The TRUTH that Peace Begins At Home.

Clara Berenger ( 1886 –  1956 ) was an American screenwriter of the silent film era and a member of the original faculty of the USC School of Cinematic Arts. Baranger would retire from writing pictures in 1934, though she remained a frequent contributor to magazines such as Liberty and Good Housekeeping, and writer of inspirational books.

Within a wide circle of acquaintances and friends, I have found that the only persons who have achieved true inner peace and serenity are those who believe in God and try to live according to the moral principles embodied in the Bible. They recognize the truth that peace begins at home. They know that in order to extend peace from the home to the world they must cultivate habits that create peace. At the same time they must free themselves from old habits that cause inharmony and dissension.

 

The future of the world is an individual responsibility. As individuals we cannot sit apart in the belief that we need do nothing. Neither can we shift our responsibility to some other person or persons, or to an organization that we consider better suited for the work than we feel ourselves to be. Although each of us is only an infinitesimal part of the whole, it will take all of us working individually and collectively to bring about lasting peace on earth. The principle of individual responsibility for the whole was aptly expressed by Epictetus in the first century after Christ: "You are a citizen of the universe, and a part of it; not a subordinate, but a principle part.

To our sorrow, we know that the cease-fire orders of 1945 have not resulted in peace. A glance at the daily newspapers reveals a world still in chaos, with men and nations still full of selfish interests, fears, lust for power, and hatred. The world as a whole has not yet learned that only by obeying the commandments to love God and our neighbor as ourself can the things that make for peace selflessness, courage, tolerance, understanding, and love eradicate the things that make for war.

Set aside a certain time each day for complete relaxation; check every muscle from the top of your head to the tips of your toes to make certain that there is no tightening or strain. If you feel any strain, give the command: "Let go." When you are absolutely sure that all muscular kinks are ironed out, affirm: I am quiet and calm and relaxed. I am one with God, and God is infinite calm, infinite peace. 1 am surrounded by the perfect pace of God, the peace that passes all understanding. Divine order is now established in my mind, body, and affairs.

Through the exercise of love we expand our nature from the selfish and personal to the unselfish and universal.

Affirm: I am kind and tender with everyone. I am generous and loving in my thoughts of others. I seek to walk in love every moment of the day. I try earnestly to obey the commandment which tells me to love my neighbor as myself.

Peace Begins At Home (1954). Publisher: Unity School Of Christianity