The Peace Hour.org

We Should Tell Our Family Stories

2010-07-29T20:02:00.000-05:00

My Great Uncle Albert

An Environmentalist to His Heart

One of my greatest regrets is not getting the stories from my Aunt Ollie. She was an incredibly gifted singer and what was really great about her is that she knew everything about the family. Being the oldest child of my grandmother she would tell a story with my mother, bringing her up-to-date on what was happening, remembering some family anecdote and the laughter was contagious. Even though I heard a plethora of stories while growing up, I didn't take the time to keep them in my heart and mind. There are gaps and when I ask my aunt and uncle (still living), they either don't remember a particular story, or didn't ever hear it. So, today, as I add another birthday to my life, this is about getting our family stories. Good. Bad. Silly. Funny. Sad. Joyful. You need to get these stories and find a way to share them with other family members.

Here's the other thing I know. I'm not going to be here forever. Not that I want to be here forever. Got give room to those that come after me, but I do want to leave them with something. I'm a storyteller and I never tire of telling stories. But, unfortunately a lot of the stories I tell are not my family stories and guess what, I'm missing a lot of good stories to share. Like the time my grandmother admonished my cousins and I to leave the painters alone while they painted her upstairs apartment. We had been running up and down the stairs. The apartment seemed like a playhouse with the furniture covered or gone. The halls and rooms echoed in ways that were thrilling to our child's mind. Still, my grandmother, Mother we called her, said we had to stop pestering the painters and let them do their work. Basically, we were good kids, but it was too tempting once she left to go the store.

Come on, my cousin Michael extolled. Mother won't be back for while. Let's just go and look.

But grandmother said ... I started to explain and was quickly silenced.

You a baby? my cousin Mary Adell asked.

So, up the stairs I trudged with my cousins. However, while they peeked in closets and asked the painters a million questions, I silently stood and looked out the back window. Grandmother had told us not to be upstairs. I admit it. I was scared. Lost in my thoughts, however, I had stopped watching and as I looked out the window, I saw my grandmother coming briskly across the courtyard of the apartment complex. I looked around for my cousins, but they were in other rooms and if I yelled out to them, well ... I didn't and scooted down the stairs. When the screen door slammed, Michael, Fred and Mary Adell looked like a routine from the three stooges as they bumped into each other as they headed down to the bottom of the stairs.

BUSTED!

Where was I? Sitting on the couch, my head in a book. Needless to say, they got it. Grandmother spanked them all soundly and sat them on the couch, where snuffling and sniffling, they cast baled eyes in my direction. They were gonna kill me when they got me alone, I knew, but I'd rather suffer their wrath than Miss Elaine's.

I will always remember my grandmother's words. P.K., now don't lie and tell me you weren't up there, too, she said knowingly. But, I'm here to tell you that if you do anything else that you're not supposed to do, I'm going to whip you for that and this. Then she headed into the kitchen, where she excelled, by the way, and fixed us lunch.

That's a story worth telling. We do, but when I die, will any of the young people know that story or understand the ramifications of not minding your elders? I don't think so. So, I went to Oroville, California last week and took my little camera to get a couple of stories about my uncle. This story is about the work he is doing. He, after retiring from the service of teaching, wants gardens throughout the community. People gotta eat he tells me and he's right. But, it is more than that. There is still time to get his story and to remember it. With technology today, anyone who is not sharing their family stories is limiting their family legacies. Go and get one of those stories today.

This is real peace.

The Value of a T-Shirt

2010-07-10T23:27:00.000-05:00

Remembering Why I Wore It

I was cleaning out my closets and drawers and found my Obama t-shirts. I have a few of them. They are collector's items for me, a time of remembrance and joy. It is said that a picture is worth a “thousand words” and this sentiment was properly invoked during the last presidential election. No matter what side of the fence you were on in that election, buttons and t-shirts were the stars of Obama's campaign as never before in history. And—truth be told—Obama t-shirts were the hottest items of the day. During those last 24-months of that campaign, t-shirts held sway over the sentiments of those who supported Obama and even those who didn’t. T-Shirts with slogans like “Obama Mama” and “Barack and Roll” were just a few that caught my eye, especially on November 4 where if you didn’t have an Obama t-shirt on, you at least had a button or two. I, myself, wore my t-shirt that said “Think Peace” because for me, voting for Barack was my way of looking at a new day that ushers in peace. I was literally “Thinking Peace!”
     As an aside, however, I will add that peace is not the absence of conflict, but how you conduct yourself in the midst of that conflict. Obama represented for me the “way” in solving conflicts. It was this challenge that encouraged people to literally wear their thoughts on their sleeves (or chest, if you will). But, what does it mean to wear the statement of Obama on your head or body? The feeling from those I interviewed was that it was a statement that was beyond words, but that wearing it was also a commitment, a firm one at that.
     This commitment was in many forms. It was a commitment to participate in a process that far too many have been apathetic about or worse, resigned that it would never be different. It was a commitment that included young people and people of diverse religions, ethnicities, social class, just to name a few. It was a commitment to stand for something and not fall for anything—anymore.
     I asked many questions that night. What do you want to see happen first in an Obama presidency? What makes Obama different from the other candidates? What are some of the hurdles he has to overcome? Can he really make a difference? What I’ve found is that young people are not gullible. They are looking at the issues, especially those that concern them. They are paying attention and they are a force be reckoned with.
     Still, gullibility is not an issue. Obama being elected was not about our gullibility, but of faith and hope. Not faith as in blind and not hope as in a great wish. Yes, it was about change, definitely, only we know that electing a black man doesn't change anything. Ask any black person about affirmative action. Having one black person in a multitude of whites doesn't change the landscape and for that we, with faith and hope as our anchor, must now add hard work and commitment to the change we seek.
     Anyway, looking at my t-shirts and remembering November 4, 2008, it got me to thinking. What is the value of a t-shirt? I mean, the t-shirts are worn--but not so worn. Big, but the better to see, my dear. The value of the t-shirt? History. Absolutely. So, I put my t-shirts back, folded neatly and tucked away safely. I'll give it a little more time as to what history tells us, however. I believe that history will tell us whether change came after all.
     Peace.

Amazing Grace - Wintley Phipps

2010-07-10T22:08:00.000-05:00

Understanding Our Stories Through Song

My Aunt Ollie could sing with the same vibrancy of Mahalia Jackson. She was also a storyteller. I wish I could sing as well as she, but I can tell a story. I also know a good story when I hear one. A good story changes you. Slightly. Vastly. Sometimes and often times irrevocably. The best stories are like that. It makes you see another in a light that not only helps you undestand, but know. What do I know? I mean, what do I know after a good story? I know that there is goodness and that we are all capable of it. I know that life is good even going across its rocky terrain. Ups and downs. Storms and Sun. Life is good! and so are people.

I was blind. But, now I see.

That's what a good story does for you.

'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear and grace, my fear released.

I have had so many ups and downs this past six years, I have felt like surrendering. The only reason I haven't surrendered it is that I haven't been sure what I'd be surrendering or surrendering to. I know that I am called to a life of storytelling. I also know that there is no job description for what I do and what I am called to do, but I do know that I can't NOT do it.

In this video, Wintley Phipps talks about the genesis of the song Amazing Grace. Everyone I have had a chance to show this video are moved by Phipp's storytelling. Most of these individuals know the song Amazing Grace and most love it. The interesting factor about this song and this story is that it doesn't matter what the faith of the individual I share this story with. They all resonate with the story, its meaning and my connection to it. They feel ... They know ...

Slightly. Vastly. This story creates an irrevocable change. In the person. It changes me a little more each time I share it with others, too. Why does it change me--yet again and again? I think, no I know ... it is because this story is one in which once two people share it, they know more about each other than they knew before. It is a story that lends itself to intimacy.

So, if you watched the video before you have had an opportunity to read what I've written, it would be interesting to know what you think. If you have read first and then watched the video, what do you know about me now? Either way, I'd like to know what this story does for you. Call it an experiement. Humor me. Share with me.

Peace.

The Peace Hour and The Library

2010-03-21T12:05:00.000-05:00

Join me at the Cesar Chavez Library in Salinas, California for a new type of broadcasting. As you know Think Peace Radio was all about the children. Actually, I believe that peace should be, too. Learn more about the work of The Peace Hour as I teach broadcasting and nonviolence to teenagers, ages 12 to 19. For more information contact me at 831-250-6860. Reach One! Teach One! and they will teach each other.

Do You See Me?

2010-03-19T16:25:00.002-05:00

The black and white of a fair life is that life isn't fair. Or more specifically, "Life Ain't Fair!" Still, as quoted by Calvin in the Calvin & Hobbes cartoon (through creator Bill Watterson), "I know the world isn't fair, but why isn't it ever unfair in my favor." So, when I say, "Let's Be Fair," what am I really asking? I think we should stop and think about it for this reason. Life isn't fair. In the grand scheme of things, perhaps we should be glad.
     I remember the first time my daughter told me that life wasn't fair. She was lamenting the fact that something wasn't going her way and she was most thoroughly peeved about it.
     "It's not fair," she protested. "It isn't fair that ..." and proceeded to tell me what "it" was and why it wasn't fair, to which I replied:
   "Baby, if life were fair, you'd have come here with a job! As it is, you came here broke, hungry and naked. How fair was that to me?"
      I now know what incredulous looks like because she stood there incredulously--for about a hot moment. Then she said, "But, I didn't ask to be born!" In other words, it wasn't her fault. But, again, mother that I am and fast with the reply, I told her ...
   "Au contraire, my sweet. But you did!" Then I explained the dynamics of which came first, the chicken or the egg. "Before you were a twinkling in my eye," I explained, "God knew you best and knowing you as well as I do, I'm quite confident that it was you who picked me to be your mom."
     The lesson, however, has stuck with her over the years as it has me. I didn't want my daughter thinking that life was fair because I know the heartache in it. My father, on the other hand, told me that hard work was its own reward and not to always expect something from doing what is right, but OH, how jumbled a task that is. The reward, I believe, is a type of fairness. And still I know that life isn't fair.

"Life is not fair. Get use to it."

