On Being an Instrument of Peace

Excerpts from "Make Me an Instrument of Peace" by Cindy Sheehan:

"Non-violence should always be the means we use to solve problems, from our nuclear family life all the way up to the office of the most powerful person in the world. Peace is not an absence of conflict, but resolving conflict non-violently."

"Being an instrument of peace is immensely more important than working for peace. Our entire lives must radiate this peace. We must be peace to have peace. I am coming into an understanding of this as I strive for true and lasting peace. Being anti-war is not enough. If we are solely anti-war, when the war is over the movement will be over."

"Hatred and frustration are the fuels of violence and terrorism."

"I also am convinced that religious fundamentalism is the root and cause of much of the violence throughout history and even up until today. The leaders of our world know and exploit the fact that humans will blindly and brainlessly follow a religious symbol into a war more quickly and readily than we will follow a flag or standard....We should never allow ourselves to follow false prophets to doom."

"If I didn't truly believe that the efforts of the progressive peace movement would not prevail over the darkness of the blatant disregard for truth, justice, and all human life....I would lie in bed all day staring at the walls in grief and depression!"

"Oh master, grant that I may never seek
So much to be consoled as to console,
To be understood as to understand,
To be loved as to love with all my soul."
(St. Francis of Assisi)

You can read this in its entirety under "Essays/Poems" at Gold Star Families for Peace www.gsfp.org