Like most Americans, I was horrified by the news revealed last week about the mistreatment of detainees held in Iraq. Friday night, a spiritual sister mentioned that she was checking my website to see what I might say about this. All I can think of to say is…
FORGIVE US.
Whether we like it or not, those who perpetuated these terrible acts are our representatives. We pay their salaries. We elected the people who sent them. Most of us believed the lies. Some didn't care.
In conversations with friends and relatives who hold differing political views, I have often shared that I thought it was important to learn why there is so much hatred of the U.S. around the world. This often led to strong disagreements.
Many have believed that those who hate us are simply jealous and hate freedom and democracy. The line our president continues to spout.
My question is: Do you still believe these lies? If anyone out there doesn’t realize by now that there are reasons for all the anger, I don’t know what to say.
Every act of cruelty brings about a reaction of fear and anger. With every act of vengeance, more hatred is born, more terrorists are created.
Did those responsible truly believe that this could be kept secret? Did they think in any way that this could be justified? How can we say we are better?
I have heard the rationale is that by mistreating one prisoner, we may be able to save ten, a hundred, or maybe thousands of innocent people. When will we learn that hatred grows more hatred, vengeance creates more vengeance and hurt brings more hurt?
We must turn our hearts from this awful course. One by one, we must turn toward peace. The “sister” who brought this up Friday night told me she was saying our mantra for all those involved, including those who are responsible for these terrible acts. She had remembered what all Perfect Masters have told us over the ages. The only way to bring about peace is to Practice Love.
We must start with ourselves. So, as I sit down tonight, I will remember to put the victimizers as well as the victims in my heart and wish them all Peace.
When Googling “Peace is Possible” I found a site that shows a good "i-movie" and you can hear the words of one of my favorite hymns: Let There Be Peace on Earth. It takes a moment for it to start so be patient. When you hear this song, I hope the words will help you take a moment to pray, meditate or send wishes of Peace to and for everyone. All of us can become Instruments of Peace … whatever we believe.
In reality, we cannot be separated from one another other. We all come from the same source. We are created of the One! When we learn this lesson, we will start walking together on a greater journey that we can imagine!
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.