There was once a painting competition and a reward would be given to the best representation of peace.

At the end of the competition, three finalists were classified.

The first painting showed an extensive field dotted with beautiful flowers and colourful butterflies that floated in the air, looking like they were being caressed by a soft breeze.

The second one showed birds that flew over clouds that were as white as snow against the blue sky.

The third painting showed a storm full of lightning and in evidence was a big rock hit violently by the sea waves.

For everyone’s surprise, the winner was the third portrayal.

Outraged, the other two artists questioned the judge who made the final decision:

“How can such a violent image represent peace?”

The man answered serenely:

“Did you notice that bird sleeping with its offspring in one of the rock’s crack amongst the violence of the storm?”

The half-astonished painters answered: “Yes, but...”

Before they could even finish the sentence the judge pondered:

“Dear friends, the true peace is the one that even in the most difficult times allow us to keep calm.”

Maybe it is not so clear to some people how peace can rule throughout a storm, but in reality it isn’t that difficult to understand.

Taking in consideration the fact that peace is a state of mind, one can conclude that if our conscience is clear everything else around us can be in revolution, and we still will be able to keep our serenity.

Making a parallel to the winner painting, one could say that the birds represent our conscience.

Our conscience is a safe shelter when we have nothing to be reproached. The opposite is also true: everything might seem fine around us, but in reality our conscience burns with guilt.

Our consciences are therefore an implacable court from which we can not run away, because it is within us.

It is our conscience that gives us the possibility to stay in harmony, even when everything seems to fall apart. Hence we get to the conclusion that laws or decrees cannot declare peace, as it can only be achieved individually.

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One day peace got disguised as a man and lived with our suffering and afflicted humanity.

It remained in peace when facing frightening and turbulent situations.

When assaulted, it kept its serenity.

When calumniated, it exemplified tranquillity.

When faced by the violence of the sea, it asked for calm.

When nailed to the cross, it remained in peace.

However before leaving, he said:

“My peace I leave to you, as an example.

My peace I give to you, as a model to be copied.”

Text written by Spiritist Moment Team, based on  a message that circulates in the Internet called “Peace”, without author mention. Translated by Huei Lin Allegretti