Bill Gates, Software Mogul

   This is an ironic quote from a man whose life seems to have been handed more than his share of fair. Still, I have to admit that I only know his story from the newspapers and magazines that at one time lauded him as one of the richest men in the world. But, if Bill Gates is telling the world that life isn't fair, what does fair really mean and should we expect it after all? It's a jumbled mess, so to speak, but I think I'm learning something quite valuable here and perhaps I can share it with you. It isn't really about wanting life to be fair. I know that I am not going to always get what I want or even what I deserve (thank God for that!), but that somewhere in between the need for fairness, I am mostly asking to be seen and be heard. Which is ironic since I am 6'3" and often seen and I do radio and I write, which means that I am being heard.
     So, what am I really asking with this need of mine for fairness? Well, I have had time to think. The last 9 years and 3 months have been made up of real teaching moments. Interestingly, this has also been the time of the Decade of Nonviolence and the urging of living Nobel Peace Laureates to create a culture of peace, justice and healing, which denotes, in my humble opinion, fairness. In this time, however, I survived cervical cancer. Another friend didn't. I thought my granddaughter would live. She died. Then my mother died right after I had been fired--unfairly, I believe--and then my father died and I couldn't find a real job in my field--and ... well, you get it. At least I hope you do or this teaching moment may be wasted. Which, of course, isn't fair.
    Still, I didn't think that life was unfair. I considered that life was made up of all the ups and downs that happen through the course of one's life. In all honesty, the ups and downs seemed to be for most of my life on the positive side. I wouldn't trade the hardships, not even the most recent ones, but that's what makes me who I am and who I am yet to be. There were times though that I felt that my life's woes were more than one person could take, but comparing it with others, I had my right mind, I was still breathing and opportunities (and hope) were still mine to pursue life with. I could and did deal with it. While knowing that I couldn't always have a life full of fairness on my terms (everyone has a way they'd like to see things transpire), I felt heard and I felt supported. That was when it hit me. The times that seemed most challenging were often met with support. Cancer. My sisters and brothers throughout the world, came to my rescue, anchoring me, sustaining me. When my granddaughter died, there they were. My mother. Same thing. I was heard. I was seen.
     So when is life unfair to me? Those challenging times where I feel alone. Alone because those dearest to me didn't understand why I was bothered. As one friend said, "You're better off without ..." whatever situation I was lamenting. They didn't hear. Others said, "You're stronger than they are!" Interestingly, just this past week, one woman told me, "You're powerful. Scary powerful." Huh? Here's the lesson and this statement from someone who I don't see often or haven't discussed a lot of what goes on in the world, hers or mine, except peripherably, gave me the most insight. She saw me in ways I didn't see myself. Because the truth is, for all my strength and faith, sometimes I feel so powerless. Powerless to change systems of injustices, inequities, bigotry and the other angst of the world that continue to separate us--continues to divide. When it is all said and done, I am powerless to make myself heard or seen when it matters to me. That's the unfairness.
     I want to shout ... "You knew what I felt like when I was sick or when death knocked on my loved ones' door, but when I ask you to look at systems of privilege and apathy, when I beg you to understand that unless a system changes, I can look forward to more heartache, you can't hear me and truth is, you don't want to see me. These are the most frustrating times in my life. I am not heard. I get so frustrated and yes, angry, because I know that it is easier to turn your head than to face this challenge head on. It means that you might have to change. I know I have to change. Instead I feel and realize that sometimes people don't want to look at what we want them to see. I also know that it is not always apathy, but it is usually fear and impotency. An impotency that says, "We can't change those things. They've been with us for eons."
     Truth is that sometimes we see and that sometimes we do not--I'm sorry but we don't. It's that simple. And for me, that's not fair! Why can't you see? What can't you hear? I still don't understand because here's what I believe. How can you not hear the person you're in relationship with? How can you not want to see? It is not about coming to my rescue. It's about understanding and listening. It's about me knowing that you will listen, but also hear me. It's about relationship. And it is also about witness. Because if you are witness to the unfairness of a situation, you and I can be the change we wish to see.

Life is never fair, and perhaps for some of us
it's a good thing that it is not."

                                       Oscar Wilde, Irish Poet and Novelist
     I like the idea that life can be somewhat unfair because it gives us something to work on. I also know that somethings take time. That's why I nurse my disappointments so that I can try again. And when I say, me. I'm not talking the "I" person who wrote this blog, but the "I" of all of us and recognizing the things that do go bump in the night--are not our imaginations, but real and genuine "unfairness" that must be challenged. On the whole, I think that when I say I'd like to see a world of fairness, I am talking about a place where everyone can be heard--no matter who they are. In the glorious splendor of our Earth, I am asking to be heard, but also to hear.
     Peace.

Peace Words Coloring Book ...

2010-02-02T21:50:00.001-06:00

What does peace mean?
You're invited to participate in The Peace Hour's project of creating “Peace Word Coloring” books to be used to help young people understand the true meaning of peace. What we have found is that peace is more than a concept, but for many it is something that is unattainable simply because we can't define it in ways so that everyone can understand--understand their role in peacemaking, understand how peacemaking can happen, or understand that peace is possible (of course I believe it is inevitable, but that's another story). The goal of our project is making peace words into art and use them to help others understand the meanings of these words, how they are used, how they inspire and help us see peace more clearly.

“Good actions give strength to ourselves and inspire good actions in others.” Plato

If you are so inspired, submit a word that you find exemplifies your understanding of “peace.” You can draw it, type it or otherwise illustrate the word. Find a quote or definition you think helps people understand the meaning of the word and write a 1-2 paragraph statement on how you think this word helps people become peacemakers. Send the artwork to the following address and enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope for our response to:

P.K. McCary

The Peace Hour

PO Box 450712

Houston, TX 77245-0712

The artwork must be your own work. Send us your name, address, email and phone number so that we may contact you. There is no payment for this except that all submissions accepted will be given a published coloring book and credit for the submission. We will not use the artwork for any other publication without asking your permission. Proceeds from the coloring book will be used to further the work of The Peace Hour's work with young people. Deadline for submissions is July 31, 2010.
Special Note: If you are a teacher, you may contact me directly at info@thepeacehour.org to talk about ways your class can participate in this endeavor.

The Years that Ask Questions ...

2010-01-29T15:19:00.000-06:00

The Decade of Nonviolence ...

“There are years that ask questions and years that answer.”

Zora Neale Hurston

“,,, years that ask questions ...”

I have often said that the Decade of Nonviolence is a time “when the impossible becomes possible; when the possible becomes probable; and the probable becomes inevitable.” This first decade of the 21st Century seemingly brought more questions than answers and I have to say that it was often frustrating. This week I spoke with a group of young people at a private school in Houston and one young woman challenged me because as she put it, “I was expecting more answers to the questions I had about peacemaking.” Oddly enough, I remember saying quite clearly that at this stage in my peacemaking life I have more questions than answers. And I'm finding that giving people answers is not the purpose in being a peacemaker. Even on my show The Peace Hour, I found myself sharing the stories of peace in action, which is some ways might be considered answering some of the questions on how we do this or that, but more it was an opportunity for discovery. Why does it work? How does it work? How can we get others to create more of the same (i.e., positive, integrity-filled, helpful models of peace)? I do now believe that this Decade was a chance to look at all that we've accomplished and didn't accomplish these past 20 centuries and question why or why not. These were the years of questioning.

“... and years that answer.”

And now we must move forward and answer some of the hard questions, the hardest question of all being how do we live together on this planet in harmony? The answer. With careful consideration for one another. Simple answer. No, I don't think so. Within that answer is no simple formula nor does it leave you with all questions answered, but it is the answer. We have to work at building a world that we can live in and we have to do it with due diligence knowing that we can't wait and that without having this answer as the ultimate answer for all of the questions, we cannot work out how we do it. We must first believe in the answer. Then we must do everything in our power to see that it happens.
     These are the years of answers. We have assessed where we are this decade and here's what we do know. We know that “War is not the answer for the world today.” We know that like the late Howard Zinn espoused, “Every war is against children.” What other answers make sense? Still, I know that eliminating war completely will take time (although we must make the decision to do it first) and I know that peace is NOT the absence of conflict. We must instead learn alternatives to war (the answers) and learn how to handle conflict without destroying one another. I also think that the answer comes from deciding to be a peacemaker. Then after making the decision, work on yourself because if you're a peacemaker whose goal is to change the world, you have to start with yourself.
     I want to thank my friend, Andrea, for reminding me of this quote. When you ponder on this quote, also think of the person who quoted it. Some might say that Zora's life bears scrutiny. She didn't succeed in life. She died a pauper. For those who might argue this, here is the answer. You can't argue with truth and you can't judge a person by how big his or her bank account is when he or she dies. If that's the case, I guess we should discard the words of Jesus, Rosa Parks, Gandhi, King and others who struggled in this life to harness the power of humanity for the earth. If you dissect their lives, some might say they failed. But, we're living the years that answer because they dared to ask the questions in the first place.
     Peace.

Wake Up Everybody ...

2010-01-01T11:44:00.000-06:00

This is the day that God has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Okay, everybody sing with me ...

Wake up everybody no more sleepin' in bed

No more backward thinkin time for thinkin ahead
The world has changed so very much
From what it used to be so

There is so much hatred war an' poverty
Wake up all the teachers time to teach a new way
Maybe then they'll listen to whatcha have to say
Cause they're the ones who's coming up and the world is in their hands
when you teach the children teach em the very best you can.

Chorus
The world won't get no better if we just let it be
The world won't get no better we gotta change it yeah, just you and me.

Wake up all the doctors make the ol' people well
They're the ones who suffer an' who catch all the hell
But they don't have so very long before the Judgement Day
So won'tcha make them happy before they pass away.

Wake up all the builders time to build a new land
I know we can do it if we all lend a hand
The only thing we have to do is put it in our mind
Surely things will work out they do it every time.

Chorus

The world won't get no better if we just let it be
The world won't get no better--

WE GOTTA CHANGE IT, YEAH ... Just you and me

Happy New Year from The Peace Hour and Think Peace Radio Network

CoExistance--A Life Equalizer

2009-12-23T21:51:00.003-06:00

"To live together without hostility or conflict."

The goal of peacemaking is a world where we can live--exist--together. As we come to the end of 2009, a time of real spiritual insights, it is time to make the commitment to the idea that this world is built for all of us. Can we? Are we ready to? I personally think we have no choice. But, there are a few points I'd like to establish first.
You can't coexist without engaging. I am always out of my comfort zone except when I am with family and friends. The reason is that family and friends know me. I know them. It is not perfect, by any means, but the comfort lies in our love. We learn in our many religious traditions to love one another. But, many of our traditions also ask us to love our enemies. I believe that enemies are those we don't find comfort in. And that one should try to make enemies into friends--into the comfort zones of our lives. That takes engagement. Until we learn to engage, we have such an uneasy peace and uneasy peace can lead to the hostility that hampers coexistence.
Coexistence is not simply tolerance. Just the other day, someone said to me that he tolerated the way in which I took notes of our meetings. I knew the minute I heard the words that I was being insulted. I felt patronized. I felt that the uneasy peace that goes with not talking through the problems. It is similar to a blog I wrote about agreeing to disagree. That doesn't work for me and I guess it never will. I believe that tolerance leaves a void that says "we are not engaged" and I definitely believe that I don't want to agree to disagree, I'd rather agree to try and understand.
To coexist means "living" ... and to live means to embrace life. When we coexist we are truly embracing all that life has to offer. The strengths inherent in our diversity is what life is all about. If someone says, "I don't see color," I'm suspicious of that person who, I believe, wants the uneasy peace rather than the hard-earned peace. Uneasy peace, which can fracture at any moment, is not the goal of coexistence. Rather it thwarts our ability to coexist.
When I was a little girl, my mother would leave for work after kissing me with her frosty lips of red, marking my lips with a little color, too. I would send her off with a "See you later, alligator." To my delight that still makes me smile, she would respond, "After while, chocolate child." Can you imagine not recognizing the colors of roses--yellow, white, red? Would you fail to notice the color of the sky during a sunrise or sunset? I live for the creative paintbrush of God who made us all so different. God's gift to us is in each of us and it is marvelous in God's sight. It should be in ours, too. After all, God does love the whole world and I'm convinced that it is without any exceptions.
Peace.

Recommitting to the Principles of the Decade

2009-12-18T20:20:00.001-06:00

The Peace Hour was created to tell the stories of peace in action and over the last five years has done that. Now we at The Peace Hour are looking beyond the Decade and have decided that our commitment will continue to be to the children of the world and that we will do it in various formats, including making our show available through internet. The last five years have shown us that our work with children is the most exciting work that we have ever done and will ever do. We will continue to bring the stories of peace in action to you with interviews from and about peacemakers. Along with our Peace Hour blog, our website will give you up-to-the-hour information about what is going on in the world. In addition, we are revamping our Sister II Sister blog and have started a wonderful new conversational blog called Wacky Peacemaking. We are bringing innovative ideas and conversations in every format that we can. In the meantime, though, we want you to remember what the principles are that started this Decade initiative and what the future may hold for us as we look BEYOND THE DECADE OF NONVIOLENCE!

Respect for All Life means to respect the life and dignity

of each human being without discrimination or prejudice.

It is funny that respecting life leads the list of principles because when you respect all life, no other principle is needed. In Sunday school I learned Thou shall not kill! and I believed that was a good commandment. Now, I realize that the other commandments are all about what not to do to anyone you might consider unworthy or dispensable. Clearly, you can create tons of commandments that work for the community that is honored and respected, but those same commandments are thrown out the window for the "other." Respect for all human life and dignity for each human being means everybody!

To reject violence is to practice active non-violence in all of its forms.

