For so long a time, we have been
systematically used by dubious organizations to propagate their
twisted version of the truth. They made us believe that all propaganda coming from
their mouths are for our own good. But where have they brought us? They used us- our innocence, our friendship, our vulnerability to promote their own
agenda- that of violence and unrest. They have deceived us into believing that our government is inefficient and ineffective by exploiting worn- out issues.
They made us believe that it is only these organizations that can save us
from our woes, but what happened? Our lives become harder each day. We became poorer
because of the lies they have spread. Their promises did not bring food to our tables. Their propaganda did not send our children to school. Their anger
did not build our house.
Now, we started healing the
wounds we have sustained through the years. We have begun repairing broken relationships. We
have started restoring old friendships that suffered as a result of their deception. We have begun regaining back the trust and
confidence of each other which they have used to make us fight one another. We
have taken small but firm steps towards healing the anger and hatred we have
shown each other because of their.
It has been a long and arduous journey for us. This time we started acknowledging our mistakes, our
shortcomings, our wrong perceptions and misconceptions. Nowadays, I can
confidently say that we have become enlightened and educated citizens. We did nothing extraordinary. We did nothing superficial but to embrace nothing but the truth.
This truth has become the
foremost foundation of our RECONCILIATION. There can never be reconciliation
without acceptance or acknowledgement of the truth. We have acknowledged our
wrongs; we have recognized our faults. That is the first step towards
reconciliation.
Let us let go of our anger and
hatred towards each other. Let us move on and forgive each other. Let us move
forward by serving justice to those who need and deserve it. But justice can only be
served if we respect one another; if we respect each other’s rights.
With truth and justice, we can
be assured of a community in harmony- one where everybody has a genuine concern
for each other. Where truth, justice and harmony reside, reconciliation shall
thrive. Where reconciliation thrives, peace reigns. Where peace reigns,
progress begins.
Imagine a community
where people thrive without conflict but understanding; without scars of anger
or hatred but only healed wounds and strengthened relationships; without
violence or fear but only truth, justice, and peace.
It might sound so ideal but it
is achievable nonetheless. That is why we are here to empower each other- to teach
ourselves to continue the healing that we have started; to sustain the
reconciliation that we have initiated; and to become the community that we
have always wanted. Through our concerted efforts- we are helping each other rebuild
our own lives by capitalizing on the programs our government has to offer. We
are here because we want our families to have better lives. We are here because we know our worth as members of the community. We are here
because we believe in us- in our capacity to become better individuals and
productive citizens who can contribute to our nation’s progress.
Let us continue the journey we
have started. Let us move together towards the realization of our dreams to
brighten up the future of our children. Let us commit ourselves to this humble
but noble cause of fostering peace and harmony in our society.
Let us bind ourselves to a
code of conduct of non-violence and declare our resolute faith in the
achievement of a genuine and long lasting peace. Let us bind ourselves to peace
not only for our own sake but for the future generations.
I pledge myself to
a life of non-violence...a life of peace. I hope you will too!
