How ironic that this day falls during a time when I’ve been solemnly and wholeheartedly considering a cessation of any discussion on politics and religion. No contributions. No participation. Just opting out.
As a writer and a passionate person, that would be hard to do. I live to offer views and perspectives from all sides. I love to engage in lively debates where others don’t see eye to eye (it’s how we learn and grow). I want to hold my values and beliefs, while remaining non-partisan (even when I do need to make a declaration in the primaries, reclaiming my Independent identity immediately after). I want to dive head-first into the difficult, troubling and controversial subjects – yet people are growing increasingly ugly by the second.
We seem to have lost our respect, civility, and dignity. We are at the ready to fight about anything and everything. A person can’t make an innocent comment without a bystander jumping in to verbally assault them, making presumptions and judging without full knowledge of the ‘who, what, where, why, when, or how’.
Growing up, my generation was taught not to discuss politics or religion. I’d never had an issue – until today. I’d welcomed any opportunity to agree, or disagree; with tact, compassion, and from a place of tolerance, even if I couldn’t understand it. Maybe that generation was wiser than us.
Today, on International Peace Day, may we all consider taking a step back and a deep breath, then reminding ourselves that somewhere down deep inside, we do all want to get along. We do want peace among us, and around the world.
Maybe it’s not as bad as it seems out there today, but I’m increasingly believing that it is.
Learn more about the history and meaning of International Peace Day.
From 1985, the lyrics from We are the World, songwriters: Jackson Michael Joe, Richie Lionel B (jr).
When we heed a certain call
When the world must come together as one
There are people dying
Oh, and it’s time to lend a hand to life
The greatest gift of all
Pretending day-by-day
That someone, somewhere soon make a change
We’re all a part of God’s great big family
And the truth, you know, love is all we need
We are the children
We are the ones who make a brighter day, so let’s start giving
There’s a choice we’re making
We’re saving our own lives
It’s true we’ll make a better day, just you and me
So they know that someone cares
And their lives will be stronger and free
As God has shown us by turning stones to bread
And so we all must lend a helping hand
We are the children
We are the ones who make a brighter day, so let’s start giving
Oh, there’s a choice we’re making
We’re saving our own lives
It’s true we’ll make a better day, just you and me
But if you just believe there’s no way we can fall
Well, well, well, well let us realize
Oh, that a change can only come
When we stand together as one, yeah, yeah, yeah
We are the children
We are the ones who make a brighter day, so let’s start giving
There’s a choice we’re making
We’re saving our own lives
It’s true we’ll make a better day, just you and me
