April 15...tragedy in Boston

 
 Every day, each one of us is running our own marathon. Despite the hurdles in your life...what can you do to make another's hurdles more manageable? Rather than using incendiary words and threats, all of us should look deeply inward...what our actions and words proving? That "we" are somehow better than "them?" Today, look to showing peace by YOUR actions and words. This is a start towards bringing justice to where it belongs. Merely retaliating for the sake of getting back at an unknown someone just continues to fan the flames of hatred.
 
 
It would be so easy for all of us to become incensed, fly off the handle and say or do things that show that though "they" hurt us, we can get back at them harder and faster. But what does that prove? Did anyone also know that in the news yesterday a US bomber dropped a bomb in Afghanistan that killed 30 people who were attending a wedding? I read and watch the news daily and wonder, "when will all of this fighting ever STOP?" North Korea is threatening a nuclear war and though many try to maintain a semblance of normal life, I grew up during the Cold War years and still remember those yellow triangles displayed in school hallways that depicted the "safe shelters" in the event of nuclear fallout. I remember living in fear of the Big One.

Ok, so let's back up a bit. You and I, we are just one...of many. This news has rattled all of us and I am sure that when the perpetrators are discovered justice will be swift, according to our President. But what can we do to mitigate peace? Let's begin in our homes....by using kind words and gestures. Let our children hear words of praise, of validation that they have value. Then they in all likelihood, will not become schoolyard bullies. Be gracious and courteous to all that you meet. We don't know what battles they may be fighting...grant them the gift of a smile or a warm word. That person who just cut you off on the road? Drive on anyway and instead of a one finger wave, use all five. That waitress who just spilled your coffee? Maybe she just found out that her low paying job is in jeopardy. Give her more than the customary 15% tip...in fact, give her a ten spot and watch her face glow! That person at the gas pump who is just putting in a couple of bucks because it's three days from payday and it's all he can afford? Swipe your own credit card in his pump and wish him well. When that child comes to your front door with yet another school fundraiser...PURCHASE SOMETHING! It will make his or her day! You see...peace doesn't have to begin with world leaders...it starts each day with you...and me...

Leave a ripple in the water and see where it goes. Sometimes little ripples can become huge waves on the other side of the world. Pay it forward, every chance that you get! May peace be with ALL of us! ~ Rev. Baum
 

Comments

  1. pay it forward, you say! Be peaceful, you say! Just how many times can the US get stepped on before we crumble? I say, get them before they get us. It's that simple! What good does it do to pay for someone's gas when the bombs are what took the lives of so many...even those who lost limbs will have to start over somehow! You Jesus freaks think you know everything!

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  2. this is something I posted on another's FB status yesterday: "...with each tragedy, the devil laughs longer, louder and harder than before. It's as if he is saying, "that was fun, now what else can I do to cause pain?" and God cries longer, louder and harder at the people He gave His life blood for! So we should pray harder for evil to cease...this is a test of our faith. If we give in to despair, we have just shown the devil we have no hope. This is exactly what he wants." Yes evil SEEMS to win...but we need to fight evil with good. Did Jesus retaliate on the Cross? NO! He forgave His enemies. So must we all.

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  3. “Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see,” (Hebrews 11:1 NIV).

    some are so quick to pick on others who project only good. This is exactly why evil wins! I have been looking for good this morning...this blog was it. Your comment, Billy, was not. Sometimes it seems as if our efforts are in vain. Do them anyway. You'll never know who will be the recipient of a good deed.

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  4. God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we’ll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels.

    13-18 Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.-Ephesians 6:10-18

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  5. By the way, the above was taken from a Facebook post from earlier today!

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  6. Focus on the positive--in every person--in every situation--in every way! The best way to allow peace to win is to show despair it isn't wanted or needed!

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  7. Wish it could be so easy--so cut and dried. Unfortunately we are in way too deep for anything to make a real difference any more.

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