Peace begins with loving thoughts.
Peace has the power to heal the minds and hearts of people worldwide.
The enemy of peace is violence.

War is the exte­rior manifestation of people’s attitudes and emotions.
Change these and we can change the world. . .

~Elizabeth Upton Author

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In our constantly changing and evolving world, this is a time for prayers of peace. We can seek peace from within ourselves to soothe the fears and stress that come with the many changes happening like a new incoming president, as well as to support the hopeful ceasefire and the release of hostages in the agreement between Hamas, Palestinians, and Israel, the seemingly constant shootings, the New Orleans and Las Vegas explosions.

We may not be able to control these events; however, we can turn to prayer and peace to help our hearts and the hearts of others feel they are not alone. Supporting one another in unity is the essence of our humanity, capable of overcoming the struggles of war, alleviating our fears of the unknown, and revealing the love we share at our best.

May you find peace and hope by sharing this excerpt from my new book project, which will be my next non-fiction book release coming in the next few months. . .

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God’s Light in a Broken World: The Lighthouse of Hope

Book Project Excerpt:

“Peace begins with loving thoughts. Peace has the power to heal the minds and hearts of people throughout the world. The enemy of peace is violence. War is the exte­rior manifestation of people’s attitudes and emotions.
Change these and we change the world.

Years ago, Costa Rica’s president, a former general, made the courageous decision to dissolve the country’s military because he believed in the power of peace. Since then Costa Rica has been blessed with a productive economy, with most of their resources directed toward education and preserving the rainforest. When I visited this beautiful country, its vibrant energy offered hope that all nations can live with hope and peace.

There have been many times in my life when I’ve had to confront anger in issues of social justice; the mistreatment of elders and helpless people. I’ve been upset about people’s disregard for our planet and the abuse of its creatures. What is good, right, and fair always burns inside me.

Particularly, when I was a nun, I learned that anger can serve as an engine when it’s directed toward positive social action. Anger is emotional energy and how we direct it is in our control. Every form of violence is anger out of control. Peace is not passivity. Peace is purposeful. Peace achieves more because it is reflection. It takes perseverance.

Anger is the master of deception. It hides behind social acceptability, justification, and rationalism.

Peace expands from your heart through the power of love. Peace is transformational. Peace affects everyone and everything. Only peace can dissolve anger. Negative feelings and attitudes are in your control to change. Choose peace. Choose joy. Choose goodwill and you will know what it is to live with grace”. . .

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A universal prayer for peace

“Master of Peace, Creator of all things. May it be thy will to put an end to war and bloodshed on earth, and to spread a great and wonderful peace over the whole world”

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