We always begin our Peace Vespers with the words of Lao Tzu: If there is to be peace in the world, there must be peace in the nations. If there is to be peace in the nations, there must be
peace in the cities. If there is to be peace in the cities, there must be peace between neighbors.  If there is to be peace between neighbors, there must be peace in the home. If there is to be
peace in the home, there must be peace in the heart.

When we are at peace with ourselves in our own hearts, we are better able to offer peace to our families, our neighbors, our nation. If we are agitated, worried, preoccupied, or stressed-out, we
are not at peace with ourselves, and chances are we are not going to be able to offer peace to others. It is a calming presence that calms. The more we are able to quiet our minds, the more
clarity and understanding we bring to ourselves, and to those we interact with and encounter.

Our country, our world, is in the midst of a tumultuous change. I would venture that we will not have seen anything so seismic in our country since the Great Depression and WWII. As mentioned at a recent salon, we may be finding ourselves in a moment of awe. As it was explained in the salon’s introduction, being in awe does not always result in a good feeling. Being in an awe-full moment can also make us feel unsettled. These changes taking place may be causing us worry, alarm, and fear.

I think some politicians would like us to be afraid—afraid of immigrants, afraid of their power, afraid of their erratic actions. While watching and reading the news, fear and worry seem to
churn in me. The knowledge of the bad things that are happening, and especially the speculation about the bad things that might happen, both weigh on me.

Instead of fear and worry though, I will choose to have peace.

If I stop and consider it, I will always have the freedom to not be afraid. Instead of worrying, I will do all I can to pursue, and then have, peace. To choose to not be afraid, and instead to choose
to have peace, will be my act of resistance. Choosing to have peace is the one, great, thing I can do no matter what is going on around me. And not only will I have peace, but I will also offer
peace. As Lao Tzu points out, peace has to start with me, in my heart. Then from my heart I can offer peace to my family, my neighbors, my city, my nation, and the world. I will do all I can to be
at peace and to be an instrument of peace.

Allowing myself to live in fear is no good to me, and no use to anybody else. I will not spend hours, or waste my energy, speculating and worrying about what may happen. I will do positive
things instead. I will most certainly pay attention to events, but I will not allow the convolutions and speculations to consume me. Rather, I will, that I will not be afraid. And even amidst bad or
unjust events, we can find peace if we remain true to ourselves with our choice to be at peace and act with good will. In joining with other people of peace and good will, we will throw our
arms around the people who need us the most. Together, we will not allow ourselves to become exhausted or apathetic. Through the peace we cultivate in ourselves and in the world, together
we will find strength, energy, and power.