Inspired by lyrics, “Share the Dream of Peace” by Sue Riley, David Roth, & Jana Stanfield:
“My skin may be a diff’rent shade, my language not the same. I pray in different places, I call God by different names. My clothing may not be like yours, might stand out in a crowd.
But in universal Spirit, there are diff’rences allowed.
We have the precious present and our presence holds the key to a world that is more loving, as we share the dream of peace.
My arms embrace my children. I fall in love, I cry. I marvel at the sunset as another day goes by. But halfway ‘round the world, I know, your rain brings rainbows, too. Though we might seem so different, I am just the same as you.
Imagining the future, remembering the past. Together we can co-create a vision that will last.
Responsive Reading for September 15
“Then David blessed the LORD in the presence of the whole assembly, praying in these words: ‘Blessed are you, LORD, … For all in heaven and on earth is yours; …. Therefore, our God, we give you thanks .… For everything is from you, and what we give is what we have from you. For, before you, we are strangers and travelers, like all our ancestors’” (I. Chronicles 29:10-15).
My skin may be a diff’rent shade, my language not the same. I pray in different places, I call God by different names. My clothing may not be like yours, might stand out in a crowd.
But in universal Spirit, there are diff’rences allowed.
“Commit your way to the LORD; … He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn …. Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him … Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; … those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land .… The meek will inherit the land and enjoy peace and prosperity” (from Ps.37, NIV).
We have the precious present and our presence holds the key to a world that is more loving, as we share the dream of peace.
God said to Jeremiah: “Look! I am bringing … recovery and healing; I will heal them and reveal to them an abundance of lasting peace” (Jer. 33:6).
My arms embrace my children. I fall in love, I cry. I marvel at the sunset as another day goes by. But halfway ‘round the world, I know, your rain brings rainbows, too. Though we might seem so different, I am just the same as you.
“Hope in the LORD and keep his way…. A future awaits those who seek peace” (Psalm 37:37 NIV). “Restore the peace desired by all people” (Esther 3B). Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Mt. 5:9).
Imagining the future, remembering the past, together we can co-create a vision that will last.