“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.” These are the words of Jesus in his Sermon on the Mount, also known as the Beatitudes. These were powerful words in first century Palestine, and they remain powerful words in our day.

This past weekend I attended two programs on the D&E campus that addressed peacemaking, and together presented an opportunity to reflect on this need globally, locally and within each of our own lives. These two campus events challenged students, faculty, staff and members of the Elkins community in attendance.

On Saturday afternoon, the Rev. Alex Awad spoke in Halliehurst addressing peacemaking in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Sponsored by the Presbyterian Peacemakers Initiative, the Rev. Awad, who is a United States citizen, was born and raised on the West Bank, became a United Methodist pastor and spent most of his career as a pastor and educator in Bethlehem. His father was a civilian killed in the 1967 Arab-Israeli Six Day War, and his family became refugees. The story of his family’s journey is heartbreaking, and yet in spite of all he has experienced, I found his presentation to be balanced, his approach to life and faith refreshing, and his demeanor to be loving and meek (which is blessed according to the Beatitudes). He shared truth supported by fact as he described the present day Israeli-Palestinian crisis, the political realities complicating the peace process, and the hope and affirmation that peace is always possible … even in a land that has seen strife for centuries. The Rev. Awad is a person of faith who has literally dedicated his life to peacemaking, and paid a sacrificial price in the process. I found him inspiring.

On Sunday afternoon, the second annual Southern Gospel Brunch occurred on campus in Myles Center for the Arts. Sponsored by D&E and the Black Student Union, organizers Laurie Goux and Velma Ragsdale brought together a crowd of people from the campus and community to celebrate diversity and promote peacemaking. Through the spoken word, the performing arts and the spirit of inclusivity and openness from those in attendance, I found myself both moved and hopeful. Reflecting on a time in the spring of this year when a few hate-filled people attempted to spread their vile ideology on our campus and within our community, the gathered audience affirmed the rejection of hate. Rather, Sunday afternoon was an affirmation that we have chosen to dedicate ourselves to that which binds us together rather than tears us apart. We have chosen to concentrate our efforts on peacemaking within both our global and local community.

As a youth, I recall a song we often sang in our church youth activities. Writing this reflection, I find the familiar tune and words of that song invading my thoughts. Having spent a weekend reflecting on peacemaking, the song implores all of us to “Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.” Davis & Elkins College is an institution dedicated to education and to “… thoughtful engagement in the world.” D&E is also an institution founded upon Judeo-Christian principles. Both cry out for commitment to peacemaking.

After all, I read somewhere, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.”

The journey continues….