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| Strive for Peace |
Today we celebrate the birthday and
achievements of Martin Luther King, Jr. He was a Baptist minister whose passion
drove him to publicly support peace and non-violent means to end segregation in America during the 1960s.
He was both admired and despised, esteemed and insignificant, prominent and an
instigator.
However we choose to view him and what he
stood for, we must admit he wished for nothing but change to come. For peace to rule our nation. For discrimination to be wiped out. MLK was
eventually awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. Four years later he
was assassinated.
Where Exactly is Peace Found?
All of us must work
hard at creating peace in our lives. Single-again women may find it even more
difficult right after a breakup or divorce, but it can be done if we don’t give
up! The rewards are worth it. Let's consider some practical ways to start
building our most peaceful life now.
·
Just like the support
groups repeat at each meeting, it's important to take one step at a time. That’s
not just a cliché because rushing through this period in our lives will make
for a shaky foundation. Start with whatever is most important right this
moment. Is it a job? A better or more appropriate place to live? A new passion?
Finding new friends? Tackling one victory at a time will not be so
overwhelming.
·
Find the positives
every day. Go forward, not left, right, or backwards. Dwelling on all the mess
of the past and how hard it is to get out of bed, will not get us anywhere.
Before snuggling under the nightly covers, make a small “To-Do” list of no more
than three things. Set the alarm, program the coffeemaker, schedule the
calendar to get moving after waking. If it helps, we can turn on happy music
when cleaning the house. There are a million ways to make this happen. Now,
things are looking up!
·
Build a community of
people to depend on. A new single-again life requires single-again friends to
do things with and to call on when we need help. They have been in our shoes.
They know how to do this thing called "living." Welcome their
invitations to go places or to join a club and find a new hobby.
·
We know that mistakes
happen. Don’t freak out, just learn from them or else risk repeating them and,
who wants that? Get on our computers and read up on how to build positive
lives. Try several new ways to make this happen because everything we’ve
tried in the past may not have worked out. Our confidence will soar as we see
results!
·
No fantasies! They
aren't real and will only cause us frustration. If having a large mansion isn't
in the budget right now, find something that is beautiful and that we can be
proud of showing. Simple is good. Anyway, it's trendy to go
"minimalist" in the decorating arena. Two hundred and fifty dollar jeans
are not reasonable; only shop the "sale" racks (or better yet,
discount stores) for clothes.
·
Know that true and
lasting peace only comes from God. He has been called the Prince of Peace so His
intervention in our lives will make everything right in our world. Without Him,
difficulties will continue to pile onto each other, and we will get lost once again.
He's there. He has the answers. Let’s not leave Him out of our plans.
The Icing on the Cake:
Patience
None of the above tips
will work without Patience as a companion. Take a breath and remember
these two truths:
Challenges - we grow and mature through the "ugly stuff" in
our lives. Yes, there is a reason for everything we experience; no one is
exempt. Even a rose has thorns! We can find our purpose for the thorns in our
sides, if only we show a little tenacity and patience. We can do this!
Attitudes - how we react and treat others with patience will amaze
them. Break the mold and be willing to display the kind and loving woman
inside. It's really contagious!
“For the Scriptures
say, ‘If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days…Search for peace, and
work to maintain it” (1 Peter 3:10-11 NLT).
“I know all the things
you do. I have seen your hard work and your patient endurance…” (Rev 2:2a NLT).
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