The Old Lands OTS 3.0

[dwo8C5z2]

Article Title: Sharing Some Thoughts on Jesus, Love and Peace
Submitted by: Craig Lock Key Words: Inspiration, Love, Peace, Jesus, Empowerment, Spirituality, Spiritual Growth
Web sites: [link widoczny dla zalogowanych] and [link widoczny dla zalogowanych]
Craig’s blog (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) is at [link widoczny dla zalogowanych] and [link widoczny dla zalogowanych]
Other Articles are available at: [link widoczny dla zalogowanych]
(Personal growth, self help, writing, internet marketing, spiritual, 'spiritual writings' (how 'airey-fairey'), words of inspiration and money management, how boring now, craig)
*
SHARING SOME THOUGHTS ON JESUS, LOVE AND PEACE
INTRODUCTION
The Place of Jesus Christ in the History of the World: Jesus was the highest revelation of God to humanity. He preached justice and peace, and how to lead a good life. Psychologists around the globe should look to Jesus Christ's "ground-breaking work" regarding the "spiritual journey on an earthly existence" with great respect, perhaps even reverance...for there has never been a person who knew man's mind and nature as He did. No person before or since understood the human condition so well...or could read the human soul so easily, sensitively and unerringly. Otto Borchert writes: "The psychologist must look up to Him with respect, for there has never been a man who knew men as He did, no one ever estimated human nature so justly, or could read the human soul so easily and unerringly." Jesus had a strong sense of mission, as well as His unique sense of purpose. his message of unity. I see Jesus as a "radical pacifist", who broke down barriers (between people). He was a free man, free in his mind... and free in his spirit.
*
So after that "little pre-amble, ramble"... in the light of current world uncertainty and turmoil, I ask myself: "What would Jesus have done (or wanted to have done) with Saddam Hussain?" Also What would Jesus do with all the other "hot-spots" in the world, like Iran, Afghanistan, Iraq, North Korea, Myanmar, Zimbabwe, Sudan, Somalia... and especially the "tinderbox of hatred" in the Middle East? Jesus understood society's problems and challenged existing beliefs, even the dogmas of religion. The universal message of God opposing injustice and changing the world for the better. In my view Jesus Christ challenged the conventional thinking of the day (as He no doubt would today) and totally understood man's nature. As Christ said 2000 years ago, "Love thy enemies". I truly believe that the immense problems of this world cannot be solved at the same level of thinking that created them. I truly believe that countries should NOT seek to dominate other nations; but rather seek "Win-Win" solutions, through working together in a "new multi-lateral and more collaborative world". (The process of synergy at work: ie. 1 + 1 = 3... or perhaps it's 111!). The path to peace starts with education and communication, which then leads to negotiation, inevitable concessions, compromises and "trade-offs". Opening lines of communication is the first step towards peace. "So let us build bridges rather than barriers, openness rather than walls. Let us look at distant horizons together in a spirit of acceptance, helpfulness, co-operation, and peace." If we ALL fully use our imaginations, doing it RIGHT, with total commitment in a spirit of kindness, love and acceptance of other cultures, and especially attempting to understand other peoples and societies*... then other immense and seemingly insoluble problems of the world, like violence, war and poverty would one day be alleviated... and the world would be a far safer place.
* an enemy is just someone you don't understand and who doesn't understand where you are coming from YET (thanks for sharing, my 'kind airey-fairey philosopher friend', Andy). And absolutely NOTHING is impossible with kindness and love:
A spirit of love dismantles evil...and... "Kindness and love is a power in us more powerful than bullets" (sorry President Bush and the military establishment!).
I truly believe that! We have to trust not man or countries (and especially the "sole super-power and self-appointed policeman of our planet", who have done a lot of good in the past, incidentally - thanks), but God, the Universe, Our Creator, the Ultimate Source, the Grand Designer of Life for justice to prevail in this world ("there are many religions; yet only ONE God"). Yet, I truly believe each one of us has to do all in his or her power to try to make a better world... and this is my reason for publicly sharing these thoughts (please don't shoot, "stirrer but peaceful, little old me"!).
*
I am reminded of something Dr Martin Luther King, Jnr said not long before he was assassinated: "When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love has always won. There have been tyrants and murderers and for a time they seem invincible; but in the end,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], they always fall. Think of it, ALWAYS."
Jesus really did understand perfectly man and the human condition. As the world's greatest Possibility Thinker, He DID have all the answers to the problems of the world - then and TODAY.
"When the world is filled with love, people's hearts are overflowing with hope."
"Lord, make me an instrument of your peace;
where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light...
and where there is sadness, joy.
I shall pass through this world but once.
Any good therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any human being,
let me do it now.
Let me not defer nor neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again."
- St Francis of Assisi (thanks for passing on your generous spirit to the world, dearest mom)
"Let us build bridges rather than barriers, openness rather than walls.
Rather than borders, let us look at distant horizons together in a spirit of acceptance, helpfulness, co-operation, peace, kindness and especially LOVE."
craig (just an ordinary person, but a "tireless worker/writer and warrior for a more peaceful world")
"Love is the only force that can erase the difference between people or bridge the chasms of bitterness. In a changing world, it is a constant. It is the security of the home. It is a beacon of hope in a world of distress." *
- Wayne R. Bills, MA
"LOVE goes very far beyond the physical person of the beloved.
It finds its deepest meaning and his spiritual being, his inner self.
Whether or not he is actually present, whether or not he is still alive at all, ceases somehow to be of importance."
- WW II concentration camp survivor, Viktor E. Frankl (in his book 'Man's Search for Meaning')
"I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality.
That is why right, temporarily defeated, is stronger than evil triumphant."
- Martin Luther King, Jr
"I believe often we greatly underestimate our potential and resources. We have it all within to do anything; but when we feel weak and don't think we have anything left to give, then all we need to do is ask in prayer. You will receive wisdom , strength, imagination and creativity you never knew you possessed from without, from a Higher Power, your Creator... and then nothing is impossible to you and God in union"
"But what can a 'mere I' do, God? ...and the Lord replied... "I made you!"
Many tiny (yet significant) steps by many 'órdinary''(what's that?) people will eventually reach their destination!
"continually tirelessly striving for a better and more peaceful world by stirring peacefully" craig
"Become the person you are CAPABLE of being ... and ALL the person God, Our Creator and Ground of our Being intended us to become."
Lord, broaden my horizons for all the rich promises you have in store for me."
- craig
#
"Change can only happen when you change the hearts and minds of those who oppose you."
- Exiled Chinese Muslim leader, Rebiya Kadeer
"When the world is filled with love, peoples hearts are overflowing with hope."
- craig