IN LIFE AS IN THE DANCE : GRACE GLIDES

ON BLISTERED FEET.
---Alice Abrams

Monday, June 04, 2007

Manic Monday - Peace


When peace like a river, attendeth my way;
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.
It is well...with my soul... It is well, it is well, with my soul...

"Who can say what it is about life that leads us to such a peace ... like a river. Who can say what ingredients it takes, for this person or that, that transforms such overwhelming sadness into personal peace, or brings healing, or ... leads our souls to a new depth, or compassion. Langston spoke of his people, whose souls had grown .... deep .... like a river. Perhaps the answers lie in the heart. And for each one, whatever the answer is, it comes in a kind of poignant solitude unapproachable in any other way. I ask this, though I just don't know for sure." ---Unknown
The person who wrote this hymn, did so after losing his four daughters in a storm at sea. I debated about which aspect of PEACE to write about today. World Peace is undoubtedly the most important because it would impact the most amount of people. But I'm a cynic. I do not think it will ever come about. Not in my lifetime anyway. It's not that I do not want it! Altruistically speaking, it's what every mother and inhabitant of this earth desires! I just do not think mankind is capable of cohabitating peacefully. Families can't do it - what makes us think mankind can? I'm not trying to throw cold water on a parade...really, I'm not. I will stand behind every reasonable effort to create a peaceful environment in which my grandchildren can live; but short of drugging the water source, I do not know what can be done to cause mankind to live peacfully.
For me personally, Peace of Mind is what I crave. Being able to lay your head on your pillow at night with a sense of peace flowing throughout your veins; a feeling of well-being without fear, no demons haunting you as you close your eyes to sleep...Peace Like a River.

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

great post for today! Happy Manic Monday.

Empress Bee (of the high sea) said...

peace honey! and gracie i am lovin' the new look, the more i am here the more i am likin' it!

smiles, bee

Linda said...

That has always been one of my very favorite hymns. I even cross-stitched that very stanza and have it hanging on my wall.

Excellent choice!

Travis Cody said...

If you cannot first find peace within yourself, and create it around you, how can you even begin to consider extending the circle of peace?

This is an excellent reminder that peace begins at home.

Sandee said...

You did very well Gracie. We all have the same doubts I'm sure, but what a wonderful day it has been to see all the love in cyberspace. Peace my friend. :)

Robin - Erithacus rubecula said...

I still dont get the Manic Monday thingy...what is Manic Monday????

Thanks for visiting Gracie..as usual love your blog. Will you visit mine as I have posted a new blog and trying to get some feedback for a book I am compiling. Can you flick the email to anyone you know might have information?
Thanks.....PEACE
Robyne

Sarge Charlie said...

Very nice gracie, I hope things are getting together in your place.

Constance said...

You said it beautifully and truthfully, Gracie !
I wish that peace for you, very much...
You are my "special blessing" for today !
And btw, I gave Sarge Charlie 'extra credit' !
Hope that you have a good Tuesday -
Hugs !

Katie said...

A lovely photo! and wonderful post! :)

Gene Bach said...

The world will never see peace until the return of Christ. The best we can do is work on what is directly around us. Cool picture.

Ramblins of a middle-aged goddess said...

Peace Peace wonderful peace..that also goes for quiet too you know..I love that!! Nice to be able to say hi to you!! We are visiting with family in Illinois. I am ready for home though!! I am having problems with my left eye..it is swollen, red and watering. What a mess!! It is always something for me!! Thanks for stopping by...Sandy

Dayngr said...

War can only be understood and put an end to if you and all those who are concerned very deeply with the survival of man, feel that you are utterly responsible for killing others. What will make you change? - J. Krishnamurti

Heart of Rachel said...

Peace of mind is a great blessing. I thank God each night for giving me such peace. Thanks for sharing.

Melissa Murphy said...

That has always been one of my favorite hymnns!!! Beautiful Post, Beautiful Blog!!!

Bev said...

Wow, Amen! I sing in our choir at church and several of your posts with scriptures so I immediately started singing in my head... It is well, it is well, in my soul... how very peaceful....

I enjoyed visiting your blog!

Bev