Finding peace in the chaos of the world

It seems that there is pain everywhere you look. War. Drought. Hunger. Disease. Fire. Hurricane. Injustice. There is no lack of events that negatively alter people's lives or even end them. All of this make for an emotionally difficult time for people like me. I carry my emotions everywhere. It is not hard at all to see and know when something is wrong with me. 

To make matters worse, I signed up to work in the humanitarian world. I do my work and enjoy doing it, and I take note of all the battles people are fighting around the globe. I recently read about a baby named Naima. She was suffering from malnutrition and participating in a food program to improve her health. The fact that she and my daughter share a name was not lost on me. I wished I could find her and personally take care of her. She is so little and a victim of other people's actions. 

Hard times are not new to me. I have had my share of rough experiences. So, I have learned to find peace in the midst of troubles. When I was 10 years old, I decided that my life was not my own. I gave my life to God after I nearly lost it to a bullet that was intended to kill anyone in its way. The worship songs I had been singing since I was a toddler gained a new meaning. I have since reevaluated my faith on many occasions to make sure my decision was not just a result of the heat at wartime or a childhood fantasy. I know that I have no control over these disasters that hurt so many. I do what I can to help where I am able, but I have to find peace somewhere. So, where do I find solace?

I remember God's promises. I could go into detail here, but the Bible does a better job that I am able. 

I watch my children. Carl Noah- the kind, walking memory box. Nathan - the funny persistent revolutionary. Naima - the most zen and giggly 8 month old I know (so excited to discover more of her personality!). They each give me hope for a better tomorrow, and I do my best not to contribute to any of the trauma they are sure to witness in this world. 

I observe the generous, tireless work of people I know. I don't know many people on a very personal level. So, it is reassuring to see that among the few that I do know, many are doing something to better other people's lives. I do a little math play, imagining just how many around the world are good individuals who are doing good for friends, family, and strangers alike. 

I take calm-my-heart moments. I believe I am naturally positive. I have known people who twist the smallest thing into a disaster. I tend to lean in the opposite direction. When life becomes piles of stressors, though, I take a moment. (side note: if you are anything like me, marry someone who understands the power of your alone time! Someone's gotta care for those beautiful offspring of yours while you take care of your most valuable asset - your well-being)

I support someone else. Resolving the worries and problems of others seems to help me find peace. I love people's smiles at the end of the journey. This is something I can do always, whether at home or elsewhere. 

I hope others have a way to find peace, too, whether or not they believe in God. Although there is so much wrong in the world, focusing on what is right - and working on improving what is not - goes a mighty long way in bringing a peaceful balance