Beng an activist at the NATO Summit

     Routes are being changed, backpacks are not allowed on trains, security is tightened and a great watchfulness is descending upon Chicago.  Protestors are already manning the streets and engaging reporters.  There are many activists preparing for the NATO Summit – I am one of them.

     I will not be in downtown Chicago - I will be in my office in Naperville – but I will be active nonetheless.  You may not hear me or see me, but my urgings will be as heartfelt as anyone near the Summit.  My activity will be prayer.  I will be silently acknowledging God’s peaceful control of everyone in my state, especially for those gathering in the Windy City, including every participant, reporter and protestor.

     My concern and love is world-wide.  I pray each day to understand and live more fully the fact that everyone is loved by God.  God is universal – not confined to any sect, nation or race.  This universal God may be called by various names in many languages, but this Spirit is everywhere – from the Arctic Circle, to the jungles of the Amazon; in every large city, suburban area and small town; in the oceans, the skies, mountains and valleys.  It can be found in every NATO country and in every country outside the NATO alliance.  This universal God is Love. 

     From the war-torn countries of Afghanistan and Iraq; to those contemplating nuclear inclusion such as Iran; from Pakistan to Yemen; this divine Love still fills all space.  It is still protecting, guarding and guiding individuals in battle and administrative positions.  It is an all-encompassing intelligence that stifles wrong and upholds justice.  In developing countries throughout Africa and the former Soviet republic, this Love is at work.  This intelligence finds ways to feed, house, comfort and heal.  It strengthens the charitable workers throughout the world participating in His work of building up lives and bringing health to millions.

     This Love is everywhere.  God is still on the field.  Man’s purpose is to live that love.  Every individual is a child of God – no matter how poor, outcast, despicable or hateful.  We must look deeper at each one and see the child of God there.  We must pray for divine intelligence to meet the huge problems of our world.      

      Finding a way to live peacefully and respectfully for each other is vital to our survival.  Solutions to the enormous financial challenges facing practically every country on the globe need to be found.  To me, every solution begins with learning more about God and living from a greater spiritual perspective.

      A book I often use in this search is Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy.  This week of the NATO summit, I am searching my heart to better accept these words, “One infinite God, good, unifies men and nations; constitutes the brotherhood of man; ends wars; fulfills the Scripture, ‘Love thy neighbor as thyself;’ annihilates pagan and Christian idolatry, - whatever is wrong in social, civil, criminal, political, and religious codes; equalizes the sexes; annuls the curse on man, and leaves nothing that can sin, suffer, be punished or destroyed” (p. 340).

     This is my protest – I protest against all injustice, greed, hate and violence.  I protest in prayer.  I align myself with God – the all-encompassing divine Love.  Won’t you join me in this prayer protest?  Let’s be part of God’s love working the necessary changes all over the world bringing justice, peace, and health to all.