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I was invited today (February 6, 2013) to speak on the topic of “World Peace” at the weekly meeting of the Rotary Club of St. Charles Parish. Here is the transcript of that speech… Good afternoon. I've been asked to speak today on the topic of world peace. The program committee initially thought they could get Metta World Peace, aka Ron Artest, from the Los Angeles Lakers. But, his one game suspension for fighting was for yesterday. So, World Peace was not available for today! I certainly do not pretend to be expert on the topic of world peace. I did, though, have an opportunity to consult the philosophic writings of John Lennon. He says, “Imagine all the people living life in peace. You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one. I hope someday you'll join us, and the world will be as one." Quite frankly, I don't even know if peace is actually possible throughout the world. However, I do try to be a peacemaker in my own life. I am a middle child, so I suppose by nature I've always tried to keep the peace. My big sister was a daddy's girl, and my little brother a mama's boy. I never voiced my opinion on that issue in fear of making my mom or dad upset! I am a minister and counselor, in which I help people resolve conflict and create peace in their lives. Sometimes that works; other times it doesn't. I do make sure that I am always sitting closest to the door just in case World War III breaks out in my office! And, I, of course, am a Rotarian. We are part of a worldwide effort of 1.2 million Rotarians trying to facilitate peace in the world. And, I pray the same prayer as you do each week as Mr. George asks the Lord for peace in the world. I'm sure you are aware that the object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and, in particular, to encourage and foster: first, the development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service; second, high ethical standards in business and professions, the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations, and the dignifying of each Rotarian's occupation as an opportunity to serve society; third, the application of the ideal of service in each Rotarian's personal, business, and community life; and fourth, the advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional persons united in the ideal of service. I’m not sure if you are aware that there are even Rotary Centers for International Studies in peace and conflict resolution. Rotary Peace Fellows can earn a master’s degree or a certificate in these areas at various universities throughout the world. This afternoon, although I do not have one of these degrees or certificates, I would like to share with you four dynamics that I believe would maximize peace and minimize conflict. I'm hoping that these thoughts will be relevant to you as you think about peace throughout the world but also as you think about peace in your family, peace at your job, and peace in this great community of St. Charles Parish. Four Dynamics Associated with World Peace… 1. Appreciation: A couple of years ago, I had the opportunity to teach a university course entitled “World Religious Traditions.” The course covered the religions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. As a Christian minister, I was hoping to create influence and connect with people. I quickly realized that the course textbook was promoting tolerance and acceptance of these three religions. Because of my convictions of absolute truth, I cannot tolerate and accept other religions to the extent to say everyone is ok regardless of what they believe. However, I can certainly have an appreciation for the similarities across religions and also an appreciation of the differences. 2. Alleviation: In order for peace to exist in the world, there needs to be the alleviation of fundamental extremism. I’m mindful of the horrendous acts of terror on September 11, 2001 in New York City. I’m also mindful of how many “Christian” leaders have burned copies of the Quran. The solution to religious differences is not to hate and kill, rather to love and serve. 3. Acceleration: In order for peace to exist in the world, there must be acceleration. We need to accelerate our love for others- regardless of their race, their background, and/or their status in society. We need to accelerate our acts of service to others. Rotary’s mottos include “Peace through Service” and “Service Above Self.” We need to accelerate our willingness to forgive others, to move on, and to let go. We need to accelerate our acts of kindness through financial giving in order to accomplish magnificent things, including the eradication of polio. 4. Ammunition: Finally, and I hope I don’t lose any friends here, but I believe that ammunition is necessary to facilitate peace throughout the world. Runaway Jury is one of my favorite movies. Dustin Hoffman plays the role of a big time attorney, and there’s a young jury consultant that comes to New Orleans to assist in the gun violence case. Hoffman looks directly at the fella and asks him why he is so passionate about this case. The consultant says, “I believe in a world without guns, sir.” Hoffman replies, “That’s a bit naïve, don’t you think?” Some people really do believe in a world without guns. However, when I think of horrific tragedies involving gun violence, specifically what happened a few months ago in Newtown, Connecticut, my heart hurts knowing all of those innocent children lost their lives and all of those families are left searching for explanation. Yes, I believe to some extent, this is a gun issue, but to a larger extent this is a mental illness issue as well. Normandy, France is certainly one of the most peaceful places I have ever been. If you go there today, you will see the beautiful sand and English Channel. And, you will also see thousands of crosses (and stars of David) reminding us of what many people describe as the “Greatest Generation.” Without ammunition, I wonder if the Nazi regime would still be active in the world today. More recently, the brave team of Navy Seals went into Pakistan to facilitate the death of Osama bin Laden. Without ammunition, our peace and freedom would certainly be more at stake. I am thankful for the men and women in our armed forces who are currently protecting our freedom and pursuing peace throughout the world. As I close, I would like to challenge you with two very specific ideas, heavily informed by the Christian worldview. First, “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” Second, “Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.” We cannot control what others across the world do; we cannot control what others across the country do; we cannot control what people across the state do; we cannot control what people across the parish do; we cannot control what people in our families do; BUT, most importantly, we can control what we do. Is peace possible in THE world? I don't know. Is peace possible in MY world? Absolutely! Imagine if we can multiply that individual peace 1.2 million times over! That doesn't have to be a dream. That can become a reality. World peace is available today. World peace begins with me. Any thoughts or comments???
