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A Reflection Peacemaking and Non-Violence
Redrick McKinley Taylor III
Nov. 30, 2010 Morning Prayer
I must first start this reflection by saying that the Lord is the most ultimate sign of peace
and the possibility of peace in the World. I would argue that even if one is not a Christian, he or
she could still benefit greatly from the teaching of God’s peace.
As I prepared to give this brief talk I read through the book “On Our Way” which I feel
was brilliantly written. I paid particular attention to the chapter on Peacemaking and Non
Violence.
Now When I received this assignment from Dr. Brugh before e even reading this
chapter, I said to myself, “Peace and Non Violence? I hit the Jackpot with this topic, I am Social
Work major I can talk about Peace and Nonviolence all day” I don’t even need this book.
I praise God that he had me read through this chapter, I had every intention of standing up here
and giving you my own Holy “Dr. Phil” style lecture on why peace is so important.
I thank God that he humbled me enough to read through this chapter. For in my reading I have
learned that Peace and resistance to violence are more than just actions one can make, that
peace and nonviolence can and should be a lifestyle.
With the time I have remaining have I shall attempt share what I learned, although I
could certainly discuss this all day (And I will be happy to if you’d like, I am in no rush to get to
my Biotechnology class!)
After reading this passage I can confidently say that peaceful actions lead to peaceful
responses. Violence only begets more violence. Look at every war that has ever been fought,
tensions still exists between the parties involved every war. Now think of times where conflict
was handled peacefully and conflict was settled.
I stated earlier that Jesus has provided ways of Peace that even a world with people
who are not Christians could benefit greatly from.
I think of Mahatma Ghandi, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Cesar Chavez... these people brought
massive change to the world without ever lifting their fists,
But their theories on peaceful resistance, were not new and groundbreaking, Jesus had been
peacefully breaking the rules long before (helping on the Sabbath…you know the story!).
What I am saying is (at the risk of sounding like a Ms. America beauty pageant
contestant) what if everyone in the world began to live peacefully?
What if when someone called us a bad name, instead of responding with “yo momma” …we
said “there is good in you”!
What if when someone made us feel terrible we took time, to be kind to someone else?
Now I am not naive, surely it is not always easy to respond kindly when you are working
at McDonald’s and a customer cusses you out because you put too much ketchup on her Big
Mac,
It is not easy to respond kindly when you are discriminated against because of the color
of your skin, your gender, or your sexual orientation.
It is not easy to respond kindly to being hurt.
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However I would argue that the only thing worse than being sworn at for getting an order
wrong, or being discriminated against, or being hurt by friend or loved one, is to walk
throughout this life harboring hate and anger. It will build up and like a shaken bottle of pop it
will explode everywhere into a mess you had no intention of making.
A Peaceful life is impossible without the capacity to forgive.
God is really smart….when he taught us to Love and Forgive…he wasn’t doing that only for the
person that imparted an evil action on us. He was also doing that for the one who had been
hurt. He knew what harboring hate and aggression could do to person, mentally, physically,
and spiritually.
The passage encouraged me to do what I charge to the congregation to do today.
Be mindful of instances in life when peace is not guiding our actions. And ask the Lord to
forgiveness and guidance.
Be open to the blessing that treating hate with kindness can be.
The next time you and a friend or loved one have an argument or disagreement, don’t be so
quick to respond angrily or unfriend them on Facebook.
Exchanging hate and aggression never produces anything fruitful.
Walk away for a second. Reflect, Analyze and then respond!
I’d like to encourage you all to try an activity. The next time someone says something hurtful to
you, try to do the most thoughtful thing you can do for them (It will be hard because we are
human and rightfully so you will not be happy with that person)
But do something beyond kind and caring…give them a hug; write them a card that is so good
Hallmark…..will want to hire you!
If you are in the middle of a heated argument, during that argument just randomly say “I love
you and God loves you”
And see how they respond. Chances are they will not know what to do. Chances are they will be
literally dumbfounded.
Love is the greatest weapon against an enemy
Brothers and Sisters let us always look for the most peaceful action to make.
I’d like to leave you with this,
While there were so many parts of the passage that SLAPPED some nonviolence sense into me
(pun intended). There was one particular part that stood out to me the most.
Ms. Bass and Ms. Briehl referenced a part of the bible; they said “In a society where Roman
Soldiers could order conquered people to carry packs for one mile, Jesus instructed his
followers to volunteer to carry them for two miles. Doing so Prevented their agency in the
situation”….
Now listen to this part here…. When they were demeaned by a backhanded slap across the
face, Jesus told them to offer the other cheek as well. Because the left cheek cannot be struck
backhanded in a right handed society”
When I first read that, I said to myself….wow that is deep and profound,
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“the left cheek cannot be struck backhanded in right handed society” I tried to conjure about a
metaphorical explanation behind that statement…..…But then I actually tried to be slapped
backhanded with the right hand across my left cheek…Guess what….it literally can’t be done!
God Bless you and
Peace be with you!