AN INSPIRATIONAL STORY
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Restorative Justice ideas for schools, families, local, national, and global communities
AN INSPIRATIONAL STORY
It is often said in life two things are sure—death and taxes. While taxes predictably roll around year after year and we discuss and complain about them, the subject of death remains shrouded in mystery. Its mention we rarely dare to whisper as though uttering it could hasten its arrival.
Traditionally, peacemaking is interpersonal, resolving conflicts between individuals or groups. Yet peacemaking is also intrapersonal. The ultimate example is the terminal journey that we each must travel alone through uncharted waters. The conditions are unpredictable–the waters may be calm, a contrary tempest, or a combination of both. Hopefully we will make our peace as we journey through.
The passage from life to death is often facilitated by angels of mercy along the way. They enter quietly through the process sprinkling mercy drops of hope, peace, and encouragement in very practical ways easily overlooked. They do not evade difficulty but seem able to normalize death in a healthy way. One such person is my sister in law who is a hospice nurse. Recently she was invited to share her perspective on a friend's podcast. It is definitely worth a listen. I hope you find it as uplifting as I did. It came along just at the right moment for me.
I first met the author, Kent Pate, over 45 years ago–his faithfulness to his life message has been a consistent trajectory. I was greatly impacted by his message years ago and no less today, through his writing.
This book truly challenges us in one of the most complex and often conflict-riddled arenas–the church. This microcosm, i.e. the church, is a high-stakes grouping. How we collectively deal with conflicts in this relationship has the potential to create interest leading to a deeply meaningful, synergistic relationship with others through our relationship with Christ and his teachings. Conversely, non-constructive, unmanaged, or unresolved conflict can create disappointment leading to cynicism and distance.
The scriptures are abundant and now Kent gives sound strategies and skills learned through his life experiences navigating as a church leader. His practical guidance backed by scripture and sound research shows a way through conflict–a worthwhile journey that gives an opportunity for growth, restoration, and reconciliation.
Relationship Keepers on Amazon
Long Overdue...
Recently as of April 2021, our President publicly acknowledged the 1915 Armenian Genocide on its 106th Commemoration Day. He is the first president in history to do so. The Armenian community's trauma has never been officially acknowledged, and as such gives way to a resurgence of protracted conflict which has happened in very recent months.
"Each year on this day, we remember the lives of all those who died in the Ottoman-era Armenian genocide and recommit ourselves to preventing such an atrocity from ever again occurring." Joe Biden
With this acknowledgment, comes renewed hope for an end to this conflict and that healing and the beginning of the reconciliation process can begin.
Reconciliation Song, beautifully highlights the new possibilities. Click title to listen.
Read a personal and touching story by the songwriter, Jon Shabaglian...
My grandparents fled from the Armenian genocide, and my great grandfather was taken up on a death march and shot. The pain was tremendous, but the beautiful paradox as those persecuted so severely, Armenians, we have 1700 years of Christianity in our bloodline, and Jesus was crushed and mocked too. This powerful collusion came together for me when God collided me into my future friend @orhan_celebi a few years prior to the 100 year anniversary of the tragedies.
I would’ve never chosen a Turkish friend of people who should be my enemy, but God pushed me forward into a profound reconciliation story. He was cooking up something that was far bigger than me. I wrote this song in processing this painful, beautiful new friendship, and In 2015 we ended up sharing our story and song we recorded together in Istanbul Turkey on a historic reconciliation gathering. This is this song, With the lyrics in English Armenian and Turkish, just like we shared.
So on this day, the first time an American president acknowledged this genocide formally, I’m inviting my Armenian brothers and sisters, and many others who’ve know extreme pain and injustice, to join me on the scary road of forgiveness towards reconciliation, with Jesus. In the words of Tony Stark, “resentment is corrosive”...
Hope this moves you, and feel free to share...
I would even say that spending a year in Room 142 had allowed me to witness something as close to holy as I've seen take place between human beings. I could only wish that in time, more people would be able to look past their fear of the stranger and experience the wonder of getting to know people from other parts of the globe.
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Fresno Pacific UniversityPACS Masters Graduates 2014 |