Education

I'm reading a book called "Three Cups of Tea" about a man who is attempting to make a difference in the world, one school at a time.  Greg Mortenson promotes peace by creating opportunities for the education of girls in Pakistan and Afghanistan.  The book cover states: "The astonishing, uplifting story of a real-life Indiana Jones and his remarkable humanitarian campaign in the Taliban's backyard."  It would be such a dream to create peace in the world by providing education, food, clothing, shelter and safety for the marginalized in our world society.  What about taking the money and resources used for war to meet the needs of human beings instead of creating weapons of destruction? I wonder how many of the "suicide bombers" have no hope in this life.  How many soldiers are fighting and risking their lives for the attainment of wealth, land, oil, political power for the unscrupulous rulers of their countries?  How many are coerced into the armies of the world because they are afraid for their own lives or the lives of their families?  How many rely on the wages of war to live because they have no other options?   War may be the only answer for protection but should never be the reason for aggression and discrimination against weaker societies in the search for illegal and unfair acquisition of world resources.

I wonder how many rulers would declare war if they or their children were the first in line on the battlefield?  How many lives are wasted because of lingering, long term effects of living through the horrors of war?  How many lives are shattered by loss of family, friends, homes, jobs, future due to destruction of mental, emotional and psychological health due to a war?  How many of us can live with ourselves after dropping bombs, shooting, maiming, and terrorizing other human beings who share all of the same desires, hopes and dreams?  How many of our soldiers are numbers only in our line of defense?  Forgiveness, love, kindness, acceptance, generosity in sharing resources, hope, safety and knowledge are wonderful gifts to combat our enemies when we have the opportunity. How many millions or billions of dollars does one individual need to survive a lifetime in this world? How much does it cost to assist all human beings with minimal subsistence to have a chance to live at all? How many world leaders are chosen or take over because they have more money rather than because they have the wisdom and maturity to make fair and just decision?  I know that God expects more from those who have been given leadership skills and opportunity. I feel that someday they will answer to God for the decisions they have made.  I pray our world leaders will explore compassion and find their course through prayer and a true desire to do the "right thing" in the eyes of God.