Peace

Peace

     Wednesday I spent with my son Dwight announcing his candidacy to represent California District 36 in the U.S. House of Representatives. As exciting as that was driving from sunrise in Blythe, CA across one of the largest districts in the U.S. to Beaumont CA at sunset stopping at seven cities, it was a day filled with terror in my hometown of San Bernardino.
     My childhood was three short miles away from this tragedy that was the largest terrorist attack in the U.S since September 11,2001; what we refer to simply as 9/11. And it was not in some far away place, but in our own backyard. This is not the way we want our towns across America remembered. It is not the way I want the town of my birth and youth remembered. I enjoyed a peaceful life here long ago. 
     How can I talk about peace now when there is terror across not only the world, but in our backyard? It points out the need we have for a "voice of reason in Congress". A voice experienced as a US Marine intelligence officer, Arabic and Spanish linguist. These were the comments expressed that day in December 2015.
     That day, 14 people died and 22 were injured, some very seriously. In their lives and the lives of their friends and families, peace was interrupted. Lives were cut short by the same violence they fled in their native lands to come to America. One survived warfare in his native Eritrea. Another fled terrorism in Iraq. Another said, “This is the best place to be in the world.” He was grateful he had the chance to be here and enjoy the freedoms and opportunities this country offers.
     So where do we find solace, peace? It is in the Bible, the word of God. “Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” Hebrews 13:20,21.
     And Jesus said the following: “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.” John 14:1
     “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.” John 14:6,7
     “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world bids do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” John 14:27

     Accept this Jesus, the Son of God and live in peace.