Where does your peace lie?
Where does your peace lie,
that quiet strength and inner calm
that soothes your soul like a healing balm?
Where does your peace lie?
Where does your peace lie,
when down is up and up is down
and you feel like water is rising and you might drown?
Where does your peace lie?
Where does your peace lie,
amidst the noise
with battle lines drawn and
everyone taking sides?
Where does your peace lie?
Where does your peace lie?
Does it look like this?
There is a virus,
No, it’s a hoax.
I’ll wear a mask
Oh no I won’t.
People are sick and many are dying.
Don’t believe what you hear, the scientists are lying.
I’ll follow restrictions, I’ll keep my distance.
You can’t take my freedom, I am the resistance.
Even during a pandemic, this much is true.
Red is still red and Blue is still blue.
I’ll do me and you do you.
And the division between us just grew and grew.
Where does your peace lie?
Where does your peace lie
are you caught up in the news
seeking those who think like you?
Feeling that is the one truth.
Where does your peace lie?
Where does your peace lie
if there is no civility or alternative point of view?
And you only talk with those who agree with you.
Where does your peace lie?
Is your peace found in carrying a gun,
shouting for freedom at the top of your lungs?
Is your peace found spreading conspiracies,
even if in a whisper naming liars of those
with whom you disagree?
Where does your peace lie?
Have you found peace or
do you feel alone or afraid?
Hoping someone will notice,
extend a hand and not leave you dismayed.
Where does your peace lie?
Peace won't be found in a whisper or a scream
it will come when you realize we are all on the same team.
Red or Blue, Americans we are in this same pandemic
this invisible force has revealed our flaws are deeply systemic.
Where does your peace lie?
As history can teach us and be our guide,
let us learn peace from those who've went before us and survived.
Jefferson gave us a declaration to stand the test of time
that WE the people are ALL created equal.
And then there was Lincoln whose Emancipation was proclaimed
a battle that divided the nation and took the President's life.
But one that was important if we were to survive.
Teddy Roosevelt walked softly and carried a big stick as well as led the rough riders through many a battle;
His cousin would lead the nation in the recovery from the depression and through the second world war despite his health being fragile.
Kennedy would inspire us to dream of men going to the moon and challenge us to do for our country;
While Carter spent these many years working for Habitat
to build homes and help the homeless and hungry.
All of them have these things in common,
no matter the political party or time that they served.
They provided comfort in trying times and always with their words encouraged unity and inspiration and kept us a nation preserved.
Where does your peace lie?
Where does your peace lie?
Before you decide, consider this
if you be a person of faith.
The Heavenly Father gave us words on not
to fear and not to fight.
And would likely discourage the desire to always be right.
Yet here we are with a fair amount of fear and picking fights.
With lots of effort being made to prove we are right.
Where does your peace lie?
Where does your peace lie?
It's time to find that quiet strength and inner calm.
Which way will you choose?
Perhaps you'll take the lead from a four year old
fighting cancer with courage and a plan to be victorious.
Maybe you can find your peace from a 99yo WWII Veteran
and survivor of Covid 19. This man twice awarded the purple heart will teach you how not to worry, but to be a warrior.
Where does your peace lie?
Where does your peace lie?
Can you breathe through trying moments
of anxiety or anger or fear?
Those deep breaths will get us through this tough year.
Can you resist the temptation
To take out your frustration
and remember we are all in this together?
Can you show empathy, perhaps compassion
and lend a hand to another?
And treat others whatever their politics
as your sisters and your brothers.
In that moment, perhaps if you can do this
consistently, you will come closer than
you've ever been to finding your strength
and your inner calm.
Now you know where your peace lies.
Seek it and embrace it!
Peace and Blessings,
Tammy