For those of you who aren’t aware of this, today, September 21st, is the International Day of Peace or known to some as World Peace Day. It’s a day designated by the United Nations for individuals and nations globally to pay attention to matters of peace. In his 100 day count-down message, this is what the Secretary-General had to say: “It is time all nations and all people live up to the words of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which recognizes the inherent dignity and equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human race. This year marks the 70th anniversary of that landmark document.”
It only takes a read of the headlines of any daily paper to see that the human race has not lived up to matters of peace or human rights. Today’s BBC World News topics include headlines such as: Top U.S Official Denies Plot to Oust Trump, U.S Sanctions Provoke Chinese Anger, British Jihadists Refusing to Leave Syria. Some of our own Toronto paper headlines are as follows:
- John Tory declines one-on-one debates with Jennifer Keesmaat
- Chrystia Freeland talks international security, gender-based violence in Montreal
- Getting refugee decisions appealed in court ‘the luck of the draw,’ study shows
It’s easy to talk about peace and to understand the word intellectually but to live it is quite a different matter. I have a hard time with this myself. This reminds me of the GI Joe Fallacy which states that “knowing is half the battle.” It is really a fallacy because knowledge alone does not bring about change. We humans know about peace and human rights but becoming peaceful and respecting the rights and dignity of every individual requires practice.
“It isn’t enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it. And it isn’t enough to believe in it. One must work at it.” ~ Eleanor Roosevelt
This “peace” that we all desire is not some airy-fairy concept. We will all be better off when we can thrive and see our fellow-humans thriving. We have to want the same good things for our human brothers and sisters as we want for ourselves. As long as we continue to live selfish, self-centred lives, we will not be peaceful as individuals or as citizens of this great planet, Earth.
“If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.” – Mother Teresa
I realize that this post started out on a negative note by pointing out that as members of the human race, we haven’t had the wherewithal to do “peace.” While we’re very good at using words such as peace, happiness, joy, love, understanding and compassion, we all have to challenge ourselves to practice these traits in creative ways everyday. An International Day of Peace is certainly a good time to start practicing . When we’re creating peace every day, our world will be becoming more and more peaceful. Let’s challenge each other to live out the word “peace” and make it a habit.
You were placed on this earth to create not to compete. ~ Robert Anthony
Here are the words to one of my favourite songs about peace that I hope you will enjoy. Happy World Peace Day!
Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me.
Let there be peace on earth
The peace that was meant to be.
With God as our Father
Brothers all are we.
Let me walk with my brother
In perfect harmony.Let peace begin with me,
Let this be the moment now.
With ev’ry step I take
Let this be my solemn vow;
To take each moment and live
Each moment in peace eternally.
Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me.
LET’S STOP COMPETING WITH ONE ANOTHER.