an Unfinished Life and World Peace

WARNING: This post may cause controversy, utter disgust and opinions.

Before I get into my head for today's post, I want to talk about 2 movies we watched this last week that I loved. Not just because of their filmography and story, but because of the impact it should have on the lives of those who watch.
1. The Worlds Fastest Indian - a movie about a man, Burt Munro from New Zealand, who owns a 1929 Indian Scout, and decides to fulfill his dream in life to travel to America to see how fast he can go. But not only that, to break the world record for land speed record of a motorcycle under 1000cc. The reason this movie was so awesome, even though it was not something you could show at VBS, is because it was about a real man, a real mans dreams and desires, and the fruition of those dreams to come about. He was able to accomplish his dream. And something that really impacted me, was how it was not just about his life. He was not selfish. He was kind. He made an impact in the lives of those he met. As soon as he stuck out his hand and introduced himself, he was expecting to make a new friend.
2. An Unfinished Life - with Robert Redford and Morgan "the Penguin narrator" Freeman. Powerful movie, if you let it. Concerning the unforgiving heart and the inability to let go of blame and guilt, and grow from the pain of life.

Now for my most recent thoughts of this world. A few comments I have heard over the past day or so have really set me off. And for good reason I'm sure. In class today we were talking about kindness. But somehow, the entire class revolved around energy, self-reliance, fear and war. And how our country and its leaders suck. How we are going to all burn up in this global warming epidemic. As well as comments made about a billionaire donating so much money that he can make a difference. But there's one thing for dmn sure ... he won't have to get uncomfortable. He'll let the staff do that. (Oh man, this is going to get ugly)
And world peace. I am thankful there are people that want so much for this world to just get along with each other, and everyone can gather at the river. But what is the reality of this? Is it God's plan to have world peace? Is it God's plan for everyone to give in to the same platform of world change and peace? Must we all wear white ONE bracelets and listen to Bono in order to be considered "thoughtful, self-less" people? Is Michael Moore supposed to be our leader and authority on the issues of world chaos? A man who cannot himself control his eating habits, is telling us what is wrong with our government?

As far as it is up to you, live at peace with everyone.

That is world peace. To make those relationships in my life so important, that there is peace among everyone I encounter. Much like the movie, I should meet people and immediately believe we are friends. I know we are told to go forth and make disciples, but is that the same as world peace? If there were no threat of war, no fear of destruction and despair, no reason to fight for what you believe, or defend and rescue the hurting, what is the point of Jesus Christ? Did he not come to seek and save the lost? Is not our Perfect Peace waiting for us in eternity? I love that people want to pray for world peace, want to annihilate AIDS and poverty, and find wells of water in a land of thirsty souls. But what about the world around you? What about the relationships you are involved in daily. I know we can all think of a handful of people, at least, in which we are engaged in War with right now, in terms of our peaceful living constitution.

There will be a day, when all the dead shall rise, when everything and everyone will bow down before the Christ, our Lord. At that day, the world will be gone. Global warming? Sun exploding? Who knows. But this world is not our home, it is our training ground. We have been given the command to live at peace with everyone. To forgive. To measure judgment in the same manner we want to be judged. Does that mean I need to give 37billion dollars? No. It means I need to be kind to those I know and those I meet. My world will be at peace then.

whew.