Peace, Love, and Understanding

(Dedicated to the victims of the Las Vegas shooting)

Here are some of the lyrics from a song with that title penned by Elvis Costello:

“As I walk through

This wicked world

Searchin’ for light in the darkness of insanity.

I ask myself

Is all hope lost?

Is there only pain, hatred, and misery?

And each time I feel like this inside

There’s one thing I wanna know:

What’s so funny ‘bout peace, love, and understanding? Ohhhhh

What’s so funny ‘bout peace, love, and understanding?”

The truth is: it is not funny at all. It is sadly lacking in our world today. Everywhere I look I see people caught up in evil and going crazy on each other. Here is what I believe WILL change the world for the better: We have to see other people through God’s eyes. What would that look like?

? We would love each other despite our differences in politics, religion, ethnic origin, or any other prejudice.

? We would seek to understand those that are different from us rather than fear, hate, or judge them.

? We would put others before ourselves and learn to be givers instead of takers.

? We would truly care about people who are suffering, poor, widowed, orphaned, or in prison.

I know this may seem like the impossible dream, but if I don’t do it, who will? If I can set the proper example, then maybe those that God brings across my path will be inspired to love, understand, and be at peace with one another, but it has to start with me.

Shalom!

Dan Skognes