MINNESOTA: WOMEN AS TURNING POINTS OF PEACE – NEW ERA, NEW MINDSET
On a bright, clear January day, with Minnesota's typical subfreezing temperatures, the members of the Women's Federation for World Peace Minnesota chapter were able to restart their engines, warm up their minds and hearts, and begin anew. Forty-four women attended from Minnesota and North Dakota. The local chapter worked to prepare a most loving atmosphere with fresh-cut flowers and a lovely lunch of various soups and salads.
The meeting was held on Saturday, January 26 at the Unification Church in Minneapolis. U.S. President Angelika Selle came from the Washington, D.C., area to preside over the one-day conference titled, "Women as the Turning Points of Peace: New Era, New Mindset." She gave an overview of the past to reacquaint the participants with the foundation years, starting in 1992 when Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, the founder along with her husband, the Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon, began WFWP as a worldwide women's organization. Its vision remains the same: to empower women with knowledge, skills and supportive community to discover their unique value and bring lasting peace.
Emphasizing the need to get back to basics, Mrs. Selle pointed to the WFWP motto "Living by the Logic of Love" as the key for this era and time in history. Loving our enemies, she said, is crucial for bringing lasting reconciliation and peace to our worldwide community, starting with ourselves.
She also pointed out the difference between WFWP and many other women's groups. "We are not a feminist movement," she said, "nor do we compete with men. Instead we work side by side with our brothers and husbands to improve society centered on true family values." The plan for the future, she continued, is go "deeper and wider" after the past 20 years of foundation work by WFWP, which is now more than ever on the providential path of building the Kingdom of God on earth, for there is no peace without God. She spoke about the lives of many women of the past, some of whom were spouses of famous men in history and who offered their talents in many ways but were often forgotten or never mentioned in history books. Now, Mrs. Selle said, the time has come for women to be proud of their talents and abilities, connect with their true essence, and come forward with their ideas and inspirational, educational programs, making their voices heard. The heart of the mother is needed more than ever, she said, to fight societal ills for the sake of the world's children.
Mrs. Selle offered S-A-T-I-N as an acronym for WFWP to follow. She told the participants to "Shine" and "Speak up" and "Stand-up" for what is right, to help America. And just as the material satin is shiny on one side and dull and absorptive on the other, so should women be in order to absorb the wrongs in society. "A" is for "Action" – acting in unity with one voice in a positive manner, not to tear down, but to build up. "T" is for "Transformation" by speaking the truth, starting with changing ourselves. "I" is for making an "Impact." Show love and compassion, she urged, toward others. "N" is for "Nurture." We should always nurture ourselves for the sake of others and the next generation. It is OK to take time for ourselves to make sure we are healthy and happy and feeling beautiful inside and out. "Lipstick is a good thing!" she said, beaming.
Next, she explained various WFWP programs, such as those that address human rights, women's dignity, and the "Clean Slate" initiative, an abstinence-based program for teens and young adults.
The Bridge of Peace activity continues in WFWP, Mrs. Selle said, as a way to bring reconciliation between women of difficult cultures and backgrounds. One difference today is that we no longer just meet on the bridge but "work together in the trenches – go wherever there is a need, together." The reality is that the American Dream has not been fully realized for all, people's hearts haven't been melted completely. There is still so much work to be done.
Another area of work is in the realm of healing, which is necessary prior to peacemaking. "God is giving us time to heal," she said. WFWP members have gone to places such as Japan after the tsunami to do cleanup work and to heal the hearts of those affected by the disaster.
Other points Mrs. Selle made:
Pray for each other. To bring in the new age of the heart, prayer is a key component. Pray to be intense and go with the flow.
Be grateful to God; we shall overcome every difficulty.
The Spiritual Age is now.
Bring joy to others – promote and become your true self and understand your true value.
It's time to bring balance and restore fully the role of Eve. As the Dalai Lama said recently, "It is time for mothers to come forward and heal the society."
Don't give in to the lie. Stop the blame game. Salvation starts with me. Eve lost power, creativity and her true identity. Get over resentment.
Humble ourselves. Ask God what He wants. Take responsibility. Read the book, "Who Moved My Cheese?"
If you can't speak to a person who has difficulties directly, or words don't work, speak to their spirit through prayer. Say, "Please forgive me"; "I'm sorry"; "I love you." Use an intercessory prayer method.
Mrs. Selle introduced a new project of WFWP called the Global Women's Peace Network. It directly addresses the social ills of the world, and speaks to women on a global level to strengthen them to become leaders.
To end the day, bouquets of flowers were offered to Mrs. Selle and outgoing chairwoman Mrs. Mary Jane Anderson, who has served for over 10 years. Mrs. Jeannette Henry was formally introduced as the new leader of WFWP in the area, with the title of Facilitator, along with her team of volunteers. Photos were taken and applications were made available to those who wishing to join our organization.
A big THANK YOU to the outgoing Chairwoman, Mrs. Mary Jane Anderson, for her 10 long years of heartfelt service and sacrifice in developing the Minnesota WFWP chapter!
WELCOME on board to the incoming Chairwoman, Mrs. Jeanette Henry, and her team!
