Article April 20, 2009 Issue

DO YOU LOVE YOURSELF?

A question and a journey toward healing and inner peace

BY FENELLA BENNETTS

It was a pivotal moment in history: We were on the brink of a new decade with everyone thinking about and hoping for PEACE. Major peace initiatives were underway around the world, and many religious communities were dedicated to praying for that goal in inclusive ways.

Then in 1989 the Berlin Wall, which had divided that city for 28 years, fell peacefully. And in 1994, the regime of apartheid, which had segregated South Africa for 46 years, also fell. These events felt like miracles of grace.

So many steps for peace were recommended at the time that I don't recall who said the following, but it has stayed with me: