Journal of Sacred Work

Amidst the darkness there are those who bear the light and show us the way to peace. Rabbi Irwin Keller shines a bright light to illumine our minds and hearts to guide us on a path forward. May we listen as the world cries out…

Today I am taking sides.

I am taking the side of Peace.

Peace, which I will not abandon
even when its voice is drowned out
by hurt and hatred,
bitterness of loss,
cries of right and wrong.

I am taking the side of Peace
whose name has barely been spoken
in this winnerless war.

I will hold Peace in my arms,
and share my body’s breath,
lest Peace be added
to the body count.

I will call for de-escalation
even when I want nothing more 
than to get even.
I will do it
in the service of Peace.

I will make a clearing
in the overgrown 
thicket of cause and effect
so Peace can breathe 
for a minute
and reach for the sky.

I will do what I must
to save the life of Peace.
I will breathe through tears.
I will swallow pride.
I will bite my tongue.
I will offer love
without testing for deservingness.

So don’t ask me to wave a flag today
unless it is the flag of Peace.
Don’t ask me to sing an anthem
unless it is a song of Peace.
Don’t ask me to take sides
unless it is the side of Peace.

Irwin Keller, Oct. 17, 2023

"Hold on to your courage, hold onto the fire burning deep inside, hold on to your kindness, fill your heart with light… I pray that you will always have a home." Lyrics from song "Home" written by Nadia Burnstick.

May we light candles for peace in the midst of this darkness.  May we take in all that is good and true and pure to dispel the dangers of living in fear. Let this Light fill us with renewed hope, courage and a remembering that Love holds us.

Liz Sorensen Wessel
Watercolor by ~liz
I heard the beautiful song called "Home" on the PBS series called "Little Bird", Episode 6