11/7/08

Dona Nobis Pacem ~ Grant Us Peace~



"While we watch the storm clouds gather and prepare for the storm, let us never forget that the sun still shines behind those dark clouds and may somehow break through before the storm descends. I see sunshine in the real desire for peace in the hearts of humanity, even though the human family gropes toward peace blindly, not knowing the way. "
--- Peace Pilgrim ---

I've included another favorite by --
"A real soul is something you make by walking through fire. By keeping on walking, and by remembering how it felt."

--- Peter Straub --

I'm excited to join the second anniversary of Blogblast For Peace, which began as a simple post by Mimi from Mimi Writes in the fall of 2006. The message Mimi sent in her first post "Dona Nobis Pacem" Latin for "Grant Us Peace" has traveled from blog to blog reaching 35 countries and 46 states, an amazing accomplishment.

This is the second annual posting of Blogblast For Peace. The original post was published in November of 2006, then published again six months later on July of 2008 and now on November 6, 2008- I decided to take part in all three. Mimi's Peace Globe movement is one of the most impressive memes in the blogosphere, therefore, like many of my fellow blogger's, I'm delighted to be a part of it.

Together we'll have our Peace globes posted throughout the internet along with our favorite words about what peace means to us individually- and that is cool-

Here is the link to Mimi's Official Site for Blogblast For Peace if you would like to join us, or read more about this incredible movement.

In addition, here is the link to Mimi's post and the list of bloggers who have joined and posted their Peace Globes.

When I read that we were asked to write about what peace means to us, along with a poem in our peace globe, I thought of the poem and quote I used in my previous Blogblast posts. Only this time, I also thought about humanity and the individual parts each of us play in relation to peace. I don't think I told a story in my first two Peace Globe posts, but for some reason, I felt this one may be significant.

Here's my story:

When I was a small child, I paraded toward my parents bedroom at the end of the hall, but when I got there, the door was closed. I immediately sensed that something was wrong, but without thinking or knocking I barged in the room anyway and saw my father kneeling on the side of the bed crying and praying.


My father was crying...he never cried. He was my hero, the Chief of Detectives at the Sheriffs Office, a cowboy, and the only person who knew how to put the Christmas lights on the tree- my father didn’t cry – nevertheless grown-up tears rolled out of his blue eyes and down his expressionless face- I couldn’t understand what he was saying to God.

Frightened, I started to run from the room, but he pulled me onto his lap, rocked me back and forth, and said, " I know there will be peace on earth one day... Sweetheart, I know there will be..."

Years later, I learned that I caught my father crying minutes after Senator Robert Kennedy was assassinated at the Ambassador Hotel in 1968.

I asked him once how he could have been so sure there would be peace on earth after what happened that day, especially at that time in our country and his career.

He replied, "Because a world without peace, love, and tolerance will not stand long. None of us will survive on a planet divided by hate, violence, injustice, greed, and prejudice." Then he said..."And I didn't have the heart to give up on my country, our world, and humanity itself."

I was brought up believing that we need to remain grateful for our blessings and cautious of becoming indifferent to the sufferings of others...

That we must never tolerate, minimize, or silence the unjust treatment of others, anymore than we would silently witness a loved one suffering the same fate.

That is one reason I love the following quote by Peter Straub.


"A real soul is something you make by walking through fire. By keeping on walking, and by remembering how it felt."

--- Peter Straub -


My mother and father taught us that attitude is everything...which to me means we can choose to live a peaceful life full of love and laughter everyday, and everyday we can choose whether to pass what we have along to others...

Whispered from a genuine heart, kindness, truth, wisdom, compassion, and love, are my favorite words...

Mimi, thank you for reminding us to have faith in peace, love, and kindness, and for creating an excellent way for us to individually express what peace means personally to each of us.


Enjoy the video 'Humanity' and the song Get Together by The Youngbloods-



Thank you Paula from Paula's Playground for designing such a wonderful peace globe for me on the fourth annual blog for peace, I decided to use it again. :))




16 comments:

Sandee said...

First it's great to see a post from you. I worry about you all the time.

Secondly, what a beautiful post for peace. What a wonderful and insightful man your father is.

Peace to you and yours my dear friend. Big hug and losta lovies. :)

aniceplaceinthesun.blogspot.com said...

Thank you, Sandee. I miss you and I was on my way to Comedy Plus when I saw you left a comment.

I'm sorry for the relapse, but don't worry, when I'm absent, I will always return-I promise.

Thank you for not forgetting about me and for all the comments you've left on my posts. You're truly one of my best buddies and favorite people.

Plus, thanks for the compliment about my father. I've been blessed with super parents.

