Forgiveness

 As I reflect often these days on that powerful St. Francis prayer highlighted in a previous post; the topic which I looked up a Bible verse is that of forgiveness. Why the holy spirit placed this topic on my mind at this time when many are facing school pressures - young and old. Well I have begun a new job at a time where I question if my return to the work force is too early after addressing other issues with the goal of making one's life better.  'I don't have time for this' is not my feeling, but my sentiment is simply to forgive...A.T. Brooks

                                                                            Acts 26:18

To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

Usefulness of A.I. - on the line about it.

 Perhaps I am playing catch up regarding the usefulness of A.I. Certainly I am open to it. Recently reflecting upon changes and what I or We can do now to promote peace efforts (even if taken time to do oneself), in the United States and world wide. I posed the question to ChatGPT. Below is it's response. -A.T. Brooks

Promoting peace in the United States and globally involves a combination of grassroots efforts, policy changes, and international cooperation. Here are some strategies that can help foster peace:

1. Education and Awareness

• Promote Peace Education: Integrate peace education into school curricula to teach conflict resolution, empathy, and global citizenship from a young age.
• Awareness Campaigns: Use media and social platforms to raise awareness about the importance of peace, highlighting stories of successful peacebuilding efforts.

2. Addressing Inequality and Injustice

• Tackle Economic Inequality: Implement policies that reduce economic disparities, as inequality often leads to unrest.
• Promote Social Justice: Address systemic racism, discrimination, and other forms of injustice. Ensuring equal rights and opportunities for all can reduce tensions.

3. Community Engagement

• Dialogue and Reconciliation: Encourage community dialogues, especially in areas with a history of conflict, to foster understanding and reconciliation.
• Support Local Peace Initiatives: Back local organizations that work on peacebuilding and conflict resolution.

4. Strengthening International Cooperation

• Support Global Institutions: Strengthen institutions like the United Nations that work on peacekeeping and conflict resolution.
• Promote Diplomacy: Encourage diplomatic efforts to resolve international conflicts and prevent wars.

5. Reducing Violence

• Gun Control and Violence Prevention: Implement and enforce stronger gun control laws to reduce violence in the U.S.
• Demilitarization: Advocate for the reduction of military spending and the demilitarization of conflict zones.

6. Environmental Sustainability

• Climate Action: Address climate change, as environmental degradation can lead to conflicts over resources. Sustainable development can promote peace by reducing competition for scarce resources.

7. Fostering Cultural Exchange

• Promote Intercultural Understanding: Encourage cultural exchanges and interactions that break down stereotypes and build mutual respect among different communities and nations.
• Support Arts and Culture: Use art, music, and cultural events as a means to bring people together and promote peace.

8. Political and Legal Reforms

• Strengthen Democratic Institutions: Promote transparency, accountability, and participation in governance to reduce corruption and political instability.
• Support Peaceful Movements: Encourage and protect peaceful protests and movements that seek to promote human rights and democracy.

9. Mental Health and Well-being

• Promote Mental Health Awareness: Support mental health initiatives, as unaddressed mental health issues can lead to violence and conflict.
• Create Safe Spaces: Develop community spaces where people can express themselves, receive support, and engage in positive social activities.

10. Support for Refugees and Displaced Persons

• Humanitarian Aid: Provide support to refugees and displaced persons, ensuring they have access to basic needs, education, and opportunities for resettlement.

By integrating these approaches, both locally and globally, societies can build more peaceful, just, and resilient communities.

Back to school: Perseverance

 

School at any age can be a challenge. I would like to provide encouraging words on perseverance.  - A.T. Brooks                                                              

 

                                                            Ephesians 6: 11,12, & 18

Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

Continuing on..... Peace & Faith

 

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth and the life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" John 14:6

This being a personal blog, reading a Bible scripture came to mind during meditation. That service I have provided a al ink to below. A marvelous spiritual community whom accepts Jesus Christ and also teaches mediation. May I humbly offer an abstract, not official variation on John 14:6. Hope this blesses someone - A. T. Brooks

'Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the light; no man nor woman cometh unto God, but by me'

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1AUzPjI7g4I

Ripples of the Pandemic

    After reflection, I have been led to amend my original statement regarding the 'Prayer of Peace' because my personal struggles may grey the spirit of it. - A.T. Brooks

 

 

                                                                     "Prayer of Peace"

                                                                                    a variation 

            ""Lord, I humbly ask that you shall make me a channel of the peace.

            That where there is hatred, I may bring love; that where is conflict, I may bring harmony.

            That where there is error, I may seek truth; that where there is indecision, I may bring Faith.

            That where there is despair & depression, I may bring hope.

            That where there are shadows, I may bring light.

            That where there is sadness, I may bring contentment & joy.

            Lord, I humbly ask that I may seek rather to comfort and to be comforted.

            To understand and to be understood. 

            To Love and to be loved.

            For it is by self forgetting that one finds. It is by forgiving that one is forgiven.

            Amen."

"The only thing we have to fear is fear itself"

 

"The only thing we have to fear is fear itself" - Franklin Delano Roosevelt

This will be a brief post to provide encouragement when experiencing that sensation of Fear. My experience is grounded on faith and yes as the original focus of this blog, political and spiritual leaders whom have addressed topics of social concern. This morning I woke up thinking on something stated by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself".

While researching the quote in linked to this bible verse "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1

Also a tool to use can be meditation as we become so passionate about those values we believe in. One must stop at a point. Deescalating oneself so at least dialogue and listening can occur. I say this because of where I observe how politics has evolved in the United States of America to a spectator sport. It is not. This still being a blog to discuss a variety of issues; fear of what is to come as I have journeyed to improve myself by stopping to drink alcohol. A personal choice my journey may change however as of today I shall stay the course. Peace brothers and sisters.