Christmas Lessons

RC1_0082, a photo by rchoephoto on Flickr.

My name is Francis Tolliver, in Liverpool I dwell

Each Christmas come since World War I I've learned its lessons well

That the ones who call the shots won't be among the dead and lame

And on each end of the rifle we're the same.

John McCutcheon, Christmas in the Trenches

Hope

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Originally uploaded by rchoephoto

The important thing is not that we can live on hope alone, but that life is not worth living without it.

Harvey Milk

Belief

RCC_0791
Originally uploaded by rchoephoto

I have always believed that I could help change the world, because I have been lucky to have adults around me who did.

Marian Wright Edelman

Peace

Divine Peace-Bringer,
take what is jagged in my relationships,
and transform it with your grace.
I will do my best to bid farewell
to whatever keeps me from inner peace.
Help me bring your enduring harmony
into every part of my existence.
I open the door of my heart to you.
I open the door.


Joyce Rupp, The Open Door

Life

Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.

Helen Keller