Peacemaker

Recently, my Bible study lesson asked me to name people I know who are peacemakers. And I tell you – I had to laugh for a minute.

Is anybody actually trying to make peace in America these days? Anybody? I mean, at best, those of us who aren’t attacking perceived enemies are simply trying to avoid being attacked ourselves. Nobody seems to have the inclination to try to make peace right now. We're too invested in being right.

But as I pondered the question, my mind gradually stumbled upon Stephanie. Stephanie is the administrative assistant at my school, the one who stays in the main office during the day. And she creates an atmosphere of peace in that space. Wanna know how?

She simply affirms the value of everyone who walks in the door.

Whatever they have to say is important and deserves to be fully understood; whatever they are
experiencing at that moment is important and deserves her complete attention and to be addressed.

That doesn’t mean every person’s words or experiences are equally accurate . . . sometimes they are decidedly inaccurate. An angry parent thinks their child has been unjustly treated (not so – they don’t have the full story). An exhausted teacher feels like a student intentionally disrespected her (maybe not – eleven-year-olds don't always understand the effect of their words). A tearful first grader thinks his world is crashing down because his mother forgot to pack a snack (we stock extra snacks -- he will not starve).

But whatever the situation, Stephanie stops what she’s doing and looks them in the eye. She hears their words and listens for any truth she can affirm and emotion she can acknowledge. She seeks to understand their need thoroughly and completely so that the actual need can be met quickly and compassionately. People come into that office in all sorts of moods and attitudes, but they leave feeling important and valued . . . and peace reigns.

So, here’s the thing: I don’t understand why we can’t all be Stephanies.

Why can’t the vaccine proponent listen to the anti-vaxxer next door with their full attention – with a goal to understand – with a sense that what this person is saying matters and deserves to be heard with respect . . . and vice versa?

Why can’t the Trump supporter hear the concerns their work colleague has about the January 6^th crisis at the Capitol and affirm them – hear them out – seek to comprehend the source of the anger and fear without any judgment of those emotions . . . and vice versa?

Why can’t Americans on either side of the political aisle open their ears to what is being said on the other side – not just enough to find footholds for their own agendas – but enough to find the common ground between them so they can stand there together . . . WHY, people?

Just listen. Show respect. Affirm each other's value. Come on, friends – how much would our country heal if we decided to do at least that?

It doesn’t matter if we agree with someone. We can still acknowledge their worth; in fact, we must. They have immense value to God, so they should have immense value to us. Looking for the treasure God placed in the human we’ve allowed ourselves to hate . . . that’s how we stop hating and start loving. That’s the path to making peace.

And Lord have mercy, do we need PEACE.