FRIDAY, APRIL 12., 2024 HATE

 FRIDAY, April 12, 2024-HATE

I was thinking of a history of human hate.  Biblically, we had Cain and Abel hate each other. I find it strange that both had given offerings to God, but God liked Abel’s better - and Cain got so upset he killed his brother.

In Greece we had Athens -supposedly a peaceful city- against Sparta - a militant country. 

Hannibal against the Roman Empire. Then, greed and the desire for power still exist today.

We’ve had a Civil War that split the United States.  (Some say we have a new Civil War now - liberals and conservatives). 

We have become so partisan- I’m right, and you’re wrong.  (Or, more likely, you are right, and I am wrong!!)

I remember a song from March 1970 by Edwin Starr. 

War, huh, yeah What is it good for?
Absolutely nothing, uhh War, huh, yeah
What is it good for? Absolutely nothing
Say it again, y'all War, huh (good God)
What is it good for?  Absolutely nothing, listen to me, oh
War, I despise 'Cause it means destruction of innocent lives
War means tears to thousands of mother's eyes When their sons go off to fight
And lose their lives I said, war, huh (good God, y'all)
What is it good for? Absolutely nothing, just say it again

I think of the young men of Russia and Ukraine -with the countries spending millions of dollars on equipment, and the bodies pile up. 

I think of those who return from war with nightmares - PTSD - Post Traumatic Stress Disease.  It might be easier today -you are thousands of miles from the battlefront, and you press a button that sends a missile into enemy troops.  

Israel and the Palestinians - hate flourishes. 

Robert Frost, an American poet, wrote a short poem -Fire and Ice

Some say the world will end in fire,

Some say in ice.

From what I’ve tasted of desire

I hold with those who favor fire.

But if it had to perish twice,

I think I know enough of hate

To say that for destruction ice

Is also great

And would suffice.

Many of us say weekly, “Peace be with you”. And yet we hate.  Many say they follow the “Prince of Peace” but ignore love in favor of hate and greed.  

Last week I heard the protest song, “All we are saying is give peace a chance” (repeated over and over).

I find that I’m one with a target on my back.  Let’s hate those strange LGTBQ+ people.  (And lately, more political focus on the transgender.)

Yes, all we are saying is give peace a chance.  Love your neighbor as yourself, forgive one another, give peace a chance.

*****

And, one last song reference -
Let there be peace on earth

And let it begin with me

Let There Be Peace on Earth

****

Peace is not an absence of war. Peace is a state of mind.  Do you have peace of mind?  Can you go to bed without worrying about something?  

LOVE WINS

LOVE IS PEACEFUL

LOVE CAN CHANGE US (if we are yielded)

Karen Anne White, © April 12, 2024