Spiritual peacemaking in Iraq

an opportunity and a challenge here......

by James Twyman

> Beloved Friends,
>
> With all the negative attention being given to the rebuilding of Iraq, I felt it was important to cast a different, more positive light to remind us that the problems being faced there are not always as they seem. It is easy to point our fingers at the military, or our leaders, and to say: "You're the problem." In reality, that makes us part of the problem because it means
that we are looking in the wrong place, or trying to solve the problem where it doesn't really exist. As I've said many times before, there are no real political problems in the world. Every problem we perceive, at their core, are actually spiritual problems, and must be dealt with spiritually. That is our role as Spiritual Peacemakers.
>
> We recently sent out an email reporting on Donna Mulhearn's experience being kidnapped by Iraqi insurgents, and being shot at by US troops. Though I'm confident that the details of the story were correct, I feel it's important to not overreact and loose focus on the real goal of Spiritual Peacemaking -- "Peace is not something that happens to you, but THROUGH you." To point fingers and believe that our soldiers are the problem is to miss a very important opportunity. Each one of us needs to be the SOURCE of
the solution, not the effect. I met many soldiers when I was in Baghdad who were contributing to the healing of Iraq, not the suffering, as well as many, many Iraqis whose lives are better off than before. This is not to say that there isn't still a long path to travel, but it's essential to remember that there are many committed souls on both sides who still need our prayers
and support.
>
> At one of our Psychic Children Conferences last year, the children got together and asked an important question: "Why don't we stop criticizing George Bush and pray for him instead?" Words of wisdom. Our role is to bring out the most sacred part of everyone, and we do this by "SEEING THEM AS GOD SEES THEM." I, for one, am committed to seeing George in that way, as a
Perfect Child of God, thus sending him energy that will help him make proper decisions, decisions that heal and bless rather than divide. Please join me in this practice. Please pray for our brothers and sister serving in the military in Iraq, as well as the Iraqis themselves. Then we'll find that we are part of the solution, not adding to the problem.
>
> I've included a short letter that was sent to us from a soldier in Iraq. Read it. Things are not always as they seem on TV.
>
> Peace,
> James Twyman
>
>
> I'm in Baghdad, Iraq.
>
> I'm a soldier with the U.S. Army serving in the 16th Combat Engineer Battalion.
>
> The news you are hearing stateside is awfully depressing and negative. The reality is we are accomplishing a tremendous amount here, and the Iraqi people are not only benefiting greatly, but are enthusiastically supportive.
>
> My job is mostly to be the driver of my platoon's lead Humvee. I see the missions our Army is performing, and I interact closely with the Iraqi people. Because of this, I know how successful and important our work is.
>
> My battalion carries out dozens of missions all over the city -- missions that are improving peoples' lives. We have restored schools and universities, hospitals, power plants and water systems. We have engineered new infrastructure projects and much more. We have also brought security and order to many of Baghdad's worst areas -- areas once afflicted with chaos
and brutality.
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> Our efforts to train vast numbers of Iraqis to police and secure the city's basic law and order are bearing fruit.
>
> Our mission is vital. We are transforming a once very sick society into a hopeful place. Dozens of newspapers and the concepts of freedom of religious worship and expression are flowering here. So, too, are educational improvements.
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