In the previous article, we began to tackle some points regarding the “Dialogue between the East and the West” forum in Italy, included, that one cannot walk alone on the way of life, there are differences between us, but we must accept them and learn how to coexist.
Third: You should not wait the change, but rather you should make it yourself. Change begins with the person who seeks it. Before asking people to shake hands with you, that is, share love and peace with you, you should learn how to extend your hands first; while repeating empty words and mottos would not bring the aspired results. Thus, each one should sit with himself honestly and answer some questions. I assure you for the second time that the answer is for your own benefit as this is to be an open dialogue with yourself: Do you want to erect the country and construct the society? If yes, how are going to do this? If no, what are the consequences of deconstruction? Will this affect, in any way possible, your life and the life of your family? However, in case you desire to erect but you are deeply angry; you should turn this anger into positive energy of success instead of vengeance and demolishment.
Someone has sent me a video that narrates a synopsis of a true story. A young man has loved a girl and he wished he could marry her. However, she was drawn into constant disputes with him due to his poor financial state and his inability to buy her whatever she wants. Then she asked him to leave her as she thought that life would not continue the way she imagined. The young man left sadly. Years passed and we can find the girl accompanying her husband to a luxurious hotel. She got married to a successful young man who worked at a company and had a great salary. This night her husband asked her to meet the Chairman of the company he worked at. To her astonishment, she found out this man happened to be the young man she once rejected. He quietly greeted her with a smile then left. I can conclude from this story that the young man was able to turn his anger into a positive energy of success. But what if he had surrendered to his negative feelings? He would have been able to do nothing but running himself and others.
Life is not for you or me it is for us. Our role is to learn how to coexist peacefully, to respect one another, and appreciate others’ privacy, beliefs and cultures while walking side by side on the path of erection. I believe that this is what we and the world are in need for in order to create peace.
General Bishop
Head of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural center
