Once Upon a Lie: Find Love By Practicing Peace

"Today I'm participating in a group blogging! WOW! Women On Writing has gathered a group of blogging buddies to write about finding love in unimaginable places. Why this topic? We're celebrating the release of Michael French's twenty-fourth novel. Once Upon a Lie (Terra Nova Books) is an exploration of the secrets families keep, and the ways those secrets can tear a family apart. Visit The Muffin (http://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com) to read what Michael has to say on finding love in unexpected places and and view the list of all participating bloggers. Visit Michael's website (http://www.michaelrfrench.com/) to find out more about the author."

While teenagers in love--the subject of Once Upon a Lie--may not be all that unexpected, what about finding love through the pursuit of peace? To become an instrument of peace means to sow love where there is hatred. Let's list ten ways to spread peace and love around in a world that has too little of either:

• Think globally, start locally.  Look around your neighborhood, workplace or school to see what conflicts exist--and take action to resolve them.
• Put on a benefit concert (or festival or open mike night) for the cause of peace. Encourage all participating artists to speak out for peace. Give musicians a song list beforehand and ask them to choose from it. (Talk to a legal expert to make sure you have clearance to do this.) This idea can be adapted for an art show or poetry slam.
• If you're part of a book club, suggest they focus on a peace-themed book, either fiction or non-fiction.
• Organize a series of film screenings and discussions around the theme of war and peace.
• Contact all your elected officials and urge them to support specific actions to bring about a lasting peace. Do it often.
• Write an old-fashioned letter to your local newspaper on the subject of peace and how to find alternate means to resolving our differences.
•  Volunteer with a peace group. 
• If you come across some money unexpectedly, donate it to a peace organization. Also consider such organizations when it comes to recycling your unwanted things--see what kind of in-kind donations they may need.
• Show mercy. Visit the grave of a loved one who was lost to war. When you do, ask if the cemetery needs any donations or volunteers. 
• Look around the Internet for ways to take action for peace. The site dosomething.org for all kinds of personal actions is a good place to start.
• Your own family could be the most damaging war zone of all. If you've had a falling-out with a relative, friend, or neighbor, do what you can to make it up.