We think that only physical violence is true violence. Nothing can be further from the truth. While there is physical and sexual violence, there is also psychological, economic and social violence. This violence is usually perpetrated by the powerful against the less powerful, mostly the most deprived and vulnerable communities of the poor, children and adolescents, women and elders. If we think that we are exempt from being perpetrators because we didn't actually commit such atrocities, we fail to realize just how our silence and apathy play a part in colluding with those who do.
In order to reject violence, each individual must be willing to stand against the tyranny that plagues our planet. We must learn to cease our collusion with the illnesses of society and find ways in which we can stop cycles of abuse that happen all over the world.

Defend freedom of expression and cultural diversity, giving

preference always to dialogue and listening.

Recently I had the opportunity to talk about the importance of words, the impact of what we say and don't say, and how we can better listen. Dialogue and listening should be done without engaging in fanaticism, defamation and the rejection of others. Still, we may not realize how much our words and actions do just that. Again, as discussed above, silence often speaks volumes as does apathy. Our expressions manifest themselves in a variety of ways, so when you're thinking about engaging in dialogue, remember that there is more than one way to say something. Think on it!

Sharing your time and material resources in a spirit of generosity.

Our inability to be inclusive, to understand when our patterns are associated with exclusion, injustice and political and economic depression, has been the bane of our society. Chief Seattle said it best. Earth does not belong to us; we belong to the Earth. Such poignancy from someone who many might have considered conquered should humble us. Instead, we have become people of ownership, taking as much as we can without regard to others. We believe in wealth and therefore, wealth for the few and the privilege. This is not about socialism. This is about community. When we share our resources, the value from that increases significantly and the world is better for it.

Responsible and Developmental practices that respect all forms of life.

No longer a simple admonishment to mankind, preserving the planet is going to take forethought and much work. We have already destroyed much of what is precious about the earth. But it doesn't have to continue. It is clear that we must promote consumer behavior. I learned recently that a woman only generates less than 5 pounds of trash a month. Unheard of. In fact, it may well be true wacky peacemaking at its best. In America we generate tons of trash. Imagine consciously choosing to create less trash. Using cloth napkins. No styrofoam or plastic forks. Time consuming, but ain't our planet worth it?

or "Rediscovering Our Solidarity"

What are ways in which we can contribute to the development of our communities? And as I've asked over time, "Where is our community?" A simple question with complex answers. If we think of communities as places where people look and act like us, that's one thing. When we think of the world as a variety of communities where we all can take a part, that's profound. Traveling has afforded me the opportunities of being part of communities around the world--women, people of color, yes, but peacemakers! I am discovering that solidarity with those who believe in building cultures of peace are so wonderfully diverse that we are solving most of our problems with these simple collaborations. But, there's another aspect of contributing to our communities that is essential. There must be full participation of everyone and that includes women and it includes respecting democratic principles so that we can formulate the most positive aspects of solidarity possible.

So, there you have it!

Are you ready to rededicate yourself to the principles of the Decade and beyond? Let's get to work.

Peace!

IN FOUR DAYS ...

2009-12-08T14:38:00.000-06:00

Join members and endorsers of The Decade of Nonviolence for an evening of peacemaking through fellowship and fun. Fellowship and Fun do go together. We'll laugh and smile as we share our work and our aspirations of building cultures of peace. There will also be an auction to raise money for Decade Programs in 2010. Some auction items come from a place that epitomizes peace ---

http://www.tenthousandvillages.com/

Ten Thousand Villages works with over 130 artisan groups in more than 38 countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin American to bring you fair trade jewelry, home decor, gifts and more. They are one of the world's oldest and largest fair trade organizations in the world. Ten Thousand Villages provides the opportunity for a better quality of life.

The Decade Principles are Respecting Life, Rejecting Violence, Sharing with Others, Listening to Understand, Preserving the Planet and Contributing to Our Communities. We share these stories on The Peace Hour. Look for The Peace Hour to resume soon. More information to follow or if you want first-hand information, come to the Decade Event at The Houston Mennonite Church, 1231 Wirt Road (North of I-10), from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday, December 12th. We're looking to see you there.

Peace.

Fantastic Authors and Artists ...

2009-12-07T23:56:00.000-06:00

THREE FANTASTIC BOOKS FOR THE DECADE

The Decade of Nonviolence has six principles that urge all of the world's citizens to embrace. All six of these principles are encompassed in three books: Within These Walls: Memoirs of a Death House Chaplain by Rev. Carroll Picket, Detour to Death Row by Houston's own Dave Atwood, and The Challenge for Africa by Nobel Peace Laureate, Wangari Maatha. The principles that these books urge us to look at concern human life and the Earth. Anti-death proponents, Rev. Pickett and Dave Atwood, believe in the sanctity of all life. They recount their experiences about the death penalty and its ill-advised use to combat crime, but also as a bad use of the penal system. The principles of the Decade they employ are "Respecting life," "Rejecting violence," and "Listening to Understand." Nobel Peace Laureate Wangari Maathi employs the use of the other three principles in her book "The Challenge for Africa" of "Sharing With Others," "Preserving the Planet," and "Contributing to Our Communities." She offers up her work "in the trenches with others to find ways to break the wall that separate the peoples of Africa from justice, wealth, peace and respect." All three books will be auctioned off on December 12, 2009 at the Houston Mennonite Church, 1231 Wirt Road (North of I-10) at the Decade Event. Each book is signed by the authors. For more information contact either Judith Hoffhein at 713-863-8708 or P.K. McCary at 713-893-1304. You can offer a bid for any or all of the books by emailing us at info@thepeacehour.org. Please note which book or books and your auction bid.

REMEMBER, PEACE IS AN ART FORM

Remember that you can also bid on fantastic art at this Decade event. Houston artist Chuck Ivy offers as an auction item "Wife/Lover," a 20x30 print facemounted on plexiglass. Chuck Ivy is another Houston artists who work can grace your home. Bids for art pieces start around $100 and are for a good cause to support the work of the Decade's work in 2010.

Again, for more information, contact Judith Hoffhein at 713-863-8708 or P.K. McCary at 713-893-1304. Each piece will be at the event on December 12, 2009. You can also email us at info@thepeacehour.org.

Hug A Bear of Your Very Own

2009-12-05T19:44:00.001-06:00

Ever wonder about the story behind "Teddy's Bears?" More than just cuddly, teddy bears have a history. As everyone knows, real bears disappear in winter and reappear in spring. Bears symbolize renewal and rebirth. In some cultures, the bear symbolizes female energy and is considered powerful medicine. But, the story of the teddy bear did not come about because of her symbolism. Instead, the teddy bear was borne out of a story about President Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt’s refusal to shoot a bear that had been captured. He considered it bad form and lacking ethics. A Washington Post cartoon by Clifford Berryman captured the story, which was seen by a Russian immigrant by the name of Morris Michtom who asked his wife, Rose, to create a stuffed bear like the one in the cartoon. She made one and put it in the couple’s store window and it not only sold, but every bear she made sold out, too. The bears were dubbed “Teddy’s Bears” and were a huge success. President Roosevelt gave his permission to continue calling the bears by his nickname “Teddy” and the rest is history. The Company’s name was the Ideal Novelty and Toy Company, which still exists today. This story resonates with us here at The Peace Hour as well as on our Think Peace Radio Network, but in addition so do the symbols associated with the bear. We find the idea of bear magic appealing. We love the idea of renewal and rebirth since both are needed for each of us committed to the peace movement. Because of the bear’s fierceness and strength, we believe that bears also symbolize our need to utilize our combined strengths as passions to build cultures of peace all around the world. In addition, we believe that the symbol of the bear is perfect for the work that we do, telling the stories of peace in action.

Our bears come with t-shirts that say "God Bless the Whole World, No Exceptions," Think Peace," and our new t-shirt with "Give Peas a Chance." We've included a picture here for you.

"Won't you take one of us home?" Bears are available for your support of The Peace Hour and Think Peace Radio Network. If you're interested in having one of these bears for your very own, email me at info@thepeacehour.org for pricing information.

You're Invited to A Decade of Nonviolence Event ...

2009-12-05T18:42:00.000-06:00

You're Invited to a evening of Fellowship and Sharing ...

When:

December 12, 2009

Where:

The Houston Mennonite Church

1231 Wirt Road (North of I-10)

Time:

5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The Decade of Nonviolence-Houston invites you to a holiday event at the Houston Mennonite Church, 1231 Wirt Road (North of I-10) so that we can share food, fun and fellowship to talk about Beyond the Decade: Where do we go from here? The Decade of Nonviolence is a movement. Regardless of the wars and rumors of war that float throughout the world, peacemakers ARE making an effort and we are also making a DENT in the violent aspects of our lives. Come learn about Compassionate Communication, Peace Camp, Peace Education in Schools, and yes, The Peace Hour. Our work is really only just beginning.

ATTENTION: If you're an organization or group who endorses the Decade, please contact us so that we can list you in the program. In addition, bring your materials and information. We'll have a place set up just for you! We will be holding an auction to help raise money for the future of The Decade. Remember: Peace is an Art Form and we'll bring the creativity of peacemakers to you on this night, from 5 to 9. For more information, email us at info@thepeacehour.org or call P.K. McCary at 713-893-1304 or Judith Hoffhein at 713-863-8708.

AUCTION --- Peace is an Art Form

"Alien Friend" by Jennifer Chen

Kane Pau "Water Blossom" Lee

by Bobbie Jo Free

Artists from Texas and California have either donated or given at costs works that make a difference. Artists include Jennifer Chen a.k.a. "Komodokat," Burford Evans, Bobbi Jo Free, and other artists who showcase their works at the Black Heritage Gallery in Houston, Texas. Also, auction items are from 10,000 Villages and donations from private donors and collectors.

Proceeds from this event will benefit the Decade of Nonviolence--Houston, a non-profit charitable organization, and its programs: Compassional Communication, Peace Education in Schools, Peace Camp and The Peace Hour and Think Peace Radio.

BEYOND THE DECADE ...

2009-12-05T15:26:00.001-06:00

The Peace Hour broadcast, as many of you know, is an initiative of the Decade of Nonviolence, when living Nobel Peace Laureates made their appeal to the world that we use this first decade to build cultures of peace for the children of the world. These last five years, I have started every show with these words. Next I say, "Many have heeded the call." And now I ask, "have they?"
The Call to Peace
As we head into 2010, there are many who feel that we've failed or at least are failing at building those cultures of peace in every day life. In America, we are struggling through a horrendous recession. We can't agree on ways to ensure that every American has health care or access to good health care. We fight over whether to stay in wars on the other side of the world--Iraq and Afghanistan, for instance--or whether to bother with conflicts in areas we don't think are important enough to warrant our time or efforts. The Republican/Democrat wars are legend. The wars around the world, many conflicts ongoing, don't seem to be abating. Every day, there is some conflict that results in the deaths and maiming of others. The Uppsala Conflict Data Program tells us that armed conflicts around the world result in 1,000 deaths a day! If we take a look at the world, we'll see that there is a conflict going on in almost every part of the world.

