Dona Nobis Pacem
Posted: Thursday, November 05, 2009 by Travis Cody in
Welcome to the third annual, and the sixth overall, Blog Blast for Peace Day, founded by Mimi Lenox of Mimi Writes. There's still time for you to grab a Peace Globe and participate with us. Just click on any of the links to the right at the top of my sidebar for more information on how to join us.
I've written a lot of words about Peace on past Blog Blast Days. Today I remind you of some of those words. The words stand even now. You know why? Because I believe that words have power. And so the words matter, in whatever composition I present them.
On 6 June 2007, on the 63rd commemoration of the Normandy landings during World War II, I wrote my first Peace post. I asked questions.
Should we not defend what is ours from those who would try and take it from us? Should we not come to the aid of those who ask us to help them defend what is theirs? Should we not stand in defiance of tyranny and oppression?
Do we take a stand? Draw lines in the sand? Cross a line drawn by others?
Is there a way to be who we are, and cherish what we have, and believe what we will, in peace with others who may be different, and cherish different things than we, and believe something we don't understand?
Can we exist happily and peacefully, rejoicing in the infinite diversity of life on this planet we share?
We must write, and read, and speak words about peace. And we must listen as well. And we must never be afraid to consider another way. Today's reality does not have to be tomorrow's.
On 7 November 2007, I wrote that Peace needs advocates and voices and action. I told you that I must have accountability from the people who make decisions in my name.It is our right and our duty as citizens of this country to speak, whether in agreement or in opposition. We elect our leaders and they are accountable to us. We are not required to, nor should we ever, allow any elected official free reign to run roughshod over that right.
When I disagree, I'm allowed to say so. I'm allowed to demonstrate. I'm allowed to protest. It doesn't mean I don't love my country. It doesn't mean I don't appreciate Soldiers, Sailors, and Marines who defend my rights. It doesn't mean I'm not a Patriot.
It simply means that I am exercising my rights in an effort to improve my lot and the lot of my fellow citizens. That is Patriotic. That is American.
If there was no activism in America, there would be no United States. Can it be any more plain than that?
On 4 June 2008, it was A Revolution of Words. I put the words on my Peace Globe. I keep the words in my thoughts. I offer the words to any who will listen. I hope that those who don't know how to listen will someday hear the words.I freely admit to being an idealist. I believe that words have power. I believe that one person can make a difference.
Why?
Because one person can carry a message to another. And so ideas spread.
Revolution is made of ideas and I tell you again that today's reality doesn't have to be tomorrow's.
On 6 November 2008, change came. I made declarations. I evolved. I renewed my commitment to something greater than myself.We have difficult challenges ahead of us. And it will take all of us to face those challenges, and to overcome them. We must rely on each other. We must not divide ourselves into small factions. We must embrace our differences and listen to each other. We must come together and heal.
We must have a unity of purpose that respects and encourages ideas. No one has the one true vision. But we must participate in the process and drive our nation forward.
Let it be about hope. Let the hope lead to positive actions to the betterment of all.
Citizenship is hard work and it demands your constant attention. I have found the strength of my convictions. I own those convictions. That strength guides me in my work for Peace in this world.
Today, 5 November 2009, as I look back on what I have written, I am content. I am serene. And yet, I'm also feisty. I'm pugnacious.I am not discouraged by those who still traffic in fear and disharmony. I am not daunted by those who dwell on what is not rather than finding the potential in what can be. I feel energized by the positive work I see in my community. And I am part of that work.
I am an advocate for Peace. I am a voice for Peace. I am an activist for Peace.
Every day.
The words on my Peace Globe are in my soul. Diversity need not be divisive if we embrace a unity of purpose fueled by compassion and respect. We're really not all that different.
We are more than our skin color. More than our sexual orientation. More than our gender. More than the borders that compartmentalize us. More than a collection of individuals. Certainly we are more than our politics and more than our religions, or lack of same.
We are community. We are one world.
I am a Peace blogger. I am an idealist. I am a citizen of the world.
Dona Nobis Pacem.
As ALWAYS, well said Travis.
PEACE!