Peace to you and yours too my special friend. And thanks for your continued support and friendship. You're important to me.

Big hug and lotsa lovies back~

Annie

Dawn Drover said...

Nice to see you back Annie :)
Beautiful post and peace globe... hope all is well... take care..
{HUGS}

Bud Weiser, WTIT said...

Not only is it a great Globe, but also more importantly a moving post. Peace to you and those you love!

Michelle said...

Beautiful globe with a great quote/poem choice.

Peace wishes to you. :-)

~*~Patty S said...

Very inspiring blog blast for Peace!
Sending *Peace*Love*Light* to ALL!!!

Anonymous said...

Oh Annie...how lovely...your parents sound true and intelligent.
It's no wonder your such a balanced and loving person...this was sensational thank you.
lots of hugs and a big fat smootch

Daisy said...

That was very beautifully said. The Blogblast for Peace is always so inspiring, it makes me feel happy inside.

Mimi Lenox said...

Wonderful peace globe and lovely post about your parents. Your father sounds like an incredible man. Thank you for sharing.

Peace to you and yours,
Mimi

Ferd said...

Annie,
I'm so glad to see you posting! I truly hope you are well, or getting there!
I loved the story about your dad. Thanks for that!

You are the epitome of a kind and gentle, peaceful spirit. You're the poster girl! We should put YOU on a peace globe!
Peace!

Travis Cody said...

Thank you for sharing that story. Peace to you and yours.

Bobby Revell said...

Hello Ann! I love your peace globe:)
Peace to you and yours!!!

mauniejames3 said...

How are you doing honey? Take things easy

loves and kisses are sent your way

Jackie said...

I agree with Sandee. It is good to see a post.

I don't know what is wrong Annie but you are in my prayers.

And this is a beautiful post and lovely globe.

Hugs for you and God bless!!

Speedcat Hollydale said...

Wow ... you really did an outstanding job here Ann. Very well done.

Anonymous said...

A beautiful story and a great one for the Blog Blast. Sorry I missed the right day.

Click to subscribe!

Today's Popular Children's Picture Books

Today's Popular Children's Picture Books
Click on the titles below for the link to Publishers Weekly.com

The Boogeyman From Planet-Lackawanna-

You will lose yourself in the imaginative dreams of eleven year old Theodore Wilson's. Don't miss this review coming soon.

More reviews and available for purchase on Amazon .com. Just click on image of book and the link will take you there.

Thank you!

Upcoming Book Review

Upcoming Book Review
Gretchen Zufall (Author) Mike Paar (Illustrator)

Motherhood- Courage


Motherhood is an art impossible to explain, one which requires a vast sea of love, devotion, compassion, and understanding, unmatched by any affection we will ever know again.- Ann Clemmons

Courage-

Courage



Humor-

Humor


Words-

Words are the core of our souls, without written, vocal or lyrical expression we lose sight of one another or worse, ourselves. Words bring forth the essence of the human spirit; so express yourself without abandon.

Ann Clemmons

Favorite Phrase

I remember I used to half believe and wholly play with fairies when I was a child. What heaven can be more real than to retain the spirit-world of childhood, tempered and balanced by knowledge and common-sense...

Beatrix Potter’s Journal, 17 November 1896, from the National Trust collection.

Jacket Flap-

Powered by JacketFlap.com
The Storyteller, by Dawn Drover

Alone in her world
of make believe
weaving her stories
of magic and light

She brings joy
to the eyes
of innocent minds
less jaded and free

For only they know
what's in her heart
holding the secrets
she guards so well

Life's hidden mysteries
belong to those
whose wisdom and truth
shine on in imagination


Written for Ann
~Dawn Drover~

Of The Horoscope Junkie




Let"s talk!

Let"s talk!

Subscribe Today

Subscribe Today
Feed Powered by Feedburner

Catch your dreams

Catch your dreams

Imagine

Imagine
Most of the worlds' great things were born of adversity and hardship; because these roadblocks encourage us to dream, imagine and believe.- Ann Clemmons

Favorite quotes-

In my younger and more vulnerable years my father gave me some advice that I’ve been turning over in my mind ever since.

Whenever you feel like criticizing any one,” he told me, “just remember that all the people in this world haven’t had the advantages that you’ve had.”'


F. Scott Fitzgerald. (Lines from The Great Gatsby)
"A Southerner Talks Music"

Mark Twain

"A book must be the ax for the frozen sea inside us."

Franz Kafka

An author values a compliment even when it comes from a source of doubtful competency.

- Mark Twain in Eruption

"I like a good story well told. That is the reason I am sometimes forced to tell them myself"

Mark Twain

Animal Rescue Site

The Animal Rescue Site

Friendship