HOLY GROUND

“When I walked the street of Jerusalem, it felt like I was on Holy Ground.” How many times have you heard that from friends who have traveled to Israel?

Jerusalem is the Holy site of three major religions: Christianity, Judaism, and Islam and is at the very center of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, according to BBC News. The Garden Tomb, the Via Dolorosa, and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher are only a few of the holy sites within the Old City. These and other sites could be cut off to visitors if East Jerusalem were to go to the Palestinians, along with the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. Also, Israel would not be able to defend such narrow borders as are proposed, reverting back to the 1967 boundaries. If we were all to revert back to former boundaries, we would all have to fit within the Garden of Eden. We must stand with the children of Israel while they work out a solution for their brothers.

Jews, Muslims, and Christians all trace their religious linage to the tiny country of Israel. For the Palestinians to have a homeland, people with large hearts and generous natures must find a solution that does not leave Israel vulnerable to attack. As Robert Frost said, “Good fences make good neighbors.” Do I have the answer? No. But, I believe it is possible for people to live side-by-side in peace—if those involved are willing to do so. Let us pray that these ancient, feuding brothers,Isaac and Ishmael, the sons of father Abraham, may find a way to make space for the Palestinians, while respecting the good fences of the other’s border. Let us pray:

“Holy Father, creator of us all, how you must long for peace for your children, for a home, a resting place. We pray that your kingdom may come swiftly to usher in the Day of our Lord. When your son Jesus returns, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that he is the Redeemer. Forgive us when we have tried to tell you how to organize your plan for us, according to our desires and goals. How very foolish we are. We pray for a submissive heart that we may follow your lead and a straight spine to stand up for all of your children. We pray for peace in the middle-east, that all your children may lay down their weapons and take up love of neighbor. Give us guardians at the gate who will allow safe passage while standing strong against those who would deceive. Speak, Lord, that we may hear, not the blistering discipline we deserve but the loving words of our father. Forgive us for our unwillingness to have an open heart for love. You have a solution to this grave unrest around the world. Let us listen, let us hear. In the name of and by the power of Jesus, your son, we pray. Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.

The novel: Length of Days - The Age of Silence by Doris Gaines Rapp - will be available this summer.

Mending Wall by Robert Frost. http://writing.upenn.edu accessed May 23, 2011.
www.bbc.co.uk.com accessed May 23, 2011.