings we enjoy. Work daily to eliminate violence wherever we find it., Develop appreciation for people of other cultures and learn to respect their attitudes and values and different opinions.

7.     Seek forgiveness and not revenge. It will bring about peaceful results.  Learn to live in peace, hope and joy and it will spread beyond your environment and have a positive effect.

8.     Count on God’s presence to walk with you and your family every step of the way,

Let us begin today with courage, conviction and hope. No effort is too small to make a difference.