PEACE and POWER

By Shawnmari Kaiser, LISW, LCSW

Peace is defined as a cessation of, or freedom from any strife or dissension. It is freedom of the mind from annoyance, distraction, anxiety, etc. It is a state of tranquility and serenity.

Jesus proclaimed to us, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27.

On the other hand, when we think about power, we do not usually equate it with the word peace. Power is defined as a great or marked ability to do something or act in some way.  It is the capability of accomplishing something.  It is a strength, might or force.  Power is also known as the possession of control or command over others, having authority and influence.

Though we may not primarily associate peace and power, the story shared by Mark in chapter 4 verses 38 – 39 is a perfect reflection on how the two fit together under Christ. When Jesus and the disciples were sailing on a large lake a great storm arose while Jesus slept. The storm was so great, they feared dying, and in great distress woke Jesus to save them.  Jesus, with calm certainty “… awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” He stated, “and the wind ceased, and there was a great calm”.

How can a state of tranquility and serenity also be a powerful force that allows a great ability to accomplish something and control a threatening situation?

Well, let’s look at when you are at peace in your mind about yourself, others and life. What do you experience in your body? Physiologically, your brain produces neurotransmitters that either stimulates (excitatory) or balances mood and brings calm in the brain and body (inhibitory).

Excitatory neurotransmitters are responsible for controlling motivation, body movement, concentration, and the ability to experience pleasure and pain.  Some are both neurotransmitters and hormones that help us have a burst of energy in time of stress (fight or flight response). Inhibitory neurotransmitters regulate many of our body’s functions including the immune system. They also counter excessive excitatory neurotransmitters which then produces a sense of calm and relief of tension.

What does this have to do with peace and power? Your thoughts have a direct impact on the raising and lowering of neurotransmitters and hormone surges. When your mind is at peace your body follows.  Thoughts free from strife empowers the body to function more at its optimum. Additionally, thoughts that are hopeful, kind and loving also can have a powerful positive impact on others.

So how do we live our lives free from chronic strife and full of love and kindness. Jesus led the way in teaching us the value of hope, love and kindness as He taught us to let go of our worries and to hope in Him when He said “Come to me you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light (Matthew. 11: 28-30).  From this surrender, we can experience peace of mind, which then allows us to be more open to learn from him the power to love. From this power we can lovingly engage with ourselves and others, and we can fulfill His expectations for us to “love God with all our hearts soul and mind, and to love others as we love ourselves” (Luke 10:27; Mark 12:30 – 31).

As you surrender to Jesus you will find the Holy Spirit will guide you, so you can practice peaceful, joyful, hopeful, and kind thoughts. This perspective will help you reframe negative situations and people and practice forgiveness for yourself and others. You will experience peace and be empowered to demonstrate love.