I had developed two core principles before I had made it to high school. I am not sure why given where I was born. Stories of violence and hatred toward black people in the US South deeply affected me. Therefore, the justice part. Since this was prior to Viet Nam, the peace part must have come through teachings of John Wesley in my Methodist church. Or stories of my Seventh-Day Baptist preacher uncles.
Our country has declared yet another unofficial (not authorized by Congress) war. I’m glad I was never in the position to make decisions to kill thousands of people in the name of peace. It’s like my pacifist leanings toward any violence. The mother of a girl I used to talk with decades ago used probe at what point would I resort to violence in order to protect myself or another. I wrestle with that question some 60 years later.
I pray for peace. I cannot stop the bombing. I cannot stop the hatred and egos and power yearnings of others. I can act with kindness spreading peace and justice where I am.
I will do what I can letting the egos and hatred of others play out into their own destructions. I feel great sorrow when I sit and consider the many places where bombs are falling on innocent people and soldiers are sent to the front to their deaths.
This is my personal meditation. You consider your own fears and concerns making your own decisions. I don’t tell people what to think or do. I merely try to reflect the teachings of Jesus that have so deeply infused my being.
I have a small international readership. If you are somewhere protecting your homeland from destruction, my prayers are with you.
Faith Venture 
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