Power of Peace
2010-2011 Lions International Essay Contest Grand Prize
Winner
By Amy Bosko, Age 12, Illinois, USA
There are three simple solutions to peace. The three solutions are,
eliminating war, communication, and respecting people’s differences.
Many of our loved ones have died in wars. And regardless of where
one is from, we can all agree that death is a tragedy that can be avoided.
Soldiers are risking their lives and leaving families in fear wondering whether or
not they will return home safely. There is a vast amount of people from various
countries who have no food or shelter. Meanwhile, we are disputing over
unnecessary topics such as race, money, and cultural differences, which leads
to war! People should not be judged by who they are, what they have, or what
they believe in. For instance, I am a 12 year old who has to cope with and
accept my disability of being blind. I wouldn’t want people to judge me for
only that. I am no different than anyone else.
Everyone needs to put forth an effort to communicate in order to avoid
conflict. Without communication, it would be very challenging to come together
as one, and promote world peace. It takes a team effort to make the world a
peaceful place. It’s encouraging how the world works together in a synergistic
union to make the world part of a more peaceful universe. If we don’t respect
people’s differences, then we can’t have peace. You can’t just look at somebody
and judge them because they are different. For example, if your best friend
suddenly became terminally ill, offer them moral support and try to see things
through their perspective. This might inspire you to treat them more equally.
Most people who are different are more aware with their other senses. I am
blind. However, I have senses that make me see a clear vision for world
peace. I can hear the laughter of families floating across the borders of all
countries. Laughter and communication skills are universal languages. I can
taste the various foods from across the globe, blending seamlessly together,
making their way to the less fortunate. I can smell the clean air from everywhere
knowing that everyone needs air to breath and would enjoy feasting on the
various aromas weaved throughout the world. Most importantly, I can feel the
sense and feel the power of peace when I meet a stranger and offer a peaceful
greeting without being judgmental. People are different. People have much to
offer, whether it be an act of kindness or discovering a cure for an illness.
Joined together, different types of people are a powerful force and could inspire
the world to function more successfully and peacefully. I may be blind, but I
have the power to promote peacefulness on a daily basis.
All the things that I have mentioned should be practiced on a daily
basis. If we all put our best foot forward, then the world would be a better
place. So, as you can see, if we try to avoid wars, communicate more, and
respect people’s differences, we would have a more peaceful environment
