Just Do It!

It has been quite some time since the last posting on this blog and so I wanted to write something inspirational and motivational.  Disasters, tough times, poverty, hunger and sickness do not take a break or hiatus.  I am not an alarmist who might say that all of these are continuing to worsen, however, I do believe that we more aware than ever of the troubles around the world.  And because of that awareness we should not hesitate to act when we are moved.  Very needy people are waiting for our help.  If we just add the latest disaster need to our monthly meeting to-do list, we are not helping, but instead self glorifying our own agendas.  During my career I have heard over and over that when it comes to deadlines, there are 24 hours in a day so no excuse is acceptable for not getting the job done on time.  Many of us need to take a deeper look at our available resources, time and availability and ask ourselves what more can we do.  Perhaps volunteering ones life away is not such a bad idea.

Look for the Helpers

When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, “Look for the helpers.  You will always find people who are helping.”  To this day, especially in times of disaster, I remember my mother’s words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers….so many caring people in this world.       Fred Rogers

There is a tendency in our world  to say that times are becoming more and more violent and scary and after hearing the news from Boston yesterday, it is tough to dispute that, however, I am a Christian.  And as Christians, we can be a great example of positive thinking. 

The power of good to overcome evil is real.  Sometimes we have to look for it more carefully.  In the tragedy that occurred in Boston yesterday, throughout the afternoon, the common report across the news networks was of the bravery and unselfishness of the folks who decided to respond instead of run.  Soldiers who were in attendance to watch the race, went immediately to the local hospital to give blood.  They then returned to the area of the explosions to assist however they could.  Marathon runners reportedly ran a mile and a half further upon finishing the race so that they could donate blood.  Some runners helped to carry the wounded. These folks needed medical attention themselves after completing a marathon and literally went the extra mile.  Imagine if the report was “Two Explosions at the Boston Marathon, And no one responded.”

A few rotten individuals might have tried to hurt the crowds at the Boston Marathon, but a multitude of people came to help.  I am sure a scientist might try to prove away God’s presence in this story by telling us that it is the “benevolent gene” that causes us to help a stranger in a time of need, but I think I know better. I think this is God’s presence and God’s goodness at work.  Just think of a tragedy that happened in our lifetime and you’ll see more goodness in the response.  This is goodness overcoming evil.

Peace Pilgrim

Peace Pilgrim

 

A Small Woman with a Large Message

 

Peace Pilgrim was the name taken by Mildred Norman Ryder from Egg Harbor City, New Jersey.  In 1938, after walking in the woods all night praying to God, asking to be used in some way, she decided to begin giving, rather than getting.  On January 1, 1953, when she was 44 and had already been on a 15-year spiritual journey, she began her first real walk for peace.  She was to engage in 6 more walks, traveling over 25,000 miles across America and Canada, penniless and without an organization backing her.  By the 1960’s and 70’s, her work for peace was becoming a more popular concept.  As the demand for her to take speaking engagements increased, she spent fewer and fewer nights along the roadside. Peace Pilgrim began to accept rides in order to get to those engagements.  But she always returned to the spot where she had been picked up to continue her walk.  After accepting one of those rides, she was killed in a head-on collision on July 7, 1981.  For 28 years she was known for being a spiritual teacher, a non-violence advocate and a peace prophet.  Her message was always: “Overcome evil with good, falsehood with truth, and hatred with love.”

 

Let’s continue to think about traveling for peace.  But fast-forward with me to the fall of 2012.  A young man named Paul, son of Dale and Debbie Ziegler, sadly died an untimely death in an auto/bike accident.  He was a student at McPherson College, a lover of Camp Swatara and a peace advocate.  And he had a dream of accomplishing a 3000-mile bike ride to raise money for On Earth Peace.  To honor his memory and fulfill that dream, Brethren churches, colleges and camps are taking on that 3,000-mile challenge in his memory.

 

Paul’s home camp is Camp Swatara and on April 27^th that camp will be sponsoring a number of bike rides and walks for all interests and ability levels.  The Peace and Justice Committee of the District encourages you to participate in this challenge.  Peace Pilgrim walked over 25,000 miles.  How far will you walk – or ride - or sponsor someone else to do so – on April 27^th?

 

Marilyn Baker, Peace Action Team member

Palmyra CoB

                                     

WHAT ARE YOU DOING FOR OTHERS?

It is not necessary to elaborate or try to make more profound the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  This question that he posed is simple and provocative on its own.  Surely Reverend King learned to love and care for others through the teachings of Jesus Christ.  So this blog entry is just a simple reminder that on Monday, January 21, 2013, the United States  will honor the life and work of Martin Luther King Jr. by celebrating a National Day of Service.  What service will you offer?  It is a simple challenge that we should look for more than this one day per year.  If you do something in the way of service on January 21, make it a meaningful experience and share it with other people so that they might consider doing something for others as well. And if you feel inspired, read some of the speeches and writings of this good man as they will certainly change the way you think about your neighbor and your community.