Thinking about peace

I had a peaceful day yesterday. After I woke up, I went to Yoga, did some cleaning, went to a coffee shop to read, came home and journaled. I spent the evening with good friends, listening to good music, and sharing good conversation. Something happened yesterday that did not reflect the peacefulness that I felt. My heart is saddened by the shooting that occurred in Tucson, AZ yesterday. I can't even imagine the pain the families and those affected by the shooting yesterday are feeling. My mind is especially curious to what the motives of the shooter was. This had to be a man so overcome by anger. How does a person get that angry to do such a horrible thing?
At church today, I realized the ultimate vision of peace to me was Christ. He represented everything that Caesar and his empire didn't. He was the opposite of domination, violence, and power. He represents humility, acceptance, and love. My hope is for people in this world to experience peace in some way. When one experiences peace, there is no room for the anger and the violence given out by the 22-year old young man yesterday. I feel that the path of peace is always a better option for a better life. 
Peace be with you.

Comments

Unknown said…
And peace with you Kris! i was saddened too by the Tuscon shooting and curious about his motives. Sounds like his troubles built up over time and then exploded. Did he have any people in his life that he could ask for help? Often it seems people that "snap" are so alone. The way our society seems to handle "troubled" people is often punitive instead of rehabilitative (which Jesus would have done imo). Because he attacked a political figure you have to assess some of the blame on the red/blue thinking in modern American politics. We're more alike then we are different! We all want to love and be loved, have and give peace, etc. With that, i'll pass. :-)
January 10, 2011 at 5:01 PM
Kristin said…
Thanks UT! Always good to hear your thoughts! Those damn politics seem to drive peoples' emotions more than they should. If we could only figure out a way to run a country that makes most everyone happy- instead 51% of us. So I guess I take the easy way out sometimes- and just peacefully live my life without getting too involved and riled up.
January 12, 2011 at 9:45 PM
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