Tag Archives: refugees

Welcome to Peace Land

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I can’t imagine how difficult it is to feel you have no choice about leaving your home.

But if you can’t feed your children, if you have no hope for work and a future, if you are targeted for execution, if your home no longer exists because of war and bombs, then I don’t even think it’s an act of courage as much as an act of resignation and determination to save your life, to save your family’s lives, to be free.

In this case (and in many others, I would argue), there can be no justifiable argument for not opening our doors.

My friends were just here from Sweden. They spoke with great compassion about the fact that more than 1,000 people from Syria and other places are living in their town and what the community is doing to welcome them. And their voices were full of sympathy when they talked about how hard it is for them, and full of joy when they talked about the new stores popping up, and full of derision when they talked about people’s sanctifying culture which changes anyway. We let our fear overcome our hearts… and don’t check to see if the fears are real…

But in the land of Peace, all comers are welcome. Safety and respect are the boundaries we will keep. Peace. Welcome.

everydaypeacefriday40sep30

Getting on a Peace Boat

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The refugees that cram on boats on their way from Syria to Lesbos take their lives and their family’s lives in their hands. We really need to consider how awful it must be to take your tiny children and pray your way across deep water.

On this particular boat there were good reasons for prayer. the boat sprang a leak. Only a half an hour from land, but still a half hour. As if these refugees weren’t already frightened enough by what they had left and what was ahead of them.

In all probability they all would have drowned if the Mardini sisters had not been in the boat and been brave and resourceful. They got on the Peace Boat and they brought it in to shore. Amazing young women.

Here’s wishing Yusra the best as she competes in the Olympics. Here’s wishing that all of us might participate in Peace.

EverydayPeaceFriday32Aug5

Peaceful Snuggling

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Snuggling is a great thing. Whether you snuggle in with someone you love or down with a good book in your favorite nest of blankets, it’s a lovely lovely thing.

This pup of Dagny’s is a “resettled” pup, if she’s the pup I think she is. And she was leery when she first came to live with Dag… but then she got it. This was her forever home.

That’s where I started the musing. But it’s not where I ended up. I ended with the realization that this is what the Syrian refugees are seeking. You grow up somewhere, thinking it’s home. And then it is not. And then there is no safe place to lay your head. Or to put your children down to sleep. They are in exile from that safety.

Thank all that is holy, I have never had to worry about this. I have always had the luxury of snuggling in.

Does it matter to me that there are those who don’t have that luxury? Does it matter enough to try to make a difference? We’ll see… It’s another way to discover how committed I am, really, to Peace. Do I care enough to do what I can?

EverydayPeaceFridayJan8

 

The Bartender and the Priestess Speak from Their Hearts: Syria

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US: Given what’s going on in the world, the Bartender and the Priestess wanted to step away from our regular status format and talk a bit about the Syrian refugee crisis. Continue reading →