It started as just an ordinary Tuesday. Connor had been up early, and I woke Hannah to get ready for Nursery School. We went through the usual morning routine—cereal, getting dressed, then strapping Connor into his car seat. Hannah, all of three years old, climbed in with her oversized backpack, always excited to see her bestie Molly. With my little six-month-old in tow, I thought I had the day mapped out.
After drop-off, I treated myself to a much-needed Starbucks run. Connor was colicky from day one, and I was running on little sleep. I remember standing in line, softly singing to him, when the barista suddenly said in a low voice, “Oh my God, there was an attack in New York.”
I immediately tried to call my husband at work in Haverford, but couldn’t get through. Unsure what else to do, I turned the car around, just like so many other parents that morning, and picked Hannah up. We spent the rest of the day huddled at home, waiting, wondering, praying, feeling helpless, and calling our family and friends. We didn’t fully understand what had happened. It makes me think about all the places on the globe currently living through war, being bombed daily. PRIO (Peace Research Institute Oslo) and the Uppsala Conflict Data Program, 2024 reports 61 state-based armed conflicts worldwide, marking the highest number since World War II.
So many people lost loved ones, friends, and neighbors that day. Twenty-four years later, the grief still lingers. And yet, each year, I find myself asking: have we grown, have we learned, are we any closer to peace, globally and at home?
Yesterday, Charlie Kirk was shot while speaking at Utah Valley University because of his political views. We should be able to disagree, debate, even clash on ideas—without it turning violent. I have close friends and neighbors whose views are very different from mine, and we don’t shy away from those conversations. But then we move on and show up for each other in life’s joys and struggles.
Across traditions and faiths, there are countless prayers for peace. Today, I share one with you that seems appropriate for the moment, with the hope that we carry its spirit into the days ahead.
Prayer for Peace
If there is to be peace in the world,
There must be peace in the nations.
If there is to be peace in the nations,
There must be peace in the cities.
If there is to be peace in the cities,
There must be peace between neighbors.
If there is to be peace between neighbors,
There must be peace in the home.
If there is to be peace in the home,
There must be peace in the heart.
Lao-Tse
Peace,
Regina
I applaud your taking time to share your thoughts on this. Pray for peace…
I applaud your taking time to share your thoughts on this. Pray for peace…
View lessThank you, Regina for reminding us to remember
and to hold peace in our hearts.
Thank you, Regina for reminding us to remember
View lessand to hold peace in our hearts.
Thank you for a beautiful message. Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.
My love always to Hannah and Connor. I miss those toddlers.
Thank you for a beautiful message. Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.
View lessMy love always to Hannah and Connor. I miss those toddlers.