While this these violent conflicts include major and minor conflicts, they also include non-state and one-sided violence (UCDP Database, 2009). Still, this doesn't include the violence inflicted in homes, cities, states and nations, in families, in business, and in our "Peace" organizations.
     If I had to establish what hurts the most, I would say that the violence that hurts the most is violence perpetrated by those who are supposed to care and those who should know better. For the models of peace are there for us to use when conflict arises, but somehow, we don't always use them or maybe we haven't really learned how. When people that we love, respect and care about, resort to violence, our lives are shattered by that betrayal. When people fail to see that violence can happen without the use of a fist or a gun, that the weapons of hate, deceit, disinterest, disenfranchisement, disrespect and other types of actions more subtle, are as devastating to the soul, we'll never get this peace thing right. Weapons such as these can kill the spirit, the will and the heart of a people. It can make us jaded, cynical, but it can also make us afraid. Afraid to speak up. Afraid to venture forth. Afraid to use our gifts and talents for the good of humankind!
     Still, this is my heart talking. My brain tells me to look beyond the shadows. As one friend told me "Never attribute to malice what incompetence is sufficient to explain." Peacemaking is a lifelong endeavor. We have to get "good at it" in ways that make accomplishing it something like breathing. In. Out. Deep breaths. Exhale. My Yoga friends would agree.
   Another thought from this friend talked about the complications embedded in this world of peacemaking. He described them as "so many interlocking and overlapping, yet often competing, responsibilities" that we often drop the ball far more often than we admit. We too often focus on the one event that has been difficult rather than looking at the entire picture of events. My friend went on to explain it this way, "I DO think that [people] are often myopic and short-sighted (and redundant). There is a constant tendency to focus on the matter or issue or crisis that is right in front of a person and forget that decisions about the immediate matter affect other previous commitments, or even contradict stated principles and goals." In this, I found an answer that I think we must truly evaluate in ourselves. Am I so myopic or short-sighted that I'm concentrating on the immediate goal or problem? Do I only think of what is solved right now, rather than all the layers that it affects? I have to ask this question of myself because unless I reflect and evaluate my own purpose, I have no right to demand it from others.
The Vision
When a person is hurt, compassionate communication urges us to "listen to the need of that person" and that by understanding that need, acknowledging that need, we then are able to empathize. Empathy connects us. That's the "heart" part of peacemaking. We all need to listen to our hearts a little more.
     Besides the complications, we have systems that have been in place for centuries and these systems create disparities that resonate in different ways. We cannot create cultures of peace within these systems. It's a given that these systems must change. And here lies another problem. In order to change systems, many feel that we must use the same methods of these systems to vanquish that which we considered unholy, unhealthy or undesirable. This is defined as a takeover and takeovers are simply, to coin a violent analogy, simply "the faster gun." Instead, we must throw away these weapons and create models that mirror the best of our methods. Charles Edwin Markham talks about this when he says, "They drew a circle that shut me out--heretic, rebel, a thing to flout. But love and I had the wit to win; we drew a circle that took them in."
Who's In/Who's Out
I'm out! I took myself out of a situation for reasons that I won't go into. It isn't important. What is important is that it hurt. I don't do hurt well, mostly because I try to anticipate hurt ahead of time. I walk around with my hurt detector on, but it is not infallible. So, then I'm surprised (well, not really), or taken off guard, then I start second guessing myself and trying to deal with the current issues (or what is perceived as the current issues) and I'm trying to fix those and I am, as my friend so appropriately points out, "myopic and short-sighted." I start trying to change the system and it isn't my place to change anything. There are a number of reasons why this is true. The biggest reason is that I have not nor will I have power in these systems. These are systems that I cannot take over even if I wanted to. I don't belong and it gets harder and harder to participate in a system where I am not only uncomfortable, but also have no real say. The most significant reason I can't change these systems is that I-can-only-change-myself. We must, after all, be the change we wish to see. When we do that, I can leave a little residue of my intent to empathize and love the people within these systems and perhaps those in power or control can use that, when and if they choose. But it is not now nor was it ever my job to change another. And even if someone tries to say that it is, I decline the offer. Thanks, but no thanks.
     Instead ...
     I want to build an place that is the wider circle built on principles of the Decade, but also principles of my faith, a place that still holds hope and love for the world. I want to build a place where the energy of young people is harnessed and developed, giving their creativity, gifts and talents free reign in the world. I want to capture the wisdom of the elders. I want an organization that supports intergenerational relationships. As a storyteller, I want to gather the stories and share them with the world--my way of sharing the world's cultures with one another. I want to be free--free to be all that I can be and along the way, stop to make sweet potato pies for my family and friends. In essence, I want to live this life to the fullest as a peacemaker. That's the job I'm applying for every day of my life.
     Someone said that if you build it--they will come. So, you may ask--why do I think I can build it? That's easy! Because everyone has it in them to do it. Because--after all--I'm In! In this world to do good.
     Peace.

[The Peace Hour broadcast will be heard every week on the Think Peace Radio Network, on OhZone.org, with archives at www.thepeacehour.org starting December 7, 2009. For more information on the work of The Peace Hour and the Think Peace Media and Communications Cooperation Circle, email us at office@thinkpeaceradio.net. We're building it. Won't you come?]

WITH THESE SIMPLE WORDS ...

2008-08-08T11:50:00.000-05:00

WE CAN START HEALING THE HURTS OF THE WORLD

"Two Sides of the Coin--An Apology, Forgiviness"
The Price of Reconciliation and Healing

The incident happened years before. I had been fired from my job unfairly. It was a job I loved and it loved me, too. I had found my calling and then in a matter of minutes, with only a few words, it was gone and there was nothing I could do to get it back. I was hurt and disillusioned. As I attempted to overcome it, I was often given this advice: “Let it go. Just get over it” and I strived to do that. It took me a while, but over time I “got over it.” I worked at it. I didn’t talk about it much. Sometimes something would trigger a memory or a friend would ask about it. Truthfully, I didn’t recognize it as hurt anymore.

Then one day I had lunch with someone who wasn’t there those many years ago, but who now worked for this same organization. Yes, she’d heard the rumors about some of what had transpired, stories that still lived on. But, here’s the crux of the story. As we left lunch and I offered my help and support to her, to an organization that had “hurt” me but that I had a special bond with, this woman said, “I’m sorry for what happened. You’re a remarkable person and I’m glad to know you.”

I’m sorry.

This individual took responsibility for a slight, a hurt, a pain that I thought I had overcome and with those simple words, relief flooded through me. I almost responded, “Why are you apologizing? You didn’t have anything to do with it,” but I stopped myself and said, “Thank you. I accept. I appreciate the sentiment.” And now, the healing has begun. Where I thought I had merely “gotten over it,” now I am finally free.

A long time ago I wrote an article about forgiveness. I told my readers that forgiveness is a balm for most of the world’s ills. In fact, I believe that forgiveness is so important to our world’s health, that we must take it upon ourselves to offer it again and again. The truth is, though, that it takes lots and lots of practice; that it doesn’t come easy, but oh—it is worth it. And yet, what I’m learning is that forgiveness is only one side of the coin. The other side is repentance. Repentance is the “I’m sorry” that comes from genuine remorse and a desire to make it better. Together the “I’m sorry” and “I forgive you” are the coin that paves the way to reconciliation and healing.

But what of the “I’m sorry”? Many of the ills of the world were created by people who are no longer here. Yet, the tragedies of the world still permeate our air space and if no one is willing to offer the first half of the coin, how are we to spend only one-half of a coin? Forgiveness can be given without an apology, but it is not as potent. Without the full coin, you still have an incomplete, unresolved issue. In the story above, one person held the side of the coin that merged the part I had already given. I still believe that it was my responsibility to forgive, but having someone stand for the apology finished it—healed the rift. I’m now whole.

There are many other stories. At a prayer vigil for the earth in Washington, DC, a friend who is a minister offered an apology for what had been done to thousands of our Native brothers and sisters. He took responsibility for making the apology at a ceremony of healing because without it, there was a void that could never be bridged. He understood that the pain caused from broken treaties, displacement, and atrocities too horrible to mention, stood in the midst, ghost-like, but palpable to the soul of a people. He tapped into it through a genuine connection with a people who have offered forgiveness through a charitable spirit of love and compassion.

This wasn’t about guilt as much as it was about acknowledgement of the hurt. If you ask if I want an apology for slavery, I might even say no. After all, I was never a slave. But, truth be told, I’d like an apology for my ancestors, heartfelt and genuine. I want to know that my grandmother’s mother and father and all the unknowns of my ancestry are finally getting their apology and when it comes, I, who stand on their shoulders, accept the apology on their behalf. As a child of the Diaspora, I, who carry the DNA of those whose blood was spilled, can stand for them today. And, I, can stand for those who have been lynched and died at the hands of those “who know not what they do.” That comes from my Christian faith, but there are so many who are willing to stand in the gap for other tragedies. Hiroshima. Germany. South Africa. There are those who will stand in that gap to close the circle of pain into one of healing. But, who will carry the “I’m sorry”? Who will stand for the hurt and pain in genuine remorse and supplication? Who will stand with me?

I’m willing to stand for the “I’m sorry” side of the coin. I know what it feels like on the other side of it, but I’m genuinely sorry for the ills that have happened by my country’s hands, for the abusers of children, with true regret for the pain caused to them. I’m willing to bow my head, lower myself to my knees and stand for the “I’m sorry” that so many need. Can you? Will you join me?

As I’ve listened to other stories of pain on this show and in my travels, I’ve been shown the power of it all. I know it can happen and I have the perfect occasion to start—a day that each of us can take a role—either for the apology or the forgiveness. The spirit of it defies the gravity of any situation, no matter the hurt, no matter the pain. The spirit of it is to move forward to the reconciliation and healing of the world that needs to take place. If in this small ceremony of giving and receiving I believe that lives can change, so can each of you.

The International Day of Peace is September 21, 2008. I’m asking that we meet at churches, at synagogues, at temples, at parks, in homes, on the street—and stand for the apology and the forgiveness. Two people can do it. Thirty people can do it. A thousand people can do it as well. With half standing for the “I’m Sorry!” and the other half standing with “You’re Forgiven,” the work begins. We’ve gotten the hard part out of the way. Then, afterwards, we should start working together in our families, communities, and organizations, to reconcile and heal. The efforts of this one simple ceremony can reverberate around the world as we stand in the gap for all who have gone before us and all the good that can now come.

I’m sending out a request to all my relationships across the board—The Rothko, Interfaith Ministries, my church, my friends, my family. I’m asking that we take a place—either in the circle of Apology or the Circle of Forgiveness. You can carry signs that say “I’m sorry for Hiroshima,” or “I’m sorry for abusing a child,” or “I’m sorry for not ending Apartheid sooner (in any place that it is taking place)” --- and I want someone or many to go and accept that apology. Today, I give my forgiveness for the millions of children without healthcare. That’s a for instance, but it doesn’t stop there. Now the work begins. No one has to feel guilty because the full coin will let us purchase time, efforts, commitment—working together. That’s you and me.

So, you can call me at 713-893-1304 and tell me you want to participate. I’ll help you do it. You can email me at info@thepeacehour.org. I’ll respond back. Here at KPFT, the Decade of Nonviolence, in my work with United Religions Initiative and the World Peace Prayer Society, the many places we talk about building a better world, let’s hold the powerful synergy of the Apology and Forgiveness and start the reconciliation and healing process that eludes us. Today.

May Peace Prevail on Earth.

The Peace Hour.org

2006-09-26T15:32:00.000-05:00

The Peace Hour.org

9/11 Mysteries (Full Length, High Quality)

2006-09-26T15:22:00.000-05:00


All voices must be heard. Whether we agree or disagree, without full disclosure, without listening to all sides, we will never know the truth. This documentary of the 9/11 historical even brings to light QUESTIONS. This domain 9/11 Truth documentary portends that there is more to come. An excellent document. Pass it on.

International Day of Peace--A Day of Prayer

2006-09-21T10:43:00.000-05:00

PRAYER CHANGES THINGS

"When children pray, God listens. Are we listening?"

On this International Day of Peace I am reminded that we live in one world. Today, many of our world’s citizens are celebrating this one day with the hope of peace eternal. Peace is a concept for the mind, body and spirit. I’m especially grateful that these next few weeks are also symbolic of peace. We celebrate the Jewish New Year and Ramadan. This is a poignant reminder that we CAN walk side by side.

Someone asked that we celebrate this day with prayers, poems and songs. My prayer:

Wake in me, O Lord, the need for another
Prepare in me, O Lord, the way to acceptance
Instill in me, O Lord, true love and compassion

Help me, O Lord, to accept your gifts
And then, O Lord, let me live in thanksgiving for the harmony of this world.

