The love that does not take sides

In recent weeks, it has been difficult not to take sides on war and peace. I've realized, though, that I don't have to pick a side; I don't have to criticize anyone or hate anything. Rather, I can seek out the good in every person, and in every action.

Is this allowing myself to be passive about what's going on? I don't think so. It came to me one morning while praying that my job is simply to love. That means loving those called "enemies" as fully as I love my mother and father. It is not my job to assume that I know better than those making crucial decisions, but rather it's to have unconditional love in my heart for everyone involved in current conflicts.

I attended a public junior high school in Miami, Florida, where what you said, how you looked at others, and with whom you spoke, had everything to do with everday survival. I was pretty good at avoiding trouble, but one day another boy picked on me. Anger and fear took hold of me. I felt strongly that he was wrong, and that I needed to fix the situation. So, I stood up to him and spoke my piece. The confrontation escalated, and he came at me swinging, hitting me across the face with brass knuckles. I was so angry that I didn't flinch when he hit me.

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My prayers for peace
April 14, 2003
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