Tonight I am thinking about peace. I often find myself using the word “peace” or proclaiming that I want “peace”, but I am beginning to wonder if it’s just become a noun, rather than a verb. I want to act out this peace I so boldly proclaim. How do you have peace yet stand up for what you believe? Is it peaceful to disagree? I guess I think of peace more as saying what you think and not being anxious, but loving others who are different in opinion or lifestyle.

PEACE

–noun

1.the normal, nonwarring condition of a nation, group of nations, or the world.2.(often initial capital letter) an agreement or treaty between warring or antagonistic nations, groups, etc., to end hostilities and abstain from further fighting or antagonism:the Peace of Ryswick.3.a state of mutual harmony between people or groups, esp. in personal relations: Try to live in peace with your neighbors.4.the normal freedom from civil commotion and violence of a community; public order and security: He was arrested for being drunk and disturbing the peace.5.cessation of or freedom from any strife or dissension.6.freedom of the mind from annoyance, distraction, anxiety, an obsession, etc.; tranquillity; serenity.7.a state of tranquillity or serenity: May he rest in peace.8.a state or condition conducive to, proceeding from, or characterized by tranquillity: the peace of a mountain resort.9.silence; stillness: The cawing of a crow broke the afternoon’s peace.10.(initial capital letter, italics) a comedy (421 b.c.) by Aristophanes.–interjection11.(used to express greeting or farewell or to request quietness or silence).–verb (used without object)12.Obsolete. to be or become silent.

—Idioms

13.at peace,a.in a state or relationship of nonbelligerence or concord; not at war.b.untroubled; tranquil; content.c.deceased.14.hold or keep one’s peace, to refrain from or cease speaking; keep silent: He told her to hold her peace until he had finished.15.keep the peace, to maintain order; cause to refrain from creating a disturbance: Several officers of the law were on hand to keep the peace.16.make one’s peace with, to become reconciled with: He repaired the fence he had broken and made his peace with the neighbor on whose property it stood.17.make peace, to ask for or arrange a cessation of hostilities or antagonism.

Hmmmm…