THE GREAT PEACEMAKER

Dekanawidah, (The Great Peacemaker, 12th century) an Iroquois Native American, said, “Neither anger nor fear shall find lodging in your mind.”

Joyce Sequichie Hilfer (Cherokee) wrote, “It is unfortunate when someone fails us, but it isn’t as bad as when we fail ourselves. The minute we make a mistake, or fall short, we begin to condemn ourselves. How could we have been so dumb, so inept, and so careless? We are victims by our own mouths. It is too easy to make a habit of thinking we are second-rate, not quite equal to others. If we say it enough times, we think it, and it all feeds down into our hearts to surface again when we don’t need it. Who can love us if we don’t love ourselves? Who will build us up if we are busy tearing us down? Confidence is winning over self…not others. But we have to stir up the gift that is within us, see that we appreciate all the small things we can do well. We can only be what we give ourselves power to be.”

Jesus said, “Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Jesus