Tag Archives: follow

Following a Leader to Peace

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I’ve recently been part of the line up for dinner crowd… There I was where I’d never expected to be, in rehab, trying to get over a huge encounter with pneumonia.

But we all need to be finding our leaders for Peace… and following them… and being them.

I like to think that I am one; I work hard at it.

But it’s wonderful to know that when I am struggling to be even a capable follower in the lunch line, that someone is still leading. Peace is still being explored.

Six years ago the Jews, the Muslims, and the UUs met for a hummus cook-off. This year 42 women from 5 different traditions met to read the book of Ruth… (and yes, there was food!) I wasn’t present. I didn’t need to be, although I’m sorry to have missed it. Peace is growing.

It’s what we do; we practice leading and we practice following.

I’m so glad you’re part of my Peace Line… I’m glad when you follow. I’m glad when you lead. You need to lead now, ok? Because I’m barely able to follow. But someday, I’ll lead again. Until then. Peace.

 

Lead or Follow, It’s Time for Peace

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As we make decisions in our lives, we have to be very certain that we’re opting for Peace.

Some of us are leaders, and our choices must have Peace at the heart, each and every time. Some of us are followers, and you cannot lead all of the time, but those we choose to follow must be Peacemakers.

Our decisions need to be that clear — not simple, but clear.

Often those choices get framed in terms of sacrifice. What do we have to give up to make space for Peace. Those are good questions.

But we don’t hear enough about what we gain… not only the big, grandiose gains… Peace in our Time… but Peace in our lives… How would that enrich us? Who would our new neighbors be? What do we get to learn as we negotiate around the hard places?

There are a host of things that I can no longer budge on. The safety of women and children and their well being, space for people whose gender identity or religious identity are different than mine, and Peace. Peace, Peace, Peace. Leading or following Peace.

Peace. Lead. Follow. Or, really, Get out of the way.

EverydayPeaceWednesday29Jul20