Why does Peacemaking always seem so elusive? We say we want it, but really hope is that someone else will do the heavy lifting. Someone else will admit that we were right all along. It seems we need to battle out all the other ways we might personally “win” over our adversary before we finally toss up the white flag and seek peace. It’s the same between two people, two communities, two countries. What is true at the micro level is also true at the macro.
Peace begins with our own surrender to the higher good.
But that also means that the way to Peace is true at all levels. We can practice peacemaking between friends, family, and within our local community. The change of heart that can come from resolving small differences can be brought to the bigger table. Peace begins with our own surrender to the higher good…a good that puts the care for the other at center stage.
In this painting, we begin with the two dark areas at the bottom left and right, indicating two points of view. Red “roads” of self-righteousness from either side converge in the middle and clash. But additional roads also stem from the main paths and converge a little higher up, blending their colors into a more creative way along the edges of the shadows. The shadows are of the two people finally holding up the light of Peace—the Christ of mercy, forgiveness and healing.
Troubled times require a higher viewpoint… one that begins with the surrender of our own desire for control to the good of the other. It’s what Christ did for us and it’s all he asks of us to do for Him.
This artwork is part of my book, “Arise to Blessedness” from Ave Maria Press. Also available on Amazon and Etsy.
“Blessed Are The Peacemakers” • Original painting is 16×20″ and acrylic on wood panel. It is available at The Sacred Art Gallery in Mesa, AZ.
Prints and other gifts are available in my Fine Art America-Pixels shops.
