Celebrating differences

Difference is of the essence of humanity. Difference is an accident of birth and is should therefore never be the source of conflict. The answer to difference is to respect it. Therein lies almost fundamental principle of peace: respect for diversity" 

---John Hume

This month have been contemplating the terrible atrocities of war.  How conflict arises from differences and from greed and power hungry leaders. It has got me thinking about how conflict begins and how it can evolve into something to big to manage or contain.

There are so many countries, communities and families at 'war' because individuals cannot embrace different thinking,  acknowledge privilege and respect different cultures and way of life.  Although we cannot do much about countries at war we can help keep the peace in our communities, extended families, in our home and in ourselves. By making individual contributions to peace we can collectively make huge change in the places we live.

Ideas for us to consider

• Try to resolve conflict with yourself and with friends and family.

• Speak with kindness

• Speak up for the trodden, the different and the vulnerable.

• Demonstrate respect for others of different cultures, religions and lifestyle.

• Stand up for what is right.

• Be vocal on social media for minorities and those who are vulnerable.

• Remember your words are not anonymous online.

One way I am standing up for peace is by making 'Artivist' quilts  (art that exposes  social and cultural issues).  

What can you do to stand up for peace?

How can you make a difference in your family, community or country?

How can you stand up for an individual who is being marginalised or hurt?

How can you make anohter person's day better?

'We may have different religions, different languages, different coloured skins, but we all belong to one human race' 

--Kofi Annan