45 Comments
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Chappy
2/6/2013 03:36:06 pm
Eric, good job. You should write a book.
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Eric Dishongh
2/7/2013 06:00:32 am
Thanks, Chap!
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Nick smith
2/9/2013 09:17:13 am
Eric
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Eric Dishongh
2/11/2013 11:11:55 pm
Thanks, Nick!
Big Herm
2/6/2013 09:52:29 pm
A standing ovation is in order.
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Eric Dishongh
2/7/2013 06:01:11 am
Thanks, Big Herm!
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Abby
2/6/2013 10:39:32 pm
Wonderful read! Thank you!
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Eric Dishongh
2/7/2013 06:02:33 am
Thanks, Abby!
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BJ
2/6/2013 11:44:59 pm
Good read Eric. Liked how you kept it relavent.
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Eric Dishongh
2/7/2013 06:03:06 am
Thanks, BJ!
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Charmaine
2/7/2013 12:50:26 am
Eric,
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Eric Dishongh
2/7/2013 06:03:55 am
Thank you, Mrs. Charmaine!
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Meagan Fast
2/7/2013 01:55:23 am
Very good Eric!
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Eric Dishongh
2/7/2013 06:04:27 am
Thank you, Meagan!
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Martha Greba
2/7/2013 02:47:21 am
Eric, What a wonderful way to start my day! Great job!
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Eric Dishongh
2/7/2013 06:04:54 am
Thank you, Martha!
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Mom
2/7/2013 11:14:12 am
I am very proud of you! Your sermons and talks always leave me with peace in my heart! Love you!
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Eric Dishongh
2/8/2013 10:55:15 pm
Love you too!
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Pat Hutchens
2/7/2013 12:52:50 pm
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Kristin Northrup
2/7/2013 01:17:42 pm
Amen, Eric! Nice work.
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Eric Dishongh
2/8/2013 10:55:47 pm
Thank you, Kristin!
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grandmaI
2/7/2013 11:15:49 pm
i am so proud of you.God has blessed me so much to have some one like you in my life. Love Little grandma
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Eric Dishongh
2/8/2013 11:00:03 pm
Love you too, Grandma!
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Margaret Spahr
2/10/2013 08:22:14 am
A GREAT message for all. Through you, God sends his message of love that creates peace.
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Eric Dishongh
2/11/2013 11:12:26 pm
Thank you, Margaret!
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Little brother
2/10/2013 12:21:16 pm
I believe a little clarification is in order. I may have been a mama's boy and Brandi may have been a daddy's girl but there may have been a couple of times when you broke the peace agreement. Lets see... Didn't you bite Brandi on the nose??? I remember you telling me Santa wasn't real. True I was probably a little too old to believe in Santa. Hahaha... Great job brother!
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Eric Dishongh
2/11/2013 11:13:22 pm
I don't remember any of those things!
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Pat Hutchens
2/11/2013 06:58:01 am
Hip-Hip- Hurray! The broad subject of world peace was concisely and properly placed in each human being's daily living. Thank you for the timely lesson. Your own life is a great example!
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Eric Dishongh
2/11/2013 11:13:55 pm
Thank you, Mrs. Pat!
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Cecil May
2/13/2013 12:39:53 am
Well said, exactly right for the audience, which is the mark of a really good speaker!
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Eric Dishongh
2/15/2013 10:23:02 pm
Thank you, Brother May!
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Chad Kuepker
2/13/2013 01:53:02 am
I really appreciate you adding me to your blog. I find it very refreshing and eye opening at times. Thank you for working towards making this world a better place!!
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Eric Dishongh
2/15/2013 10:23:34 pm
Thanks, Chad!
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Jackie Johnson
2/19/2013 02:14:19 am
To connect with people you have to be culturally bilingual. It opens the door and if we are to represent the Prince of peace, believers must practice peace. Great job!
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Eric Dishongh
2/22/2013 12:24:59 pm
Thanks, Jackie!
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Rick Thomas
2/23/2013 06:16:23 am
The Power of Love increases as the Love of Power is set aside.
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Eric Dishongh
2/25/2013 06:09:43 am
Thanks for the kind words, Rick!
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Patrick Bowes
10/7/2013 07:48:05 am
Eric, I had to go back and read this again. It is really very inspiring and one of my favorite saved items. Yes, Peace begins with each one of us. Let's ask the Holy Spirit to tell the world together. Amen
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sammita shanbhag
8/23/2014 11:51:59 pm
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9/17/2014 03:28:51 am
am glad we your kind in the world,a father an a good preace preacher an i wount hesitate to says you are peace ambasador.
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9/17/2014 03:43:43 am
Sir Eric, oh! You are Da greath greath preacher of the preachers am so glad to have digested your awesom word of peace. Kudos to u sir.
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chanchal vishwakarma
10/15/2014 04:00:28 am
This speech is lovely,very good
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carl jerald gabinete
10/26/2014 05:45:31 pm
What a great speech I hope someday I will be like you
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