'To Bless All Mankind' December 25, 2017 Issue

‘Mobilized for peace’

Liz Butterfield Wallingford

Adapted from an article published in The Christian Science Monitor, October 23, 2017.

“War is not inevitable,” notes the editorial on the facing page. This statement, attributed to United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, points to a concept of peace as something we can expect, not just hope for.

It’s tempting to raise an eyebrow at this if we’re perusing a history book or listening to the news. But thought-provoking ideas like this can help further progress in our communities and the world—and prompt us to think about what we as individuals can do to contribute to it.

The editorial also referred to something Mr. Guterres said about being “mobilized for peace.” To me, this idea resonates as a call for action—and not just for presidents, prime ministers, monarchs, or military leaders. Each of us can ask ourselves: “What am I holding to as more powerful: conflict or peace? Which am I furthering through my own thoughts and actions?”

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