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If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Romans 12:18 

While visiting D.C. on a rainy day, I captured this photo of the hauntingly beautiful Peace Monument. This statue was first conceived by Union Admiral David D. Porter in 1865 as a memorial to the naval deaths at sea during the Civil War. It stands to the west of the U.S. Capitol.

Two robed figures representing History and Grief stand atop the monument, facing west toward the White House. History holds a tablet that reads, “They died that their country might live,” while Grief weeps in mourning against her shoulder. Peace is depicted below on the east side, facing the Capitol. (https://historicsites.dcpreservation.org) The original olive branch in her right hand along with a dove alighted to her left are ironically broken off.

Peace is something we are still striving for especially in the shadow of the events of January 2021at the Capitol as the Peace Monument looked on, the senseless shootings motivated by hate that keep occurringat grocery stores, churches, beauty salons, and work places, the conflict and division we see in all arenasincluding the church at large, and the war in Ukraine. Peace still looks on with hope but she is emptyhanded. Her missing olive branch and dove reflect our present state of affairs. Grief will continue to weep until we take up that olive branch and extend it to others. Only peace makes growth and unity possible.  

Paul’s advice to the Romans is to embrace the peace given to us by Christ and to share that peace with all people. Christ leaves us with peace and sends us to share it. It is up to us. The church community is called to overcome differences and unite in the love of Christ to serve together, share grace with the world, and make a difference for those in need. Thanks be to God that Desert Cross is a place where God’s peace is present, active, and being shared inside and outside our walls. Thank you for all the peace-making efforts that you extend as you live out your faith and serve. You are making a difference!

Praying for peace, Pastor Andrea