No law will eliminate violence, no set of data will offer a solution for it, and no combination of human intelligence will stop it. History tells this truth beginning with Cain and Abel. “Who killed who?” guides the narrative of human history our children learn in schools, and even at home through video games.
Is there another way? Life Directions believes so. It’s a way that transcends the human. Our challenge is to develop a hunger for such a way. Twelve-step groups across the United States have done so. They focus on a Higher Power. It is the path of Spiritual IQ. Accepting that I am responsible for myself teaches us to merely act out of self-interest. But believing I am responsible to a Higher Power brings us to consider the common good.
Life Directions centers on the value of F.E.A.R.—Freedom Excels Always Reconciling—that leads to LIFE and seeks to free people of being controlled by F.E.A.R.—False Expectations Appearing Real—that leads to DEATH. This effort is central to peacemaking by young adults as they decide to shift conflict to community, fear to love and entitlement to gift.
Ambassadors for forgiving see F.E.A.R. not as foe but as a friend. When I see someone who is against me, I see a friend that I am forgiving. The root cause of violence and the unforgivable sin against the Spirit are one and the same. It is to not forgive. This is the best expression of our Spiritual IQ – a journey into hope that discovers peace born from violence.
Join us on this journey into hope and forgiving. Come to the Day of Peace Leadership Training at the Thea Bowman Retreat Center, a ministry of St. Sabina’s, 8026 S. Wood, on Saturday, March 23, 2013 from 9 AM to 6 PM.
Addressing the root causes of violence is critical. Thanks for all your hard work.
TH