One of the beautiful things about peacemaking is that it is more than just a job, it is a worldview and a way of life. When we shift our thinking to that of non-violent peacemaking our decisions and reactions are painted with that brush as well. The upcoming shalom house festival will highlight stories of violence, but also of notable peacemakers we have encountered. We hope that these peacemakers can serve as an example for how to prepare our minds for the violence we encounter. I would like to share with you the following story of an outstanding peacemaker:
A Late-Night Break-In
Adapted from an essay in John Howard Yoder’s What Would You Do? for the MCC Gun Violence Packet.
Angie O’Gorman was awoken late at night by a man kicking open her bedroom door and standing menacingly by her bed. He was “verbally abusive” towards her.
As a Christian committed to non-violence, O’Gorman was struck in that moment by the futility of responding to the situation with violence – “somehow I could not imagine this man standing patiently while I reached under my pillow for my gun” – so she decided to do something unexpected: She struck up a conversation.
She asked him what time it was. They talked about it. She asked him how he got into the house. He told her he had broken through the window on the back door. She told him she didn’t have enough money to replace the glass. He responded by discussing his financial problems. Finally, she asked him to leave, and he said he had no place to go.
O’Gorman offered him sheets and a place to stay downstairs. He accepted. In the morning, they ate breakfast together, and he left voluntarily.
~~~~~
Be with us for a festival centered on peacemaking on Wednesday, May 13th, from 6:30-8:30 pm at Circle of Hope’s Frankford & Norris space.
Over dinner, musicians will share their original songs, Shalom House will tell stories & explain the vision, and we invite you, to bring your stories of urban violence to reflect on with one another.
Please let us know if you can join us so we have plenty of food (soup & chili!) for you. As we try to reduce our impact on the environment, please bring your own place settings. Call Shalom House at 215-474-1195 or email mimi.copp@shalomhouse.us, or emily.kephart@shalomhouse.us.
Tags: peacemaking, philadelphia, shalom, shalomhouse
i so love this idea. I hope everyone comes to the festival. I am looking forward to the songs and the stories, especially.
1214 ellsworth will be there, we are rsvp’ing for 6!
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