Thoughts of Peacere: the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington DC We are all affected by the tragedy of 09/11/01. We all cry out in anguish over what happened in New York, Washington DC and Pennsylvania. Our prayers are for the victims and their loved ones. As one person I can do little to help or to make this a better world to live in, but perhaps many of us can have an impact. Perhaps we can help to heal the poverty and hopelessness that fosters the kind of hatred that blew up the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Here are a few of my thoughts: I don't know how to bring the terrorists to justice, and fortunately, I don't have to make those kinds of decisions. All I know is that God's kind of Love is the only thing that will stop the spiral of violence that is happening in our world right now. I wonder how long we can continue to live in our world as the "haves." The "have-nots" are clamoring for their fair share and who can blame them. Perhaps it is time for us who have so much to give to those who have so little. Maybe we can help heal the world, one person, one family at a time. Here are links to some excellent organizations who throughout the world help the needy help themselves: Central Asia Institute - CAI - Promotes and provides community-based education and literacy programs, especially for girls, in remote mountain regions of Central Asia. Heifer Project International - providing animals to help a struggling families become self-reliant. Save the Children - Creating real and lasting change in the lives of children in need. World Concern - Sharing Christ's love in word and deed. Mercy Corps - Exists to alleviate suffering, poverty and oppression by helping people build secure, productive and just communities. Right Sharing of World Resources - Supports grassroots development and economic discipleship. International Medical Teams - Sends medical teams to troubled spots throughout the world. Mennonite Central Committee - A relief, service, and peace agency of the North American Mennonite and Brethren in Christ churches. It seems to me if many people would make a commitment to give on a regular basis, perhaps every month, to an organization that helps impoverished people help themselves that we could go a long way towards changing the terrible conditions the people live in. Many people do this already - Americans are the most generous people in the world - perhaps more of us need to make this sacrifice. Let us learn more about those who are have different cultures than we do for in understanding we will find tolerance. I know there is no reasoning with fanatics, but the fanatics are only a very small portion of a culture. This is an excellent website that gives much insight into the problems in Afghanistan, especially the problems of the Afghan women: http://www.rawa.org/ Prayer is very important - through prayer our own hearts are directed towards God and understanding his world. Prayer does uplift those we are praying for. We too can make a difference - we know God loves each and every person on this planet and God has given us the ability to take care of our world, somehow we must find that ability and use it. I am a Friend (Quaker) and here are a couple of links that further explain our beliefs about nonviolence as a way to peace: The American Friends Service Committee Friends Committee on National Legislation I would like for this page to be an open forum. If you have any comments, questions, or links you would like to add please email me and I will put them on this page. I will not post any email addresses and I will not accept any hate messages. "Our Scriptures tell us that if you see your enemy hungry, go buy Jan McClellan Recently added: Further Thoughts on Peace |