Security or peace?
Written by hootenannie on January 26th, 2012“There is no way to peace along the way of safety. For peace must be dared. Peace is the great venture. It can never be safe. Peace is the opposite of security.”
-Dietrich Bonhoeffer
What do I want more – security or peace?
Today, I’m choosing peace. And I hope that I always do.
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I don’t quite understand this quote. I feel secure when I feel peace. How is peace the anti-thesis of security, as you understand it?
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For me, peace is giving up the illusion of security. “Security” seems to be something that we strive for and can never reach – because when are we ever truly “safe”? Peace comes when I accept that my life is not something to be controlled, but rather, something to be experienced simply in the knowledge that I am loved, and that I am not alone. Peace is giving up the fear of the unknown – something I would typically try to direct, manage, and manipulate with the goal of “security” – and trust that it’s not all up to me anyway.
If anyone else has thoughts, feel free to chime in. :)
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Wow, AWESOME explanation– words that resonate strongly with me!!!
Love you BF– and miss you!
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Annie, you have captured beautifully what Herr Bonhoeffer meant! He lived and died in a time of unsurpassed violence and slaughter. He saw compromises and concessions made to Hitler in the name of “peace” when what was meant was “security”. That security was fleeting, as we now know, with WWII as the ultimate result. We still wage wars in the name of security *sigh*. Thank you for choosing to wage peace. It is not an easy path to walk…as the story of Bonhoeffer ultimately illustrates. I don’t often comment here, but I love coming here, as you are a special soul. Grace and peace to you and yours,
Michael
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I’ve been thinking about Peace as it’s found in the Old Testament lately. I think it supports what you/Bonhoeffer say here nicely. The word we translate “Peace” is well-known. Shalom (שַׁלוֹם)means “Peace” but also “Wholeness.” I think seeking Security implies that you are afraid in some way. Fear takes away from you. When Fear is in control, you are not whole, and you do not have Shalom. But when you have it, Shalom drives out Fear and the need to feel secure.
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Hence: May the “Peace” of God be with you.
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You are so discerning. Peace is a reality that arises out of faith. Security is the illusion of self will, the certainty we demand but cannot have. It is what we crave through attempts at control. The only way forward is acceptance of all we cannot control or change, by placing it in God’s hands. You are so wise, girl.
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FYI, I shared this last Thursday with my core group and one of the girls reported last night that she’d been thinking about it all week and has resolved that her goal is to pursue PEACE. :) Way to inspire, BFF.