The Bright Daybreak of Peace

Simplicity 100 comments

IMG_1245I refuse to accept the view
That mankind
Is so tragically bound
To the starless midnight
Of racism and war
That the bright daybreak
Of peace and brotherhood
Can never become a reality…
I believe that unarmed truth
And unconditional love
Will have the final word.

Martin Luther King

 

Whether you celebrate Advent, Christmas, Boxing Day, New Years, Emperors Day, Asarah B’Tevet, Mouloud, Feast of the Holy Family, Liberation Day, Independence Day, the Solstice or Saturnalia it is one very busy time of celebration globally.

As I write these words there are 7.3 billion people living on planet earth, and by the time I post this several more thousand will have arrived. There are so many glorious differences in our geographies, cultures, races, beliefs, histories, lifestyles, and experiences. There are those who use those differences to create fear, wreck havoc, harm, and do violence to themselves, others, their families, communities, countries, and planet.

In my heart I know the majority of us humans here on our shared planet have one important binding sameness. We want peace. That is billions of us who want the same thing. We want peace for ourselves, our families, our communities, our countries, and our planet. It is only in peace that we can fully prosper, thrive, and share our gifts.

I am making Peace my one conscience priority. My goal, resolution, lifestyle, and prayer. A serious effort to embrace and hold clear in my heart and mind what I want most is Peace. One loving thought, one kind word, one calm response, one attentive decision, and one generous act …one at a time. Not a show of weakness or surrender, but a demonstration of  real power and strength. On my best behavior folks.

A difficult task made easier with the knowledge that I am a member of a  planetary  majority of people, who though we look, speak, live, and experience our lives very differently, all desire one thing very much. Peace.

There is so much power, energy,  and potential for success in being a member of a majority of individuals that numbers in the billions worldwide.

 Happy and Peaceful  Holidays to each and every one of you.

Let’s celebrate!

100 comments

  1. Lovely sentiments. I remember when the Michael Jackson version of the song came out and oldest son was very small and he said, he means himself, right, the man in the mirror? I was so proud of him for understanding that! Wish that we all understood…

    Liked by 3 people

  12. Reading this it seems so possible to have peace in the world, I see a glimpse of real possibility. That’s the kind of video that makes me cry with joy! You are so inspiring JoHanna and one of my favourite places to visit with your messages of hope, peace and love filled with positive energy.

    I am off to work for the night and am doing so on a ‘high’, with the intentions of ‘One loving thought, one kind word, calm response, one thoughtful decision, and one generous act at a time.’ Blessings to you my friend. Xx

    Liked by 2 people

  16. Oh I love this JoHanna and I believe Dr. King was right someday Peace will prevail..Won’t that be a beautiful thing! Wishing you a very peaceful holiday celebration!! Wonderful post!!

    Liked by 1 person

  19. Peace is hard to conceive for some… imagine living in a land where war has been waged for centuries. Those of us who are fortunate enough to experience peace in our daily lives should do everything we can to hold onto it. And share it with a kind act, as you advocate.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Yes, as I think about being at Peace…I realize that I am fortunate enough to not be in a war zone, a prisoner, a victim of violence, homeless, or the countless ways that people are stressed in big and small ways. Claiming peace in the chaos would be so challenging. I’m determined to use my gift of stability to be a peaceful presence.

      Like

  21. The most peaceful Christmas I’ve ever experienced was, ironically enough, spent on an airbase in the Saudi desert far removed from my family and friends. I was in a land where Christmas is a curiosity, not a holiday and goes uncelebrated by about 99.9% of the population. But on 25 December, I joined the rest of the Americans who were also stationed at Prince Sultan Air Base and celebrated Christmas, prayed for peace and prepared for war. Less then three months later we were hauling iron to Baghdad. Bravo for life’s ironies 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you so much for sharing this very thoughtful and interesting story. Adds to the conversation for certain. Demonstrates the need to honor and embrace peace no matter where/when/how it shows up. Or that you carry your peace along from within you.
      Thank you for contributing and Happy Holidays to you.

      Liked by 1 person

  22. You are a shining example of how to help bring us to that place where the world can realize the ONENESS. Your words are the path of hope and PEACE on a global level. Thank you for this gift and for the music which mirrors it all!

    Bright Blessings, JoHanna!

    Liked by 1 person

  27. A commitment to peace, as you make it here, is significant. Like you I believe that peace can and must be spread, one piece at a time. But it is always so fragile, needing to be protected. Have a wonderful Christmas, JoHanna!

    Liked by 1 person

  30. Thank you for putting together these thoughts. I kinda think maybe we should work on personal peace and strength and then share what we find internally with individuals each day. Love openly. Be kind. Give peace.

    But then I read the latest on Trump…

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I believe you are absolutely correct, and that we can strengthen our personal peace by the knowing that the majority of people share the desire for peace with us.
      Happy holidays to you. Thank you for choosing to follow JoHannaMassey.com

      Like

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  36. Greetings, good cheer and best wishes to you! I send this to you, along with another hit from Taiwan on your flag counter. I try to spend every New Year somewhere new (be in Hong Kong for 2016), and it reminds how much we are really all the same. Humanity is essentially just that. People have to be taught (or deceived) to believe otherwise. Different skin and clothing, languages, religions — but every smile feels the same, every child laughing, every pair of grasping hands. These are the the things that reassure, and they are many.

    Like

    2. Thank you so very much for your lovely words. They contribute to this post in a very positive way.
      I applaud your being somewhere new for the New Year. What a fun and so interesting way to enjoy traveling. Looking forward to reading of your latest journey.
      May 2016 be just the best year ever for you.
      Oh I do love my Flag Counters. Communication so quickly around the globe for individuals is a miracle indeed.

      Liked by 1 person

  37. Your wishes for the world were wonderful and inclusive. I liked the photo and your quote from Martin Luther King, Jr. Perfect Christmas and New Year’s message!

    Like

  41. A beautiful message JoHanna. A great reminder that most humans do want peace and love for everyone. The media is so focused on violence that we can become jaded if not for wonderful reminders such as yours. Thanks for liking several of my recent posts on 80Insights.
    Jerry

    Liked by 1 person

  46. Happy sigh. If we all could take a step back for a fresh perspective and overcome our (we’re all subject to) misunderstandings and fear, we’d see the way to peace more clearly. This post and the comments reflect excellent thinking, compassion and are well written, JoHanna, et. al. I tried to like several comments, however somewhere between WordPress mechanics and my laptop it won’t happen within my time restraints. Curiouser and curiouser. I too pray for peace everywhere. Thank you one and all and Happy New Year!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you for your kind words.
      You are so right about needing to take a step back and get a fresh perspective on our fear and misunderstandings.
      All my best to you. X0X-JoHanna

      Like

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