Amen

My Poem:

I look on the faces of my sisters and brothers
To see the desires and dreams in their eyes
I look at the hands of my sisters and brothers
To clasp in fervent prayer for one another

I see beyond the different hues,
The cultural resonance of voices of different lands,
The shapes of eyes, mouths and noses,
And I see the Wisdom that God demands

I listen to the prayers of all
In languages too numerous to count
Chants, songs and silent meditations
Become a symphony of hope for us all

I see each of you
I see God

And my song:

Let us break bread together on our knees
Let us break bread together on our knees
When I fall on my knees,
With my face to the rising sun,
O Lord, Have mercy on me

Let us clasp hands together on our knees
Let us clasp hands together on our knees
When I fall on my knees,
With my face to the rising sun,
O Lord, Have mercy on me

Let us sing songs together on our knees
Let us sing songs together on our knees
When I fall on my knees,
With my face to the rising sun,
O Lord, Have mercy on me

Let us praise God together on our knees
Let us praise God together on our knees
When I fall on my knees,
With my face to the rising sun,
O Lord, Have mercy on me

And my final prayer:
Lord, have mercy on all of us. On this International Day of Peace, let us remember that we are each in need of your mercy and love. That we are in need of your compassion and grace and that in giving it to us, we will return the favor by giving it to others.

A blessed and hopeful International Day of Peace. P.K.

Faith and Peace—The Only Way

2006-07-02T15:37:00.000-05:00

I spent time with my grandson this week. As he knows I usually have something for him in my room, he went in to see and when he came out, he had my prayer beads looped around his neck. I told him about the beads and knew he understood as much as a two-year can, because the rest of the evening, he told everyone he had "Buddha Beads" around his neck.

I am a peacebuilder. I think I was born to be one. At age twelve I finally made six feet in height. My father took this opportunity to explain to me about the responsibilities of being tall. I would imagine he would have had to be the one. He was six feet five inches tall himself.

“P.K., do you know how tall you are now?”

“No, Daddy,” I responded. “I just know that I’m taller than most everybody in my class except a few of the boys in the 11th and 12th grades.”

I was in the eighth grade then, youngest of my classmates—taller than almost all of them and all of my teachers. My father’s mother had always emphasized standing tall and since that was ingrained I stood tall. That day I learned from my father that I would sometimes seem taller than people the rest of my life and probably would be. I’m 6 feet and 3 inches now. So, my father sat me to down to explain about size and the power size can have. He explained about periphery vision and how it played an active role in people’s perceptions about space. He told me how precious a person’s space can be. He also told me that I had a new responsibility now that I had grown so tall.

This is what he told me.

“People will see you before you see them,” he tells me. He explained that this could be a good thing. “But sometimes people will see you as a hindrance before you’ve opened your mouth.” And then he told me something I never thought about. “You will be perceived to take up a person’s personal space even when you don’t mean to.” My father then stood and demonstrated what he meant. He told me that people consider a certain amount of space their own. “If you tower over them,” he said to me as I looked up at him, “someone may consider that you are taking up their space.” My father’s height was imposing when we both stood. Now standing over me as I sat, I immediately understood his meaning.

“You can continue to tower over them, continue to make them feel uncomfortable or,” he smiled, “you can even the field of vision so that you are no longer threatening.” He demonstrated by sitting down again with me.

I told my father that I would never do anything to threaten another person. I was a gentle giant, after all. He told me that he believed that I would not. However, he gave me this last piece of advice. He then told me that there may be times in my life I need to make a point. His words to me were simple. “It is then that you stand.”

I’m also storyteller—naturalized, of course. My Aunt Ollie, my mother’s sister was the other family griot. I believe I inherited her gift. She was also the oldest of my mother’s siblings as I am. My mother told me when I was quite young that she and her siblings seldom could afford the nickel movies, so they would let Ollie go instead. She would return and tell them the story of Gene Autry’s pursuits and victories in movies such as “Back in the Saddle”—even singing the songs that made him so famous. I’m the oldest as well and I’ve been practicing my storytelling skills on my younger siblings for many years. I believe that my ability to tell a story has helped me to take the advice my father gave and use my skills as a storyteller to simply stand when there is a point to be made. These days the point is—there is no way to peace. Peace is the way.

So now I’ve become a student of peace through non-violence. I say student because I’m still learning. I believe that Jesus was also a teacher of non-violence. I’ve learned that non-violence cannot be simply a concept or even a tool. It must be a way of life. How else could Jesus at the moment they came to arrest him speak to his disciples so passionately for peace after Peter cut off the soldier’s ear. He said to them, “There will be no more of this!” How was he able to do this? Because he had prepared for it his entire life, at the moment of whether to use violence or non-violence, he had no choice. He chose peace. He even healed the person who came with a sword with the peace of healing. I’m sure that soldier was never the same. Perhaps at that moment, he lay down his sword. Even then the tenants of non-violence spoke that there is no way to peace—peace is the way.

Personally, I think God made me tall for a reason. He wanted me to be seen. But, God also had a plan. He never wanted me to use my size to bully or hurt another. He wanted to show that big doesn’t always mean power, but it can speak truth. As I learn the lessons that Jesus taught; that others such as Gandhi, Lawson and King also taught; I realize that I want no other life. I also know now what my father meant when he said that there would be times when I would have to stand. I stand to convey the stories of peace through my gift and hopefully show the way of peace in every facet of my life—in height and stories.

So, when the time is right, I'll tell my grandson this story. He's going to be tall. That's a fact. But, he will already know that his height is a gift (as it was to all of my children) and that I will hold to non-violence because of him and all the children of the world. He's my Little Buddha, after all.

---Peace

Answering to Who We Are ...

2006-06-19T11:05:00.000-05:00

My Dear Children ---

I want to abolish the "N" word. And while we're at it, I want to abolish self-doubt, self-deprecation, self-hatred. That is what the word NIGGER means to mean. I don't care how you spell it, how you say it, it is a word forged and fueled by hate.

I love you. From the darkest ebony to the lightest olive of skin, I see your beauty. It is blinding as it tells both the joy and the sorrow, but also the perserverance of a people who have endured much. And when I see that someone would pay you to say the word over and over again in a rap song, I not only want to protect you from the word, but also from its meaning.

At www.abolishthenword.com, a song plays in the introduction called "Strange Fruit." I remember the first time I drove through the South, heading towards Atlanta. I'd never been much pass the Louisiana border, but as I drove into Alabama, just as the sun was clearing the horizon, I saw lush, green, Kudzu. It choked the trees as it rambled around the trunk of huge trees and wound its way through the branches. The leaves looked rich and strong and I couldn't help but cry savage tears. It broke my heart in two and at that moment, I didn't know why. My babies (they were babies then) slept beside me and in the back and I felt afraid. Yet, I didn't know why. I thought it was hormones or something, but as I tried to look into that lush, green, forest, it came to me. Here is the growth from the soil nurtured by death. MURDER.

I can't begin to help you understand what went through me that morning. I looked again at my babies and knew that I would never let anything happen to them. I resolved, that was then--this is now! And stayed two years in Atlanta before deciding that I couldn't always separate the then from now in that place.

We have come a long way. That much I know. I have three beautiful children, a wonderful, intelligent grandson who is full of energy and life. And I have a new mission---to help end the use of the word, not to be afraid of it, but to never answer to it. Neither from friend or foe.

"Strange Fruit" has been sung by many. My favorite version is still Nina Simon's, in part, I believe because she took herself away, as I did, from the tyranny of the south. Did she find comfort in another land. I doubt it, but she kept her sanity, I believe, because of it. I often look for those sacred spaces---places away from racism and classism. I find it, too. My friends far and near have shown me those sacred spaces, where racism and the other isms of life are conquered. They are conquered by our friendships and other friendships like ours and the knowledge that it isn't just because I'm the exception to the rule (I'm not), but that we find the humanity in each other and relish the love that comes from knowing true relationship despite the differences.

This year I've spent time away from home. I was running away for my sanity, it seems. A lot has happened in the last decade that makes me understand how precious life is. Hard times can make us hard, or ...

And here is what I'm learning. Hard times can make us appreciate the quieter, sacred spaces because there is nothing that guarantees hard times won't come. Just ask those who were displaced by Katrina last year. Ask any child in Uganda and ask anyone who has lost a loved one. But, as to what I'm learning, we must answer to who we are. Who we are is God's gift. Because we are a gift to one another, we should call ourselves by our rightful name. We aren't any of the names that were created to separate us, to make us feel unworthy or unloved, to disenfranchise us. No matter the race or culture. We are God's gift, children of the world, brothers and sisters all. So, the next time you want to call out to your homegirl or boy---remember, brother or sister is who we are and that's all we should answer to.

--- Peace

Lord, I Want ...

2006-05-04T09:52:00.000-05:00

to be a Christian--in my heart!

Yes, I want to be a Christian--in my heart. It is, I believe, where Christianity truly resides. However, I understand that once I am a Christian in my heart, I am now challenged to the be a Christian in my life.

On May 5, 2006, I will have a conversation with UT Professor Robert Jensen and pastor of Austin's St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, Jim Rigby. Both have been caught in the crossfire of two dissenting groups: Christians and Atheists. I haven't had the honor of meeting Rev. Rigby, but I do know Bob. And the truth is that I know quite a few professed atheists and further, I don't like some of them. There! I said it.

So, why do I like Bob, the professed atheist, and not some others? Well, its quite simple. Bob has never made fun of or ridiculed my beliefs. I guess I'm sensitive when it comes to someone telling me that what I believe is about my being both superstitous and stupid. I don't like being made fun of especially when poking fun is done to try to make me feel bad. These days I don't defend my beliefs. Not too much anyway. I'm at least hoping that my actions speak louder than my Christian rhetoric. Of course, as I've learned, I often fall short of this Christian action when my back's against the wall. More often than not, I just don't want anyone trashing my beliefs. I also know that I've got to get over it.

Once, as part of a panel discussion, I responded to a question from the audience where I talked freely about my faith. Soon after, one of the panelists remarked that he wanted everyone to know that he didn't believe in God and that he certainly wasn't a Christian. He said that he was a Marxist and that Marx pointed out that "Christianity is the opium of the people." It got him a few snickers, but when it came time to respond, I told him, "Speaking as my drug of choice ..." 'cuz if that's his definition, I'd roll with it. But, what I also said was that my faith, my belief, wasn't a license to ridicule him just as his Marxism wasn't a license bait or ridicule me.

And I guess that's the reality of where were are. We've got so many divisions, some of them pretty darn serious. Racism. Classism. They each rank right up there as the number one divisiveness. And when I intellectualize things like faith, belief and religion, I find that I'm often not standing for much if I don't take a stand.

It's interesting to note, however, that it is easier to ridicule me about my Christianity than say, Desmond Tutu. Some of the very folks that will do their level best to 'diss' me would break their neck to get a seat next to Bishop Tutu and not because he's a Christian. Simply because he's famous. I've watched it happen too often to mention here, but suffice to say that we're constantly throwing out the baby with the bath water when we put up the fence of division, only to tear it down when it suits our purposes. Anyway, it would be a lot simpler to build bridges for all the building and tearing down that we do. And I'm guessing that we're only going to start building bridges when we find a way, as I'm thinking Bob and Pastor Jim have, to build a bridge where none existed before.

So, what's the answer? Seems like every peace hour blog ends with that question. I wish I had answers -- the kind of answers that would make folks say, "Hey, she's got a point--a good one." Then they'd change their narrow-minded, gilded actions to be more like the heart of Christ, even if they don't believe he's the son of God. I don't mind. I really don't. That's not the sticking point. The sticking point for me is to say you believe it and then act like you don't. And when its all said and done, I just want to know that I'm Christian in thought and deed and that if you're not, you at least act like a decent human being--Christ like after all. Makes us even, sort of.

So, I get Bob's Christian trek and I at least know that when we stand shoulder to shoulder on the same pew, we're talking about the same tenets of faith that makes us want to build a culture of peace for the world. That's bridge building, folks. Amen.

The Peace Hour Vision ...

2006-04-25T12:56:00.000-05:00

"The future is something which everyone reaches at the rate of sixty minutes an hour, whatever he [or she] does, whoever he [or she] is."

