"Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of
God." - Pope Benedict XVI
The Roman Catholic Church celebrates New Year's Day as World Peace Day. In light of the violent and deadly year we faced in the year 2012, I have great hope that as Christians and believers, the New Year will find more and more people turning back to the days of old school religion in hopes of a better 2013. A world where random acts of kindness out numbers the death toll of lives lost at the hands of evil and the disaster it leaves in it's path.
“You must be the change you want to see in the world.” - Gandhi
Not a lot of us readily admit we could be better human beings. Most of us would rather point the finger and find ways to justify our behavior when we are not performing at our best. We can see the changes we would like everyone else to make in their lives, but we to often fail to see how we can become a better person ourselves.
Many of us make New Year resolutions to improve something about ourselves in our own lives. This year I encourage everyone to make a change that will improve something in the lives of someone you love. The smallest act of kindness can make someone having a bad day so much better. I could make a list of the small things that can make a positive difference in other peoples life, most would cost no money at all. However, part of making a change to make the world a better place is taking the time to sit and reflect on life around you and what you can do that would accomplish that small kind act that could turn someone's life around. Make the change in yourself that will put hope and faith back into someone's life who it has slipped away from.
"The power of a movement lies in the fact that it can indeed change the habits of people. This change is not the result of force but of dedication, of moral persuasion. " - Stephen Biko
Moral persuasion. Everyone has a moral compass, but not everyone uses it for the purpose of keeping themselves on task to be the kind, compassionate individual he or she should be. There is a saying we learned our freshman year of college that one of our Journalism professors taught us. 'Integrity is doing the right thing when no one is looking". In the context it was taught to us we understood he was teaching us to be true to ourselves, for when you lie, you are chipping away at your own character. This is true also of how you treat others when they are not around. Gossip and rumors are very hurtful to our fellow brothers and sisters, and when you try to demean them in front of others it is your character that is in jeopardy, not theirs. When you lack discipline in controlling your own moral compass your learned behavior becomes that of excuses to cover up your flaws, as well as using excuses to somehow explain your behavior away, as if the world owes you the sympathy and compassion you fail to show your fellow man. Make the change in yourself that will allow others to respect you for who you are and what you do.
"With
realization of one's own potential and self-confidence in one's ability, one can
build a better world." - Dalai Lama
Believe in yourself, have the confidence and faith in yourself to trust that you can make a difference. Do not be a follower to those in front of you if they are not making a difference in the world. Do not be a leader of those behind you and be blind to the potential they may have in making a difference that could make the world a better place. Walk with your friends, side by side, no matter how different you are or what paths you are on. Be supportive to them for their efforts and be strong in yours. One person CAN make a difference but many people can make a bigger impact. Look at the world around you and from your point of view, see what you can do to make it a kinder place. It begins with one, and spreads through many. Pay if forward, do not be afraid to start the ball rolling. Start small and as you trust and believe in your efforts, bigger things will come.
"Wake up each day with the confidence you can make a difference and at the end of your day look in the mirror and reflect upon the changes you made in making the world a better place to live in." - Jett Pauling
Let's not make this New Years Day a Day of World Peace. Let's keep it rolling day after day and when we hit the last day of the new year we can look back and reflect on how we made this world a better place to live in. Let's make this Year a Year of World Peace. Be kind and love thy neighbor. Walk tall and proud with confidence and high integrity so you feel better about yourself. At the end of the day, look in the mirror, face yourself, and as you look into your own eyes and heart, reflect on the person you are becoming day by day as you make a difference in the lives around you. One day at a time, one person at a time, you can make this world a better place.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16) Imagine a world so kind that you would die for those you love. Imagine a world so kind that no one felt the need to take another person life. Imagine a world saturated in peace .. peace on earth and goodwill towards man. Imagine.
