Is Peace Possible?

As a young’un, I remember the fear of atomic bombs.
Cold War days, or so I later learned.
As if our school desks could protect us,
We periodically huddled under them as drill bells sounded.

Then, the ’60s and a war that wasn’t a war.
In the eighth grade, a war veteran returned to visit our teacher.
Kitty Sue Barber. Literature. He told of the jungles.
Heat. Patrol. Snipers. And the such.
No longer was I interested in playing war.

The ’70s were political… My only Senior Level Class
It was to re-enact Nixon’s landslide win.
Campaigning. Speeches. Parades. And such.
Politics, I learned, was a game people played.
It was not for me.

From the ’80s until today, peace has been sought
A host of purveyors say they know how to acquire it.
But from pundits to warriors, we know the truth.
Peace will never be found.

It’s difficult to find peace at home.
As in the walls behind your front door.
We open the internet portal,
And the waves of the world wash filthy laundry through it.

I, even me, would love an empty valley.
A hanging glacier wafts cool air through it.
A river, a pond, a few animals to enjoy…
And not another smoke stack seen on the horizon.

This will never happen.

I’ve learned valuable lessons since life began.
You must strive for peace, but keeping the peace is a must.
We bargain for this and that and give up this and that,
Is there something that is not worth pressing for?
Sure. But if I want Peace, I’ve learned,
Pray for peace that passes all understanding. (Philippians 4:7)

The only peace I have is His Peace…

Jesus said:

“For everyone will be seasoned with fire,
and every sacrifice will be seasoned with salt.
Salt is good, but if the salt loses its flavor, how will you season it?
Have salt in yourselves, and have peace with one another.”
(Mark 9:49-50 NKJV)

If I could read between His Words…
Salt can become tasteless,
And without taste, you are worthless.
So…be salty…tasty…and you’ll have peace.

This comes on the back of Matthew’s collection of facts,
From Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount…

“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned?
It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.
“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.
Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket,
but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.
Let your light so shine before men,
that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
(Matthew 5:13-16 NKJV)

So. Is Peace Possible?
There is a path through the morass of life.
This is where Peace can be found.
Jesus said, “Go in peace…”
Or as I like to translate…
Take your peace with you!
Just make sure it’s salty.
Shalom.

Thank you for reading.
Please share with others.
It helps me get my book written!

I asked AI: [Will We Ever Have Peace? Does AI think it’s possible?]

Predicting the future, especially in matters as complex as global peace, is incredibly challenging. While achieving lasting peace on a global scale is a formidable task, it’s certainly a noble aspiration that many individuals and organizations strive towards.

Progress towards peace often involves a combination of diplomatic efforts, conflict resolution strategies, socioeconomic development, cultural understanding, and cooperation among nations. While conflicts may persist, history has shown that peace can also be achieved, sometimes through gradual processes or sudden breakthroughs.

Technology, communication, and globalization have interconnected the world in ways that can foster understanding and cooperation, though they also present new challenges. Additionally, addressing underlying issues such as inequality, injustice, and environmental degradation can be crucial in building sustainable peace.

Ultimately, the pursuit of peace requires ongoing dedication, collaboration, and a commitment to resolving conflicts peacefully. While it may not be achieved overnight, progress is possible through collective efforts and a shared vision for a better world.