A writer inspired by nature and human nature

Let There be Peace on Earth and Let it Begin with Me

Aside

We really do have the power to make it happen, one brush stroke at a time. ~ Bette A. Stevens (Image from Pinterest)

We really do have the power to make it happen. ~Bette A. Stevens (Image from Pinterest)

Knowledge of the past holds one of the keys to world peace. Knowledge of the people in the world around us today holds another essential key. However, knowledge in and of itself is useless, much like a collection of unused paint brushes resting on the world’s shelf. It is our job to pick up the brushes and start painting. The perfect portrait of peace begins within each of us.  It’s painted one brush stroke at a time. Here are some simple steps that we can all take to contribute to that portrait:

Take the time to learn about those who are different from us in some way. We may want start with someone in our own family. Even there, we often find differences in opinions, race, religion, beliefs, customs, cultures, political affiliations. The list of personal differences and the diversity of relationships goes on….

Working in the classroom as a teacher of students from diverse backgrounds, I learned first-hand that those who hold different beliefs from my own are all unique individuals with whom I have many things in common. We all share the same needs and desires, the same frustrations and fears, the same hopes and dreams.  Whether students, parents, staff, volunteers, administrators or colleagues, I have gained respect for and have been deeply enriched by each encounter. Life-long relationships are nurtured and continue to blossom and grow.

Sure, that all sounds great; but what can we actually do as individuals to promote peace?

  • Listen to others
  • Get to know them (That means spending time with them) Let them get to know us (talk)
  • Respect differences
  • Look for commonalities
  • Nurture relationships
  • Offer and extend a helping hand
  • Encourage others
  • Enlist the help of others
  • Give input and feedback
  • Keep the conversation going 


The brush strokes to peace lie within each of one us. How do we paint the canvas? One brush stroke at a time. BUILD RELATIONSHIPS—listen, share ourselves and our ideas, respect those of others, look for commonalities. Our individual and collective lives will continue to be enriched as we work together to paint a perfect portrait of world peace. We really do have the power to make it happen, one brush stroke at a time.

Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.

~ Bette A. Stevens, Maine author

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Written

on 12/31/2016

Comments on: "Let There be Peace on Earth and Let it Begin with Me" (41)

  1. Richard H. McBee Jr. said:
    01/19/2017 at 12:27 am

    Love the song and love your great comments.
    Rick McBee, Author
    http://www.amazon.com/author/rickmcbee

    Like

  2. Sumith said:
    01/17/2017 at 4:32 am

    Wow beautiful post!! Too much positivity to dig in your blog! You are just amazing Bette

    Like

    • Bette A. Stevens said:
      01/17/2017 at 2:08 pm

      Thanks so much for your visit and for your thoughtful comments, Sumith. Your food blog creations are artistic and inspiring. It’s great to be connected, my new friend. May your New Year be filled with wonders! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      • Sumith said:
        01/18/2017 at 1:01 am

        Hi Bette love reading your posts too. You are over flooded with positivity in you. So great to be connected. Have a nice day!!

        Like

  3. inotherwords4161 said:
    01/06/2017 at 7:52 pm

    Beautiful! Blessings to you Bette.

    Like

  4. D. Wallace Peach said:
    01/06/2017 at 12:40 pm

    Beautiful post. Our world seems to have gone a little insane lately and it’s always comforting to remember that we can each make a difference in our own lives. Collectively, we can reshape the content and direction of the dialog. Peace to you in the coming year, my friend ❤

    Like

  5. Ernesto San Giacomo said:
    01/05/2017 at 12:33 am

    I like the brush stroke / painting analogy.
    A wonderful sentiment for the start of a new year.

    Like

  6. macjam47 said:
    01/04/2017 at 8:24 am

    A beautiful New Year’s message Bette. Wishing you a year of fulfilled dreams, health, and happiness. Hugs.

    Like

  7. balroop2013 said:
    01/01/2017 at 1:47 pm

    Lovely thoughts Bette, I appreciate each word of your message…all good things begin with us! Let’s do our bit. 🙂 Wishing you a wonderful 2017!

    Like

  8. Let There be Peace on Earth and Let it Begin with Me | Skorn said:
    01/01/2017 at 9:27 am

    […] Source: Let There be Peace on Earth and Let it Begin with Me […]

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  9. Norah said:
    01/01/2017 at 7:39 am

    I love this post, Bette. Thanks for sharing. It is so important to have the movement for peace begin with us. I like your description of not doing anything as unused paintbrushes.
    Your suggestions for getting to know each other and appreciating the uniqueness of the similarities and differences in each of us is very important. I am writing about that on my readilearn blog this week also. As you say, “The brush strokes to peace lie within each of one us. … We really do have the power to make it happen, one brush stroke at a time.

    Like

  10. Jan Hawke said:
    01/01/2017 at 7:25 am

    Reblogged this on Jan Hawke INKorporated and commented:
    This is sort of blog post that NEEDS to go ‘viral’ – so it starts now and hopefully I’ll be re-blogging more of the same all throughout this brand new year! 😀

    Like

  11. Micki Peluso said:
    12/31/2016 at 11:12 pm

    Dear Bette, what an absolutely wonderful post. These are words we all need to remember in the coming year because you are so right with your quote. It must begin with each one of us.

    Like

  12. Marilyn Armstrong said:
    12/31/2016 at 6:49 pm

    Well said! That’s how I hope to go and I hope very much it will make a difference.

    Like

  13. kethuprofumo said:
    12/31/2016 at 4:12 pm

    Dear Bette,

    what a wonderful post! Happy New Year!

    Like

  14. Elaine Cougler said:
    12/31/2016 at 3:13 pm

    Loved this, Bette. A beautiful song in the beautiful colours of the whole world’s peoples. We are so strong together!

    Like

  15. Felicia Denise said:
    12/31/2016 at 3:01 pm

    Beautiful post, Bette! Peace and blessings to you and yours in the coming new year!

    Like

  17. Annika Perry said:
    12/31/2016 at 2:09 pm

    A beautiful message for the New Year, Bette. May we all join together to paint this canvas of peace. Warmest wishes for a joyful and creative New Year to you. 😀🎉

    Like

  18. cindy knoke said:
    12/31/2016 at 1:56 pm

    🍷🎊🎈🎉🎆💃

    Like

  19. Annette Rochelle Aben said:
    12/31/2016 at 1:42 pm

    That was our closing song in church every day. It holds such special meaning for me. God Bless you and keep you always at your best! ❤

    Like

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