CPT'er in Palestine/Israel---Love Works, Hatred Imprisons

I am exploring joining a delegation to Palestine/Israel to see first hand the work that CPT does in this difficult-complex setting.

This Posting is from the CPT e-letter written about Tarek's experience with nonviolence,,,,,

" Why? Not only because Jesus said so, but because Jesus taught us what works. You don’t have to be Christian to be a follower of Jesus. In fact many Christians are not followers of Jesus.

I know more love works because I have experienced both settlers and Israeli soldiers who were transformed through the love energy we faced their hatred with.

You see I learned that with love, we become a mirror to someone’s actions. Jesus asked us to turn our cheek, not our eyes. I look into a soldier’s eyes directly for him to see my soul through my eyes, and in the process, he sees his own soul through that mirror, connecting us at a profound level that can’t be verbalized, and waking us both out of our societal self-inflicted nightmares.

I also know that love works because I have also felt deep unnatural ugliness when I had responded back with hatred towards a soldier. In those moments, I had allowed hatred to imprison me into the shackles of a never-ending spiral of destruction. 

In this Christmas season, can you support the work of the Palestine team as we look into the eyes of Israeli soldiers and stand with Palestinian peacemakers? Please consider a gift via our website: http://www.cpt.org/participate/donate or by mail."

Sincerely,

Tarek Abuata

Palestine Project Support Coordinator

neighborhood gatherings

Again I have no pictures with this blog.
I  attended the Orapax and Redgate Holiday gathering in West Ghent.
I saw old friends, met new friends and listened to the rocking clear voice of Skye Zentz sing her own songs and traditional Christmas songs.
The Blair Middle School Choir sang as they mingled in the frosty air filled with the smell of hot dogs grilling. Shops were open for festive shopping of antiques and floral arrangements at the New Leaf. the Muse hosted poets, singers and hot apple cider and the best Ginger Molasses cookies made by Lisa Hartz, a poet, entrepreneur, redhead, mother of four.

So what does this have to do with Change that brings peace to our world? I believe that bringing life into our streets in our 'hoods builds community where we begin to know each other. As we know our neighbors and claim the streets at night rather than locking doors and hiding inside, life overcomes danger and fear.

The festivities on the usually dark corner of Redgate and Orapax brought people outside together celebrating the season of peace. I want to keep this up all year. A subversive change for peace that breaks the status quo of disconnection and fear is walking or biking at night on our way to dinner, movies, shopping, or theatre.

I hope that I see you on the streets as I walk to the Naro or the Pagoda where the lights are stunning.

Gifts of Peace

give the gift of peace....buy a Peace Bond from Nonviolent Peaceforce. This organization provides trained peace teams in Sudan, Philippines, South Sudan, South Caucasus offering an opportunity for dialogue and support to resolve conflicts in their community without guns and killing.  When we give the US Government a large part of our income for "Defense" and war, consider giving Peace Bonds for presents to secure a future for our youth and the youth of the world.  Check them out. A well organized and dedicated international staff gives us hope for a new way. I hope to report more on them as well as others who are choosing to put their lives on the line for peace and justice.

Service

This is a short blog. I understand it is best to post regularly ( I wonder if eating grains and veggies will help with regularity)  and with pictures. I forgot to take pictures but I will post anyway to keep the momentum going.
This week I spent a little time with Kim Williams and her community. She and her husband, Steve Baggerly, dedicate their life purpose to serving the cause of peace and justice. They Provide food, shelter, and community to those in need. Steve is currently in prison for protesting in Tennesee at a nuclear weapons complex. Kim has carried forward their commitment to the hospitality house and serving breakfast 3 times a week to the homeless. This means she is up by 5 a.m. and cooking grits, oatmeal, and coffee at Sacred Heart Church by 6a.m, unloading her van on a cold corner in Norfolk, setting up the tables and food by 7am. An efficient system makes the set up and break down run smoothly. Also, folks from Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and Norfolk contribute time and happy smiles and warm conversation to assist in the continuity of this almost 20 year  tradition.
The homeless are not nameless. Servers and served know each others names. Everyone is equally participating to make this a joint effort and a friendly exchange. Like a breakfast party where hardships and successes are shared. And conversations overheard are "I am blessed" "Do you have any shoes?" "Grits or Oatmeal" "How are you today?" "Blessed" "I will take the grits and coffee" "I am a master mechanic and will gladly help you around the house" "hot coffee please" "How is Steve?" "any gloves?" "blessings"
Several folks turn down the sandwiches provided by local churches because they are vegetarians. Some folks need blankets and coats. It is like any gathering where people have differing opinions and choices and ideas and it is unlike any gathering I frequent. People are shivering cold, losing teeth and carrying most of their belongings with them.
contact Kim Williams if you want to volunteer or share food, clothing or money: willbaggs2002@yahoo.com