Contributed by Gabriela von Euw
Peace Starts With Me.
What does it mean? We’v been hearing this phrase a lot at different events recently as the motto and headline. From a glance, it seems very clear and straightforward what it means, but I think it goes deeper and bigger than that. Why do we keep talking about Peace Starts With Me? Because it’s that important to inherit and embody in our lives to create a world of peace, but it’s easy to forget. We need a constant reminder each and every day to strive to be better individuals, a better son or daughter, sibling, friend, spouse, and/or parent.
Rev. Sun Myung Moon and Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, affectionately known as Father and Mother Moon, devoted their life toward creating a peaceful world. In 2017, Mother Moon initiated Peace Starts With Me rallies with this same vision. This movement of peace ignited a revolution of the heart encouraging people to become peacemakers in the world and leaders by example. Through their words and actions, they have touched the hearts of many across the world and inspired young people through CARP to become peace loving global citizens. They inspire me each day as I read Father Moon's autobiography and Mother Moon’s memoir to aspire to be such a leader of peace in my life and in my career path by growing my heart as an individual.
On our CARP website, it states this same vision and goal: “Their vision for young people was that they would be educated in serving the world before serving themselves, their families, and their nations. The way they saw it, the passion that young people have is enough to move nations, and when young people commit to something, they are tenacious. Rev. and Dr. Moon hoped that CARP would provide the stimulation and environment these young people need to flourish not just intellectually and financially but, most importantly, in heart.”
We need to strive to be such a person who serves the world; this is how peace starts with me, through service and love towards others. The heart of service and practicing loving is essential for peace. By practicing this heart of service and love we can go beyond our current circumstance to forgive, to invest and love anyway. In Father Moon’s poem, “Crown of Glory,” he shares that no matter what we face, keep moving forward with the heart of love and service and go with God. To forgive, be kind, do good, give your best in any situation with God and higher purpose will stretch and grow our heart.
Father Moon said, “before I hope to master the universe, I must first master myself.” As individuals we need to grow our hearts and character, gaining mastery over our own minds and bodies and creating inner peace.
Mahatma Gandhi said, “be the change you wish to see in the world”. It starts with our actions no matter how small. What am I doing each day to grow spiritually and serve others? As we are in this pandemic, many of us are at home. This is where it starts. Let’s find ways to serve the people around us, practice a loving heart, being humble and kind, being patient and calm, cook for our family or house mates, or just do something extra. If we look, there is always something more we can do better each day.
For example, Mother Teresa said, “peace begins with a smile.” Bring a smile to someone through a comment or an act of service. A smile can go a long way. In today’s day and age there are so many ways we can put a smile on someone's face even if we can’t meet up with them physically. Send a letter, a care package, a video or voice message, or even better just call them. It’s a good opportunity to be creative.
“Practice true love, be the one who lives for the sake of others,” Mother Moon said.
I believe the CARP founders are asking us something so much bigger with the phrase ‘Peace Starts With Me.’ They are asking us to stand up for creating a peaceful world by practicing true love—to forgive, love and unite. To build a world of peace and harmony, peace starts with me.
“We cannot put the world to rights in the future by means of war. Peace, harmony and mutual exchange are what will work. Money cannot do that.” - Father Moon, 1984
‘Peace starts with me’ is much bigger than each of us. Mother and Father Moon have a greater vision in mind. A vision of “a world filled with values of freedom, peace, unity, and happiness, ‘a Heavenly Unified World’ as shared by the Rally of Hope organization founded by Mother Moon. A movement to build a world of peace. Let's support Mother Moon in the Rallies of Hope to spread the message of peace.
By embodying “Peace Starts With Me” in our lives we can become peacemakers and spread the message of peace wherever we may be, by being a witness and testament to others through our lives. Let’s hold our heads high and practice true love, putting faith into action through service transcending all religious, racial, and national barriers.
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