--C.S. Lewis

This quote from C.S. Lewis jumped out at me this morning as I started writing this week's blog about The Peace Hour radio program. The Peace Hour offers its listeners a chance for one hour to explore the reasons for peace through non-violent communication and action. If we are heading into the future, as Lewis acknowledges, at sixty minutes per hour, we might be looking at accomplishing peace in record time. That's the quest and hope of The Peace Hour. As stated in its mission statement, 'The Peace Hour sets aside sixty minutes to explore peace through non-violence in the stories of others.' This is one small step on the road to accomplishing the peace we wish to see by finding those who are that peace in word and deed. What I am finding in doing The Peace Hour is that the voices of peace vary in cultures, races, classes and religions. They are male and female. And they are brothers and sisters of the Earth family--connected by threads. Some threads are delicate and break easily. Other threads are sturdy and durable. Every thread is important, however, to the fabric of life. Woven together, all are strong.

The Nobel Peace Laureates of this time have appealed to us to build a culture of peace for the children of the world. What does that mean? I try to answer that question on each Peace Hour program. When I find evidence of it, I try to capture it in story form. I do my best to set aside my biases and prejudices when telling these stories, but I have found that I AM always a part of the story. We all are. That's another reason for the peace hour. Connecting us one to another is what building a culture of peace is about. If we don't stop to think of ourselves as part of the whole, we will continue the spiral of violence that has permeated the centuries before.

This Decade ends in 2010. What will we have accomplished? I'm not sure. But I am sure about this. We will accomplish more than we could ever believe possible. Why? Because every day someone takes the road to peace at sixty minutes per hour, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year---day in and day out. We are clocking the minutes and so is the peace.

Peace Education In Schools

2006-03-21T21:42:00.000-06:00

“We’re building a culture of peace for the children of the world.”

Why should peace education be taught in schools? Simple. Because there is no way to peace. Peace is the way. I've waited all my life for a method by which we can teach children honesty, respect and integrity. But, I realize that we teach them that and more. We also teach them to lie, to steal and to turn away from endeavors that take time and effort. We want easy. We want fast. We are teaching our children that "other" children don't matter. It is worse than when we taught that the world was flat. Yet, I'm convinced that while we are teaching bad behavior, we are waking up. And waking up means a constant vigil into self to understand why we don't become the peace we wish to see.

I was with my grandson this weekend. He wanted gum. I said, "Please, may I have some gum?" He looked at me and held his hand out more forcefully. "Gum," he said with a seriousness that meant he wanted it then and there. I said, "Gum, please. You must say please if you want some gum." He cried. He demanded gum as he said with more force, "GUM!" I said, "Unless you say, 'gum please' or 'please may I have some gum,' I will not give you any gum. And I put the gum in my purse. He cried in earnest and I took him in my arms. I held him and started singing a made up song.

Please is a word that says you care
Please is a word that gets you there
If you say 'please' I know you care
And please can take you anywhere

Please, Please, Please
Won't you please say please
If you say please
Then I won't sneeze

And then I pretended to sneeze. He laughed and said with that wonderful smile of his, "Gum?" And I said, "Gum, please." And he just looked and put his head back on my shoulders. He wanted gum. He didn't say 'please' and it seemed we left it there.

The next day as we were getting ready to go outside and play, he asked for a cookie. "A cookie, please." And with a grin so wide, he said triumphantly, "Cookie, PLEASE!" And I told him how proud I was of him and we got a cookie and I sang more of the made up please song. He got it. He'll be two at the end of the month. It was a moment of peace. I loved it and so did he.

The Noble Cause ...

2006-02-20T23:25:00.000-06:00

"Where there is hatred, sow love ..."

The stage was devoid of people. Chairs and a podium were all that identified that a program was to start. How soon? No one was quite sure. I sat and watched the empty chairs, waiting on the program to begin and waiting on my reason for being in this place.

These days I'm not standing on ceremony. I'm not trying to be politically correct, overly polite or especially not, the gentle giant! Then I saw him. My reason. The beginning of the story that would culminate the next evening at Sage at Woodway in Houston. But, for now, I'd like to call your attention to this man. He's placing pictures in front of the podium. Two, in fact. The first is a picture of a soldier. Solemn. Dry. The second picture is of a young man with dancing eyes and a slight, but irresistable smile. It's a casual moment. He's wearing a striped shirt. He's loving the moment and he is loved at that moment. The man placing the pictures, stops and gently kisses the casual picture. A tear slowly rolls down his cheek. I'm here for him, I think. I look around. No one else has noticed.

I'm uncomfortable because more and more I'm paying attention. And you can't sit on your hands when witnessing such events as this one. I know without asking that this is the father of the young man--the soldier, yes, but the father of the son with the dancing eyes and charming smile. As he walks away, I come forward and ask him if I might hug him and share a moment in his grief as well as his love for his son.

This has made me consider DEATH and HONOR. We hear these words batted around ... like dying for noble causes: HONOR? I think not. These days the words are used simultaneously. Death AND Honor as in a soldier's death can an honorable one. I would agree with that in theory. Dying to protect a worthy cause. That's an honorable death. That is Death with Honor. Similar in nature ... the "and" and "with" being somewhat synonomous with a slight deviation. This in turn leads to the defining of noble causes. Death and Honor come about only with nobel intentions. Death with Honor are for noble causes. And this is the rub. The death and honor of these young men and women are without question. Their intentions were noble, protecting hearth and home. Their death with honor is lacking acceptance because there was and is no noble cause to justify their deaths!

How do we adjust?

"How can we find a way to honor our dead? The wars of the 21st century have brought tremendous suffering to the world. How do we make our children's deaths count for something?"

I understand pain. There's a Biblical scripture that talks about a time when children won't die before their parents. It talks about an order to the nature of things. We have children, grow older and pass on. Our children bury us with a heart that knows completion. He lived a full life. She lived life her way. None of this happens when our children die before us. I still think of my granddaughter and the short life she had. Yet, whether she was here for a day (in fact it was seven) or seventy years, I was supposed to go first. Period! I also know how my grandmother felt. When her sons died, one at the tender age of 2 and the other at 52, she lost a little more of herself. In later years, I would hear her speak of my Uncle as if she just talked to him although he had been dead a few years.

I've also listened to the parents of those children--yes, children? My children are 26, 27 and 32. They are grown, but I would suffer greatly if one of them were lost to me in death. I know just how painful that can be because my precious Mellilah left before her time. And knowing just that much gives me a small inkling of having someone die who didn't have to die. And isn't that the real issue here? Did these sons and daughters have to die? The answer, they will tell you, is a simple, but resounding "NO!" One would be too many, but the numbers are in the thousands now and before someone else tells me about how many died in WWII or in Vietnam, let me just say this --- we're older and should be wiser. War is not the answer. These deaths did not have to be.

So, there is no genuine comfort in the ceremonies that lay them to rest. For many parents, the souls of these sons and daughters cannot rest because they died unjustly. It wasn't their time and no amount of "honor" or "noble causes" talk can make it so.

So, I listened to the mothers and father that night. I saw the grief in their eyes and I felt the pain in their hearts. But, I also saw resolve. They are ready to wage peace in the names of these children, gone too soon and for no apparent good reason. In order that they bring honor to the lives of their children, they must wage a battle to protect other children. And when they end this war---and mind you, I believe with everything that is in me that they will see that it happens---when this war ends, then their children's deaths will not have been in vain.

"We must make the commitment to JUSTICE and HEALING! And we must do it through non-violent action. True patriotism requires this path of redemption for us all. We must become the instrument of peace."
P.K. McCary

When We All Get Together ...

2006-02-05T20:10:00.000-06:00

What a day of rejoicing that will be

When we all see the peace come
We'll sing and shout the victory!
---readapted from a Negro Spiritual

The Peacemakers ask, "What do we hope to achieve?"

On Saturday, February 4, 2006, peace ambassadors from several organizations in the Houston area came together for a day of renewal, collaboration and fellowship. The event was hosted by the Unity Peacemakers (at Unity Church). At the beginning of the session led by Department of Peace-Houston representative, Kathy Kidd, the question was asked of the participants, "What do you hope to achieve?" While the question was specifically targeted to the present event, the answer became an idea that has been permeating the peace movement for a while: IMAGINE ...

...that day when we can see our words in action! What a day of rejoicing that will be. I see it often, but not often enough. Perhaps I see it more clearly than some because I'm intentional in my seeking--intentional in my pursuit. Actions always speak louder than words, but the words set forth in this poster galvanized a thought. We have to keep putting it out there--the words, that is. We have to keep saying it and then acting on these powerful sentiments of what the world will look like when we open our hearts and minds to the possibilities.

IMAGINE! The world awaits our decisions. P.K.

Building Bridges: Peace by Peace

2006-01-19T17:54:00.000-06:00

If God is a god who chooses sides, pits one child against another, then there is no God. But, if, as I suppose, as I try and live my life, God is a god who has no need to pit his children one against another and who offers the same amount of love to either, that is the God I serve.

— P.K. McCary

Conversations on interfaith relations can often take a strange and tension-filled turn. Even one faith, one group of people, can be at odds with one another if one or more individuals branch out to commune with other faiths. People get upset with one another not only because of the choices they make or are making, but because they are not agreeing. One of the questions raised in interfaith communities is whether to allow groups or individuals that espouse fundamentalist beliefs into the (or that particular) interfaith arena. They say things like, They’re not ready. You can’t change ‘em. They do more harm than good.

I’m not sure I like the word—fundamentalist—to describe narrowly interpreted adherence to a faith. I understand intellectually that we’re speaking of narrowly interpreted traditions that create an attitude of supremacy. I get that, but fundamentally, I’m Christian. Because I believe in the virgin birth and in salvation through Jesus Christ, I’m sometimes grouped with those narrow-minded groups headed by leaders such as Pat Robertson or Jerry Falwell. While I don’t proselytize my faith to others, I am hopefully living it. And perhaps that is where the comparison should end. I should just get over it. But, what can I say? I’m sensitive! Oddly enough, many of my friends of other different faith traditions honor my commitment to my faith as I honor theirs. So, where is the tension coming from? Where is the discord in our interfaith work?

I believe that most of us have experiences that obscure our objectivity when it comes to interfaith work. Perhaps we’ve seen the damage that comes from the bigoted and prejudicial thinking of some individuals of their faith tradition. We know the kind of talk that decrees that we have the answer or that God speaks to us alone. For instance, I find it difficult sometimes to talk with my fellow Christian brothers and sisters about my work, but I never give up trying. I tell them that it is important to be committed to your faith, to practice your faith traditions and doctrines. I also tell them that the commitment to one’s faith does not negate another’s commitment to theirs or makes one faith superior to the other. There is no conflict for me in that thinking, but I see the confused look on some faces and fortunately, I understand. I’ve been there. I’m not trying to change their minds about the faith. I’m trying to encourage them to broaden their faith with a respect for other traditions. But, there are those who would believe that we shouldn’t invite the dialogue with those who have a narrow view of this world and the many religions and spiritual expressions if they are not ready to come around. NOW!

We’re up against a mountain of human stubbornness and, of course, fear. Interfaith work is difficult. And rewarding. It is badly represented by some and an awesome experience with others. It seems all we do is talk. We don’t talk enough. We’re working together on some incredible projects. People have been nourished, nurtured and cared for in spectacular circumstances. Interfaith communities around the globe have met challenges. So, should we limit who participates by some criteria? Then one has to ask by what criteria? ‘Who sets the standards?’ This is not a rhetorical question. I’m genuinely asking here. Is there a time when you refuse someone entry into the ‘club’ of the growing interfaith community? Are there some people who just cannot be allowed in? When is it ok to be exclusive? What does being inclusive entail? Who is right about the direction we take in interfaith dialogue? And who gets to decide? What is wrong withthe questions we ask? Questions like: Where should we go? How do we get there? Who gets to answer them? Zora Neale Hurston said once, “There are years that ask questions and years that answer.”

