the Peace Project

Joy is the Key (@MorningStar1399)

Joy is the Key

(@MorningStar1399)

It has been quite some time now before I have felt safe. I do believe it was before my grandparents' deaths, meaning before I turned 6. It's been nearly 11 years since then, and I haven't exactly felt safe.

I remember December 14, 2012 very clearly. There was a lot of fear, and I do not believe any of us felt safe, even in high school. Despite being in a hold situation and access to media, the knowledge that one man had killed 20 students and 6 teachers inside an elementary school's walls was terrifying. When we were first put into the hold situation it was misunderstood that there was a second shooter on the run but the first had been apprehended. We all know now that was not the case. Adam Lanza was the sole shooter, and he had killed himself once he was done with his cruel murders. It is true that he had some untreated issues, but that does not justify the heartless and cruel murder of 20 children!

The whole uproar over the Ferguson dilemma has filled me with fear as well. Though I am not a black male, I am still filled with fear that because I am a white girl people seeking revenge may choose to take it out on people like me. Ferguson has gone worldwide, and it scares me. Not because the people want justice, but because justice is not being served by anyone because of the protests.

I am a young woman. I know what can very easily happen to me. I look like I am several years younger than I am, which is actually a bad thing. I'm not very strong, and I'm not very fast. What I am is paranoid, and I make sure I'm prepared and always looking around and making sure I avoid that which could turn into an assault or worse, kidnap or murder.

I'm supposed to be talking about peace, but with so much negativity it's difficult to believe there could ever be peace. Threats of terrorism and murder and rape and abduction and corrupt leadership and revolution and all this fear block my view of peace. When can we find peace? How would this be possible when now there is so much hatred, hatred of man?

At this point I know it is almost foolish for hoping for peace. One of my favorite musicians, Josh Groban, sings in the chorus of one of his Christmas songs, "Thankful," what I believe is the only accurate response for when to hope and to pray:

"So for tonight we pray for

What we know can be.

And on this day we hope for

What we still can't see.

It's up to us to be the change

And even though we all can still do more

There's so much to be thankful for."

The entire song is filled with these remarkable thoughts towards peace and such. This song also reminds me where we can find peace: in joy, not in sorrow or fear. Joy is the key to peace. If we only remembered to keep the joy in our lives at the forefront of our memories, perhaps we could find it easier to find peace. Perhaps peace on earth is possible through celebrations of joy.

Joy is the answer to peace. Reflecting on our sorrows and fear blinds us, while joy opens our eyes. It took me this entire piece to realize this, especially when I am so full of fear I've learned to fear adulthood and participating in this cruel and unjust world. If I remember to think of joy when I am afraid, perhaps I can find myself at peace more often.

Then perhaps we all can find peace, and bring peace to this earth.