How can I make peace come alive in my world?

By Nicole Shaun J. Cosico
Third Year – S, Corpus Christi School, Macasandig, Cagayan de Oro City

What does a 14-year-old like me know about world peace? I am only a junior high school student, studying in a private school here in the Philippines. I have seen and read terrible news about wars and terrorist attacks in other countries. Religion has been one of the reasons why some people wage wars. Siddharta Gautama, a spiritual teacher who founded Buddhism and also known as Buddha, said that there is no happiness like peace. Without peace, life is not possible. That is why it is important for us to understand ourselves and our upbringing because the things we do affect the people around us.

The world was in great shock when the 9/11 attack happened and crushed the World Trade Center. Many innocent people were killed. Even here in my own country, killings happen. Just like the recent Manila hostage crisis in Quirino Grandstand, innocent lives were lost too. The Abu Sayaff kidnappings have not stopped. This has ruined our country’s image. None of us want this to happen but how are we able to gain trust from people in other countries? Violence is not the answer. It only increases the problem. Each war creates another war. I hope we all have learned from history, how war has caused negative effects in our world.

Peace is always present. We have to learn to accept our differences in culture, race and religion. We must demand peace with all our heart. Seek truth for ourselves and not through organizations and through propaganda in the media. We must understand our minds because it is the beginning of peace. If we think wrongly, our actions become wrong. Jesus Christ said that we must let the peace of God rule in our hearts, to which we are also called in one body and to be thankful.

Peace starts at home too. I have learned peace by loving my family, friends and people around me. I can make peace come alive in my world by having enough knowledge and understanding that I need to keep myself strong in the face of conflicts or worries. I cannot be at peace with others if I am not at peace. I firmly believe that a lasting peace in my world will not be started politically, but it will begin first in the hearts and minds of each of us. I need to make happiness and peace within myself in order to share it with others. I need to create a positive attitude. It may be difficult for me to make peace come alive in my world by being a person who can forgive people, so that my world will be in peace and my life would be also in peace.

We must not dwell in the past regardless of the pain and sufferings we have been through because it is hard for us to move on but instead, concentrate on the present moment. I would be so happy if I could have a world that is peaceful where everyone is united despite the differences. I will be amazed on how I made peace come alive in my world. I have managed to find some sense of peace within myself now so I need to share that peace with others. Without peace there can be no happiness.