This is the half-way mark of the Decade of Non-Violence. We are definitely in the years of the questions. However, we will have the answers to our questions soon enough and we may not like those answers. If we are asking who can belong to the club, who can participate in the building of this better word, the answer will be in what we create or worse—what we fail to create. I want to build a better world. And I’m tired of looking under rocks and beating the bushes for the snakes. True, I don’t want to be bitten. But, I’d rather die knowing that I didn’t let the threat of snakes deter me from the work that needs to be done? I also know something else. There is another Me waiting in the wings to continue where I left off. I’m finding that I am part of a growing circle of interfaith workers who love this planet. Tenacious. Yes, stubborn, but loving. AND We’re not giving up.

My enemy and I came nigh.
He drew a circle that shut me out.
Heretic, rebel and thing to flout.
But love and I had the wit to win.
We drew a circle that took him in.

Edward Markum emphasizes the need to create a world that includes all. But, I believe some of us want to include all ONLY if and when they change to our way of thinking. In reciting this poem to others, I’ve come to realize that the first line of the poem is often not recited. The first line is telling—‘My enemy and I came nigh’—and reminds me that at this stage of our planet’s metamorphosis, we are currently made up of friends and foes. But, as Pogo once quipped, “We have met the enemy and he is us.” So, I guess we are our own worst enemy. Perhaps we’re standing so close to the enemy (‘us’), that we fail to grasp that it more of the reason why we aren’t building this world we say we want. We’re getting in our own way of building these bridges and making that difference.

There’s a story I love about two brothers who were feuding. A river ran through their property. If that wasn’t enough to separate them, the brothers wanted a clearer line of demarcation. They each decided to build a fence. Since it was such a large task, they both had trouble getting good help, but one brother found a man that not only was willing to work for him, but to start right away. Later, when the brother came to inspect the work, he was livid to find that his precious lumber had been used, not for fences, but to build a bridge. But, just when he was going to give the carpenter a ‘what for,’ he sees his brother running across that bridge, tears streaming down his face. Before he knows it, his brother throws himself into his brother’s arms, tearfully exclaiming, “You are the better brother. You were the first to mend the rift between us. How can I ever measure up?”

Indeed! How can we measure up? By emulating those who are willing to build bridges instead of guarded fences. I believe that we are the carpenters for this better world. What that means is that the feuding, fighting, warring factions will probably continue UNTIL someone builds a bridge that one of them will cross. OK, I can hear the rumblings now. But, some will tear down that bridge. Some will shoot the first person that crosses that bridge. The bridge won’t even get finished! But, I’m hear to tell you that while some of that may happen, other miraculous things will happen, too. We just have to change the percentages. Keep building bridges.

Where are the stories about the real models of peace. I love these stories. I love to tell the stories. Every natural disaster of the year 2005 has been witness to some wonderful interfaith work. Disasters in Louisiana, Sri Lanka, Somalia—to name a few—have shown us what people from different faiths can do. When it is time to help a brother or sister from the depths of such disasters, no one stops to ask—are you a Christian? A Muslim? (OK, maybe some groups asked, but that has not been my experience concerning Hurricane Katrina.) Why can’t we see that we have the capacity to work together and build a better world no matter the faith tradition?

I’m tired, but not so tired that I’ll give up building bridges that sometimes take more time than I’ve been given on this earth to build. But, I know this. There are a lot more bridge builders than we know. We just gotta get to know one another. And there are bridges being built. How do I know? I’ve crossed them. And, it may not look like, feel like, be like, what you envision, but I believe that it will be better!

It has been said that there are some of us who have to see it to believe it. To those I say, ‘You ain’t seen nothing yet!’ And then there are those who believe it so that they might see it. They already believe that ‘We ain’t seen nothing yet!’ Just wait. It’s coming—the bridges, that is. Whole lots of ‘em. Mighty, well-built bridges. You might be surprised who you see coming your way.

I’ll teach my children that bridge building
Will help them to see the world
Across a bridge to foreign places
The world will be strange no more

I’ll teach my children to teach their children
That building bridges is grand
Because the person on the other side
Can often become a friend

I’ll reach my children’s children’s children
Who will no longer fear the others
They’ll see the handiwork of bridges we’ve built

A world united—finally—bridges to one another

The Proverbial Brick Wall ...

2005-12-09T10:57:00.000-06:00

The peace movement. What is it? What is moving? Where are we moving to?

I ask these questions in earnest as it seems I hit my head against one proverbial wall or another. The focus gets skewed by all the different directions that are being taken in the quest to create a movement that includes all. And then I realized I was missing some salient points about peacemaking and the MOVEMENT.

One thing is clear. We get disappointed and discouraged. The reason most of us get discouraged and disappointed is that things are not going our way! Simple. We aren't getting what we want out of the movement and we don't see the way clear. But, that's what the movement is about. The movement is the doing. The movement is the crashes. The movement is the disappointments. The movement is the baby steps of creating and the movement is the successes as well as the failures. But the movement is that ... MOVING. We are working towards creating and re-creating our world and while it seems that we have these setbacks (the capture of Christian peacemakers: Tom Fox, Norman Kember, James Loney, and Harmeet Singh Sooden in Iraq; the murder of Taize leader, Brother Roger), we are making progress. I live in that hope.

The questions we must ask of ourselves are:

1. What is my commitment?
2. Where am I willing to go?
3. What am I willing to do?
4. What am I willing to sacrifice?
5. What are my intentions?

The other questions depend on where you are in the movement, but can be key in ascertaining your own direction and the merit of the work that you do. Last week, the Department of Peace-Houston group met to 'exercise' the movement. We met at a little peace coffee house for about two hours, enjoying fellowship and a meal. Some of the questions included the simple ones: What was the most fun you've had this past year? What is your highest dream for yourself?

But the other questions communicated where we were here in Houston. Those questions included:

Discuss the nature of fear. How did fear come up for you as it related to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita?
How do you handle disagreements?
How do you communicate to people you disagree with?
What does it mean to be a peacemaker and what does it mean to the world around you?
What do you expect from yourself?
When we are a world at peace, what will that look like?
What is the next step you want to take in creating peace in your life? In the world?
What are the changes you will make to be the change you wish to see in the world?

Hearing the stories that night was so important. It made me realize that we aren't communicating enough in settings that allow us to be vunerable AND safe. We must create these sacred and safe spaces and we must be so inclusive in our design. The design must be created out of desire to build bridges of hope instead of walls of despair. That is one gift. The other gifts include the sharing of our 'faith,' the giving of our 'grace and compassion,' and the depth of our 'love.'

So, again ... ponder the questions. BUT ... seek out the answers.

Being the peace I wish to see ... P.K.

Getting Off Our High Horse ...

2005-10-08T02:37:00.000-05:00

For Better or For Worse is written and created by Lynn Johnston

I love the comics. Every day I read my favorites, 'For Better Or Worse' being one of them. And what caught my eye came on the heel of conversations that have taken place across the Internet the past few days about acceptable conversations when working on peace issues. It made me realize that some of us need a serious reality check. We need to get off our high horses, down from our ivory towers and check ourselves at the door while engaging in the hard conversations that will take us through the storm to the calm shore on the other side.

It seems that we forget that we are learning from each other while engaging in conversations that aren't always easy and that sometimes the greatest lesson to be learned is that we don't know everything! No one person has all the answers. In this piece by cartoonist, Lynn Johnston, Elly is visiting with eldest daughter Elizabeth who is now teaching in the fictional First Nation province of Mtigwaki. Elly celebrates with Elizabeth's new family by atteding a powwow with the Ojibway community. At the end of a full evening, Elly realizes why this place has become dear to her own heart as it has for her daughter. The last line of the strip offers an insight for me as I continue to work at being a peacebuilder. Elly's epiphany is that while Elizabeth came there to teach, she also came there to learn.

I love the Pattersons. Although Canadian (Lynn is a Native), I see other Elly's here in America and even in my own family--which is African American. There are somethings common to all of us--difficult family situations, community relations-husband, wife trying to raise children in modern times. But, what is best about Lynn's characters is that they have real-life problems and she is not afraid to touch the hard subjects. In one series of cartoons, Michael's friend, Lawrence, tells Michael (Michel is Elly's eldest child) that he is gay. Lawrence is 17 years old. Michael urges his friend to tell his mother and ... well, it is a real story. What was interesting was the backlash that Lynn received in doing the series of cartoons. But, this is what she said, "I learned a great deal when we ran the Lawrence story. I learned that the comics page is a powerful communicator. I learned that people read our work and care about what we say. We all look forward every day to that one page in the paper where the small truths lie, hoping for a laugh, or a little sarcasm, or a punch line that will ease the burden just a bit. I learned that our work is taken seriously, and despite the reduction in numbers and size, the comics matter a great deal. Those of us who produce these panels have a responsibility to ourselves, our syndicates, our publishers, and our audience to use this space with conscience and with care."

We have an opportunity to lend our voices to the atrocities, conflicts, pain and sorrow that permeates our planet. But, we must do it with truth, integrity, compassion and grace. Oh, yeah -- humor never hurts. There are many cartoonists who attempt to comment on life and some are very successful. Others give me pause, but I read most of them. Of course, it is my opinion about which ones are the best as I am sure that many disagree with the cartoonists I so dearly love to read each morning. I can't wait to see what happens in the toon towns of 9 Chickweed Lane, Boondocks and Doonesbury (the last two controversies in their own right) and that's not all. I need to laugh. We all do. I'm hoping that we find that artist who will write the strip that takes peacebuilding into consideration. I wish I could draw. Hey, I wish I could write better.

We need to look at ourselves. This Decade has been a learning experience as we learn what it will take to build a culture of peace for the children of the world. I can't help but think that we've come a long way, and now I know why. When you stand on the shoulders of those who have gone before us--Gandhi, King (to name a few), we have been given some mighty powerful tools for bringing this world into the 21st century and ending WAR! in all its forms. But, the paradigm shift has got to include ALL of the tools, including humor that also has commentary. I understand that this is just one glimpse of the world through another's viewpoint, and I am blessed to know that quietly I can agree or disagree with them. But, like with anything that stirs our consciousness into action, I can't sit on my hands any longer when Truth beckons me to partake of it.

In the coming months, we have to get ready for the rest of this Decade of Non-Violence. There is an urgency like never before. Sometimes you get a better sense of the world through the eyes of a cartoonist. I know that we get upset with the political cartoons that come our way, but it is good to listen, and yes, challenge, the thoughts behind them with thoughtful considerations of our own. We must be willing to challenge one another with our different views because unless ALL of our different views are allowed at the discussion table, we will continue to fight about them. Unless we "Hear" and "Heal," we will never get to the place in the sun that says, "The world is a place where we can all learn."

I'm hoping that we can listen to one another, laugh and pray together, but also, get real comfortable enough with one another to argue and disagree with truth and integrity. Once we do that, we can get to that place where we won't need to argue as much because we will finally learn how to trust.

Laugh a little. Even get angry, but don't throw punches. In fact, perhaps reading the comics today can give you some insight. Perhaps you can practice on some of the fictional charactes of toon town. Peace...for real!

Non-Violence: More Than A Tool

2005-08-19T22:55:00.000-05:00

Non-violence: Can It Be A Way of Life?

“Who do you say I am?” That is the question asked by Jesus in the Biblical text that we as Christians read. But, for me the question is “Who do you say you are?” Is non-violence your tool? Is it your way of life? Is non-violence possible in every as aspect of your life? Can you (more importantly ‘we’) be non-violent in a violent world? I believe that the answer is unequivocally, “Yes, if you know who you are.”

Brother Roger knew who he was. He was a disciple of peace. Founder of the Taizé Community (a community of peacebuilders who graced the world with its fortitude towards non-violence), Brother Roger committed his life to non-violence. Earlier this month he was fatally stabbed in the middle of a service of 2,500 people. The horror of it must be etched in the hearts of those individuals who witnessed it, but it should be etched in our hearts as well as we commit ourselves more fervently to the cause of peace ─ through non-violence.

Can there be any other way?

