How do we make peace in the world without it becoming just another harmful ‘agenda’?
How do we know when to push people, even press them in ways they won’t like?
Should we even push people at all, or should we simply live out this Way and call others to join us as often as possible?
Our friend and fellow #EverydayPeacemaker, Rexann Brew, believes it’s both, but neither approach will be effective if we don’t focus on the posture of our own heart.
“To me, it’s not just about having or not having an agenda,” Rexann said. “It’s about how we agenda. We have to get to that place where our ego is quiet so we aren’t forcing an agenda. Quieting our ego opens us to accepting the idea that God or Love or Shalom can advance—with or without me.”
So much in our society praises the savior. Superhero movies where the white dude saves the day, military coups depicted as a rescue, politicians and celebrities held up as the final word, and on and on: our culture encourages self-centered postures designed to make us feel like the center of the world.
Rexann believes this is the exact opposite attitude of a healthy peacemaker.
One posture says: it all depends on me, and I can do it.
The Everyday Peacemaker says: there’s a divine movement happening with or without me, and I choose to be part of it—I get to be a part of it.
Do you see the difference?
Rexann continues: “I’m invited to be part of it—so I get to enjoy it as well—but I’m not some irreplaceable cog, and that’s actually comforting!”
“When we find something that is true wholeness, real Shalom, truly Loving, we want to share it. That’s natural. Call it an ‘agenda’ or whatever, but the real question is, ‘have you quieted your ego?’
“When you love someone, you want to share Good things with them. You want their Good, and that’s beautiful. But if we share with a big ego and assume ourselves to be the saviors, it will backfire—so we quiet our ego daily, remembering we’re part of something incredible.”
Thank you, Rexann, for highlighting the quieting of our ego as essential work for Everyday Peacemakers.
Friends, if you’re looking for a way to begin this work, we invite you to join our Spiritual Directors, @janhuckins and @lisanygard, as they host our virtual #DailyPrayers every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Register HERE for access. Thank
Author: Matt Willingham
Matt Willingham is a writer, photographer, and content creator with over ten years experience living and working in some of the hardest-hit conflict zones in the world. He and his wife, Cayla, are now based in San Diego where they’re raising three little peacemakers and working to promote empathy and understanding in their community.
@matt.willingham