In honor of the International Day of Peace, we watched the documentary, Promises. It follows a group of Palestinian and Jewish children as they struggle to find ways to unlock themselves from the deadly tug of war over the land that is most sacred to the world's major religions.
It offers a glimmer of hope. It also left me wondering. Why is there so much praying going on from both sides, yet no peace? Could they find it in their hearts to pray for each other?
I can't begin to judge others, having not lived their lives, however in my own small life, I do find that praying for those who harm me creates amazing results.
This is a good movie to use to start a dialogue. The filmmakers are available to discuss the issues. If you purchase or rent the dvd, be sure to watch the extras and the updates on the children. You can also download an educational package for schools or community meetings at the Promises film project website.
Promises may inspire you to pray for peace, no matter how you pray.
Praying
by Mary Oliver
It doesn't have to be
the blue iris, it could be
weeds in a vacant lot, or a few
small stones, just
pay attention, than patch
a few words together and don't try
to make them elaborate, this isn't
a contest but the doorway
into thanks, and a silence in which
another voice may speak
2 comments:
Ah-- I love Mary Oliver. Have you read this one?
Wild Geese
by Mary Oliver
You do not have to be good.
You do not have to walk on your knees
for a hundred miles through the desert repenting.
You only have to let the soft animal of your body
love what it loves.
Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine.
Meanwhile the world goes on.
Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain
are moving across the landscapes,
over the prairies and the deep trees,
the mountains and the rivers.
Meanwhile the wild geese, high in the clean blue air,
are heading home again.
Whoever you are, no matter how lonely,
the world offers itself to your imagination,
calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting —
over and over announcing your place
in the family of things.
I love Mary Oliver. Thank you Danielle for that one!
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