Last month on The Peace Hour (heard on KPFT, 90.1 FM in Houston, Texas), I had the honor of having Atul Kothari on with me. Atul is the founder of the Gandhi Library where the center strives to promote the work of Gandhi. The show’s content was on non-violence. Now, often when I have guest, I don’t take call-ins. Not that I don’t want to hear from the audience (I do), but with only one hour, lots of information to impart, sometimes it is impractical. But, on non-violence, I’m concerned that we aren’t hearing each other and my audience usually gives me the needed fuel for driving the point home of where we are and how we are faring when it comes to non-violence. It is important to HEAR each other. I strive to make ‘hearing’ an important component to most of the Peace Hour shows.

Callers ran the gamut of what happens when non-violence is discussed. One person wanted to know how we get to a place of non-violence in a violent world. A very astute question because if you are going to believe in non-violence, it is probably the hardest obstacle to overcome – our violent world. One caller responded that non-violence was a gray area to which we aspire, but that there were key areas of black and white that keep us from committing to it. He served the question to Atul of ‘what would he do if someone broke into his house to rape his wife or daughter?’ He emphatically announced that he would respond with violence.

One of our major obstacles to overcome is how we respond to violence. It is said that if you live by the sword, you will die by the sword. That doesn’t seem to make sense in the questions being asked by individuals who want to know why a man dedicated to non-violence didn’t die peacefully in his sleep. To take up the banner of non-violence does not insure that violence won’t land at your door, but it does promise that you have done all you can to alleviate the violence that lands at our doorsteps every day.

This is a sidebar, but I feel it must be said, so … of course … I’ll say it. Someone asked, “If God is everywhere, why doesn’t God end the suffering of the world?” I never really have an answer for this because it clouds my own thoughts and prayers. "God fix this!" I demand and the great energy of God … Truth … that flows through each of us, answers. I hear God say, “I AM here!” and “Your suffering is my suffering.” And on the heel of those two statements, I hear, “What will you do to end the suffering of humanity and God?”

So, there it is. It is in our hands. God guides, instructs and inspires. Just as I as a parent hope to impart the great wisdom of my experiences to my children in order to alleviate their suffering, they can choose … choose to become who they are in that moment they are faced with a challenge.

We must take each day to fortify ourselves to be ready for those moments. The man who acknowledged that he would respond with violence has already set the course should that day arrive. The man of non-violence, however, who practices non-violence on a daily basis, will be ready … even if he does not survive. Brother Roger’s death tells me that.

Don’t we get it? It takes time, work, dedication and commitment. It takes a constant vigil to be ready to respond and there are many stories to attest to the fact that non-violence CHANGES things.

A story that has made the run through emails is shared here. The names may be different because while I believe the story is said to be true, I don’t remember the names used. However, I remember the story well. The names may not be the same … but what it imparts is.

Clark was a man who lived in the Brooklyn neighborhood most of his life. He married and raised his children in this neighborhood and he was a good neighbor and a good man. When his wife died, Clark knew that he had to keep busy. His children were grown, scattered around the United States and while he kept in touch, he knew he needed a day-to-day busyness to survive the loss of his beloved wife. He went to the neighborhood church he attended and asked permission to tend the yard and gardens. It was accepted gratefully.

Over time, Clark drew the attention of a group of young men who spent their time harassing and terrorizing their elderly neighbors. Clark wasn’t a feeble or weak man, having served in the military, but every time the boys would come, grab his hose and wet him down or kick the newly tilled soil, Clark would brush himself off and when they left, laughing loudly down the walk, continue with his work. He almost seemed unaffected by their taunts, jeers and harassment. He never called them names or threatened them.

One day the boys took it a step further. This day they decided that they would do more than taunt or harass him. They would steal from him. They threw him down this time, drawing blood and then proceeded to steal his wallet. As they were leaving, one of the young men looked back and saw Clark, once again, brush himself off and continue with his work in the garden.

Two days later as Clark was working on his hands and knees in his garden, he saw the young man standing over him. He rose, once again to accept the onslaught, but this time it was different. The young man handed Clark his wallet.

“It’s all there,” he said. “Including the money.”

“Why?” Clark asked.

“I don’t know,” the young man replied shyly. “I see you out here ever day making this church here look good. You seem to love what you do.” He went on. “You could respond like the others do, calling us thugs or worse. But, each time we do something to you, you go back to what you’re doing. You ain’t even called the cops. I should be asking you ‘why?’”

Clark just smiled. “You.”

Now without taking up too much of your reading time, suffice to say, Clark and the young man became friends. Clark taught ‘Sam’ how to take a seedling and make it grow. He taught him about the earth and how it gives back. Over time, Sam got a job, found a wife and had a child. One day he doesn’t find Clark at his usual place. He goes and inquires about his whereabouts. The Pastor reports to Sam that just the night before Clark died peacefully in his sleep. Sam turns and walks down the walk to his apartment. His heart heavy.

The next morning, Sam shows up to the Church, garden tools in an apron on his hip. He tells the Pastor, “I believe this job is mine.”

This job is ours. Peace is possible. In Houston as we assist evacuees from the Katrina wrath, we run into individuals so angry, frustrated, and tired they don’t seem to ‘appreciate’ all that we do. They lash out and sometimes they hurt others. But, it is our job to be ready for that moment. When our response is one of non-violence, we make a difference. It changes things. I believe because I have to.

Blessings of peace and non-violence, P.K.

For more information on how to offer your individual condolences to the Taize Comunity: http://www.taize.fr/ and to read about this tragedy, go to http://www.bruderhof.com/articles/Brother-Roger-Taize.htm?source=DailyDig

For information on how you can help the Katrina Evacuees, especially to underserved areas in the Houston area, go to: www.shrinebookstore.comhelpnowihtml or www.shape.org, two organizations that work with many of the smaller (and unknown) churches and organizations in our area.

Join the Dance of Peace

2005-08-03T20:01:00.000-05:00

Let us dance for peace!--Photo by B. Hartford

You'll find over time that somewhere deep in my psyche I believe. I mean, I really believe. I get discouraged and disappointed, but deep down inside -- I believe. I believe in the dance of life and I believe that when we truly start embracing each other and dancing with each other, the music of peace will fill our hearts and minds and we will dance!

This picture was taken by a friend of peace of me dancing with another friend of peace. Now what I want you to do is look at the picture closely. What do you see? In fact, I'd like to have you tell me a story! Tell me what the picture says to you. Be brave. Be creative. Be free. And I bet this picture tells you a story of peace --- and the dance.

I look forward to your story of peace. Namaste'

Politics not Religion ...

2005-07-31T12:15:00.000-05:00

Listening to Bill Mahr last night, I realized the problems we face are bigger than liberals versus conversatives--bigger than right versus left. I listened to Mr. Mahr rake "religion" over the coals for the ills of the world, while professing his born again anti-Catholic view for the world.

Here are the few of the problems with the liberals versus conversative bent. Some liberals (I'm a liberal) believe that the reason we are having problems is that people believe in Jesus Christ. Now throughout the monologue that Bill delivered, he didn't talk about any religion except Christians, more particularly Catholics. He called us (yes, I am a Christian), stupid, ignorant and uninformed about the realities of life. There is no God. Religion has bambozzled us! He cited the issues surrounding gay marriage and abortion, inferring that because some people believe certain issues, it is the reason that Kerry lost and liberals are suffering.

First, politicians have used religion for their own personal agendas for centuries--taking us away from real issues such as poverty, AIDS and other health issues, social security, the war in Iraq and the ever prosperous oil companies such as Exxon raking our pocket books over the coals (o.k. I carry one, but you know what I'm saying). They have exercised the pulpit to their advantage and it has worked only because instead of understanding that people are being duped about what the real issues of concern are, people of faith are being called crazy and ignorant for believing! And these politicians are succeeding because as long as you think those religious folks are stupid, you can't talk to them and they won't listen to you.

Believing in something that directs your life is a good thing. Some people call it religion while others call it spirituality, but while the statements of religions doing great harm is true to a degree, many people who follow a particular path do so for their own growth, go on to do great things and are some of the great minds of this world. No matter how much someone wants to blame a person for believing in something intangible, the truth is that leadership within these religious organizations is often the real culprit. And more, when you get to the bottom of any particular atrocity perpetrated in the name of religion, we find power and greed of certain individuals at its core.

I listened to my Aunt tell me that she was voting for a certain president because "He started the war. Let him finish it." Where did she get this message? Upon further engagement I found out that her pastor had urged his parishners to give the president a chance to fix what he broke. Why? The real reason was that he was receiving many of those faith-based initiative dollars and he wasn't about to throw them away with the unknown of a new president. Further, over time I heard people in my circle of Christian acquaintances give their reason for voting for a particular individual over another because "Abortion will become the norm." Or, "Gay people will get married." They weren't even interested in talking about any of the other issues because in their particular churches they were hearing the other message. No one was giving them the other. Once when talking with a Christian woman, she told me that abortions would become the norm without a Christian president. I pointed out to her that in fact abortion did rise ... during this administration and the most given reason for the abortion was, "I lost my job! I can't afford another mouth to feed." She never even looked at the economics of this particular time in history where companies such as World Com and Enron have blasted families apart financially. When given good information, she said that she was glad to know and that she was able to change her mind. I didn't have to change her mind about abortion, per se. It is not that someone wants an abortion when faced with the decision, but if I respect that belief while giving her real facts, we both won. Perhaps the real answer to address the leadership more diligently, calling for religious organizations to either give complete sides of the issues, or to stay away from the process. When rhetoric and diatribes are allowed to flourish, we all suffer --- religious or otherwise.

The problem with both the liberals and conservatives is that in both camps, violence abounds. They cannot seem to make their points of view without denigrating or abusing a group of people -- whether they are Christians or not. In fact, instead of calling a Christian or any other religious group ignorant or uninformed, how 'bout talking to them about the issues rather than goading them about how they believe. We'll never get anywhere unless we do this. It' a non-violent kind of thing.

I'm not asking anyone to believe as I do as a Christian, but I'm asking to be respected for the path I choose to take. And, for the record, I'm a thinking, involved, informed, Christian. If it didn't work for you, o.k., I respect that. Even understand it as I've struggled with dogma and people who try and push an agenda of deception utilizing something that is sacred to me. When you see me as whole, valued and respected, the conversation can begin.

By the way, Bill --- get in touch with me. I think you might be surprised what a conversation with a genuine Christian can offer.

Why A Peace Hour?

2005-07-28T10:03:00.000-05:00

If for one hour we could focus on peace --- intentionally --- with purpose and commitment, what could be accomplished? That's the question I've been asking for more than a year with The Peace Hour, an Open Journal radio program airing once a month on KPFT. We've tackled issues such as Education, Poverty, Health, and yes, War! The formula for the show is a basic one. Non-Violence. Not just as a tool, but as a way of life. July's show was "The Hard Conversations." It came about because of the bombings in London and the issues surrounding suicide bombers. There are those that believe that suicide bombers are not made from fundamentalist religious urgings, but something more basic. These individuals are willing to die for a cause that has its tentacles around occupation. However, as I attended my Christian church, I heard conversations that lent themselves to the same fanaticism they claim to rebuke. Where was the grace, the compassion? More importantly, where was the intelligence that comes with asking questions and seeking answers rather than regurgitating the words of those whose agendas are truly suspect.

The show gave rise to other concerns of individuals -- racism at the forefront. And it gave rise to the conversation at the core of The Peace Hour: Is non-violence a valuable tool? Is there ever a time when non-violence is inappropriate? Does being non-violent mean literally "turning the other cheek"?

I believe that non-violence means listening. I believe that it means valuing all as human beings. Yes, seeing even the worst of our kind (humanity) in a light that they are uninformed, unenlightened. But, I also believe in justice and truth. It doesn't mean foregoing punishment or consequences. It is not a Nirvana concept. It is realistic. Peace is not the absence of conflict, but how we handle conflict in ways beyond politeness, but in a direction of solving the problem, getting out of our comfort zones and seeking justice and healing as the only answer for all of us.

I will bring more of The Peace Hour to you over time. It is our hope to make The Peace Hour a regular weekly show, more informative and focused on real solutions from people dedicated to non-violence and peace as partners for solving our world's problems.

Namaste.
P.K. McCary