FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2022 - VETERANS DAY

 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2022 - VETERANS DAY

Today in the United States we honor all veterans - living and dead.  

There are other days for similar purposes - Memorial Day - for those who died in the services, Armed Forces Day; Gold Star Spouses Day; Military Spouse Appreciation Day; Army Reserve Birthday; - Anniversary of the World War II Allied invasion in Normandy, France, known as D-Day (1944); Flag Day and Army Birthday; Coast Guard Auxiliary Birthday; Anniversary of the Army Chaplain Corps; Purple Heart Day; Coast Guard Birthday; Marine Forces Reserve Birthday;  POW/MIA Recognition Day; Navy Birthday; Military Family Month; Pearl Harbor Day and others

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As I’ve aged and my philosophies have changed, I find myself as more of a pacifist - love one another, love your enemy, love your neighbor as yourself.  

I’m not sure if I would be able to shoot a fellow human being in a warfare situation.  

On Friday I generally look at spiritual topics and today I look at peace (and war).

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So, an abundance of Christian Scriptures.  (I’m guessing some of the other religions say similar things):

Matthew 5:9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

Matthew 5:22 “But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you”

Hebrews 12:14 - Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.

1 Thessalonians 5:15 - See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone.

John 14:27 - Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.

Exodus 20:13 - “You shall not murder.

Romans 12:17-21 Repay no one evil for evil but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” On the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by doing so you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Isaiah 2:4 “The Lord will mediate between nations and will settle international disputes. They will hammer their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will no longer fight against nation, nor train for war anymore.”

Isaiah 11”:6-8 On that day the wolf and the lamb will live together;  the leopard will lie down with the baby goat. The calf and the yearling will be safe with the lion, and a little child will lead them all. The cow will graze near the bear. The cub and the calf will lie down together. The lion will eat hay like a cow. The baby will play safely near the hole of a cobra. Yes, a little child will put his hand in a nest of deadly snakes without harm.

Isaiah 9:6 And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

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Yes, I am a Pollyanna!!  I do know there will always be wars and rumors of wars (Matthew 24:6).  But, someday, the swords WILL be beaten into plowshares, someday the Prince of Peace will really reign!!!

I don’t understand the hatred that exists - and why Russia needed to invade Ukraine, why North Korea needs to shoot off rockets and missiles, why the Sunnis and Shiites can’t agree in the Middle East, and when some hate me because I became different.  

Let’s finish this Veterans Day with the lyrics to “Let There be Peace on Earth”

Let there be peace on earth

And let it begin with me

Let There Be Peace on Earth

The peace that was meant to be

With God as our Father

Brothers all are we

Let me walk with my brother

In perfect harmony.

Let peace begin with me

Let this be the moment now.

With ev'ry step I take

Let this be my solemn vow

To take each moment and live

Each moment in peace eternally

Let there be peace on earth

And let it begin with me

Yes, we need to be “peacekeepers” for the world. Yes, we need a strong defense, but let’s try to avoid sending our young men and women to foreign wars. 

LOVE TRANSFORMS

KAREN ANNE WHITE, ©, NOVEMBER 11, 2022