Blessed are the Peacemakers

By Debby Giusti

Today is the International Day of Peace, also known as World Peace Day, that was instituted by the United Nations and first celebrated in 1981. Fittingly, the logo for this day of ceasefire and non-violence is a dove. Initially, it was celebrated in conjunction with the yearly opening of the UN General Assembly on September 11^th, but after the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center in 2001, the annual date for the event changed to September 21^st.

Philippians 4:7 says, “The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” As Christian writers, we want to spread that peace of Christ through our stories, but first we need to have peace in our hearts.

Peace starts with the individual. We must find peace within ourselves before we can positively impact our readers, our family and friends, our community and indeed our world.

As writers, we have the ability to influence others through our stories. Attempting to change a person’s values or perceptions through debate--using facts and stats--is often difficult, whereas a story focused on those same ideas can resonate with readers who enter into the story and become emotionally involved. A well written story can change not only readers’ hearts but also their minds about even long-established beliefs.

In this time of social upheaval, when families are under attack and our Judeo-Christian beliefs are being assaulted, when much of what we hold dear is maligned and when the moral compass that guides us is considered archaic and discarded by so many, true peace can be hard to find.

So the question I pose today is, as writers, how can we find peace?

Here are a few suggestions:

1. Give God the first fruits of the day. Start the morning with prayer, with Scripture, with quiet time spent in praise and thanksgiving. Offer up all you do for his honor and glory.

2.Tend to the needs of your family. Foster loving relationships and encourage affirmation. Provide emotional support and counter negative influences. Invite Christ into your home and peace will follow.

3. Find time for self-reflection. Discard baggage that weighs you down. Ask forgiveness for your mistakes and be the first to forgive. Set goals, dream dreams and take concrete steps toward achieving those goals. Only then will your dreams come true.

4. Be a friend and make a friend. Reach out to those in need. Find ways, however small or seemingly insignificant, to enhance your community for the betterment of all.

On this International Day of Peace, let’s reflect on ways we can be peacemakers. How can we spread God’s message of faith, hope and love in our stories? Where can we plant seeds of forgiveness and reconciliation?

Remember that when we have peace in our hearts, our stories will reflect peace as well.

Share your ideas about being a peacemaker in the comments. I’m giving away two copies of my November book from Love Inspired Suspense, In a Sniper’s Crosshairs. Let me know if you want to be in the drawing.

Peace be with you, dear friends!

Wishing you abundant blessings,

Debby Giusti

www.DebbyGiusti.com

RELEASES OCT 25th

IN A SNIPER’S CROSSHAIRS

By Debby Giusti

An assassin’s loose in Amish country…

and she’s not the only target.

When a radio broadcast describes taxi driver Lily Hudson’s passenger as an armed criminal, she becomes his immediate target. Narrowly escaping, Lily accepts Matthias Overholt’s offer to hide at his Amish family farm for Christmas—until evidence reveals the gunman’s plan is tied to Lily’s past. Now to prevent an assassination, Lily and Matthias must unravel a years-old conspiracy…and evade a sniper who has them in his sights.

 Pre-Order HERE!