Happy Sunday, hope you are all well! This is a perfect time to talk about the seventh attitude. I have learned a great deal about being a peacemaker this week. So the attitude is:
“Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God.” [Bible, Matthew 5:9]
It’s time to put opinions in check. All the fighting going on between the left and the right is for what? To be right? My first mystic teacher, Mother Charlotte Mary, once told me, “The ego would rather say ‘I am right’ than ‘Be at peace, and not fight.'”
A peacemaker understands the difference between opinion and truth. Truth is always worth standing up for; opinions are not. Experiencing cruel treatment by a spouse, parent, or anyone else does not mean as a peacemaker you stay silent. That is not true peace.
As a peacemaker you can say, “NO MORE!” and walk away. You don’t need to swallow your voice. You just need to learn to take a step back to ponder rather than going right into a reaction. This way, you can present your thoughts in a gentle and loving way.
I am not saying this always works, but I have seen things calm down, not only in my life but in the lives of others. I told you about the incident with a customer service representative. The times it does not work, we have to be aware of what our ego is saying. Is Mimi screaming “What can I say to show them?” Or is Mimi thinking of playing the martyr? Either way, it is not the peacemaker. I know at times I have to work at calming Mimi down.
What I learned this week is that being a peacemaker goes even deeper. First, if you are being “attacked” by someone, it is important not to share it with all your friends. Pick someone you can trust to share your feelings. If you share it with all your friends, everyone gets involved, which only leads to lots of drama.
I also learned we need to get tools for our tool chest. Most of us have not had the mentors, teachers, role models, and even parents who knew how to go into a difficult situation. Always slow down before you respond. In the past I have not done this at all times. Why? It was easier being angry than feeling the sadness, loneliness, or whatever is underneath the anger.
Going even deeper, being a peacemaker means when something happens where your first, second, and third responses are anger, have another thought. What solutions can you think of to correct the situation?
“In all situations, my response will be to enter the quiet stillness and ask Holy Spirit: What would you have we say? What is most appropriate for this soul at this moment.” (Way of the Heart – Chapter on Forgiveness).
Use your free will to send love and understanding to the person or people you’re having these feelings toward. Keep working on letting go until you are at peace. It is not worth being angry. Blood pressure goes up, sleep decreases, and so does productivity. Is it worth it?
Blessed are the peacemakers because they live in a state of peace.
Have a beautiful week and Thank you.
Theresa Contaxis 