The Chosen People are at it again.

In their defense, to preserve their existence, to secure their continued right to bear arms, and in the full view of the rest of the world, others get trampled, destroyed, left to starve into oblivion. Others get their cities attacked, to be stripped of their right to defend their citizens, almost as if they have no rights other than what the chosen people allow.

Sitting in my mostly peaceful corner of the world, save for the occasional horrible murder and concerned about the rise in petty crime, our collective blood is stirred most by the politicised verbal assaults.

Sitting in my mostly peaceful corner of the world, I recognise that my leadership and, by extension, the leaders of my region can only raise their voices in opposition to these conflicts. Even raised voices must be used with caution lest we offend ‘world powers’ who support the chosen one and end up on the wrong end, slapped with sanctions that could damage fragile socio-economic national and regional systems.

Sitting in my mostly peaceful corner of the world, I reflect on the teaching of my Sunday School days through to today. Is this violence the only recourse to preserve the existence of the chosen people? Since Sarah tried to take matters into her hands and offered Abraham a younger option to continue his lineage, and then having one herself, violence has been the way.

Sitting in my mostly peaceful corner of the world, I ponder whether anyone, anyone at all, considers the thousands of collateral damages, the humans who get caught in the center through no fault of their own. Will peace never be allowed? Is there no scope for the softening of hearts?

Sitting in my mostly peaceful corner of the world, I reflect on the colleagues I got the privilege to meet who live in regions where deadly, brutal conflict is pursued by the few that harm and destroy thousands who, like me, are simple focused on the business of living and are no threat to another.

Sitting in my mostly peaceful corner of the world, I ponder Benjamin Franklyn’s ‘Never a good war or a bad peace’. Is war simply a means to an end, a never-ending wealth creator and power grab and hold?

Sitting in my mostly peaceful corner of the world, perhaps it is time to accept that prayer will not change thousands of years of conflict. There is some higher power with a diabolical sense of humour. Perhaps I overthink! Is the world exactly as it should be right now, and are those who seem unnecessarily caught in the eye of the war, starvation, and strife around the globe simply living out their role?

Sitting in my mostly peaceful corner of the world, I sincerely appreciate the accident of birth that placed me in this country and region. Perhaps my duty at this time is to make the most of each day I am gifted and embrace the opportunities to live mostly peacefully with all men.

Sitting in my mostly peaceful corner of the world, I fully appreciate the notion that all that glitters is not gold and count it all joy that I do not bear the burden of The Chosen People