Peace is on our minds these days as we watch wars continue and know that in Christ consciousness peace is possible. Rev. Zita shared this piece she wrote and said I could share it with you. It demonstrates that each of us has he power to be a peacemaker in simple moments. May we live as One.
Peace to our world,
Rev. Patty
Moment of Humanity in an Unexpected Place
Yesterday afternoon, I experienced something small, yet deeply impactful—one of those moments that reminds you just how powerful simple human connection can be.
I was in Ross, casually shopping for hair care products, going about my day without much thought. As I looked up, I made eye contact with a Muslim woman standing a short distance away. On instinct, I smiled and said hello.
She returned the greeting with a shy, cautious smile. In that moment, I sensed a quiet hesitation—something that felt heavier than just a passing interaction. It tugged at my heart.
Without overthinking, I said, “I’m so very sorry about what your community has been facing.”
Almost instantly, I saw a change. Her posture softened. She thanked me, and then her eyes filled with tears. It was as if a wall had gently come down.
We stepped closer and took each other’s hands—two strangers, connected not by familiarity, but by empathy. I asked if I could hug her. She said yes.
And so, in the middle of a store aisle, we embraced.
For those few moments, the world seemed to pause. There we stood—two women from different backgrounds, carrying different lived experiences, yet sharing the same hope for peace, understanding, and healing. We exchanged quiet blessings for one another and for the communities we each belong to.
Then, as simply as it began, it ended. We parted with warm smiles—she went her way, and I went mine.
But I didn’t leave that moment behind.
Even now, I can still feel it—that overwhelming sense of hope. A reminder that compassion doesn’t have to be grand or complicated. Sometimes, it’s as simple as seeing someone, acknowledging their pain, and offering kindness without hesitation.
In a world that can often feel divided, yesterday reminded me that connection is still possible—unexpected, unplanned, and incredibly powerful.
