Dona Nobis Pacem

We are once again participating in the annual BlogBlast 4 Peace. This is the 12th year for this pawsome event and I've been doing my part since 2011. Mimi Lenox, the founder, wanted to know what would happen if the entire blogosphere posted about world peace on the same day using the same title. It hasn't changed the world—yet—but it's provided some creative and wonderful images of peace. The theme this year is Finding Peace in Overwhelming Times. We came up with this post before we learned of the theme and it sure fits.

Over this past year full of turmoil (which I warned of last year), one song has stuck in our head and our heart. It's lyrics are truer that ever. We wanted to post those lyrics here to make it easier for you but don't want any copyright lawyers knocking at our door in a non-peaceful matter.

It's easy to feel hopelessness and despair when reading the news and being bombarded with stories about war, gun violence and vitriol toward people who are different in skin color, sexual orientation, religious beliefs and appearance. Did I mention even more wars with nuclear weapons? I'd be lying if I said I don't ever feel hatred for those—domestically or abroad—who seek to divide us. It's a weakness but it's real and has to be acknowledged and addressed. The song (What's So Funny 'bout) Peace, Love and Understanding challenges the listener who is feeling angry or losing hope in their fellow humans to think about peace, love and understanding. I think we all need to take a deep breath and heed this message.

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(What's So Funny 'bout) Peace, Love and Understanding was written in 1974 by Nick Lowe, who I'm sure couldn't imagine how relevant the song is today in this uncertain world. The song is most associated with Elvis Costello who had a mini hit with it. It's been recorded by over 35 different artists in styles ranging from country, reggae and blues. The version I'm sharing is good old-fashioned rocknroll; a version I wasn't familiar with until researching this post. You can also view it on YouTube.

The video was the finale from the Vote for Change concert in Washington DC on 11.10.2004 and features Bruce Springsteen, Dixie Chicks, John Fogarty, Dave Matthews, Eddie Vedder, R.E.M and a cast of thousands. It's not the best cover version but songs like this belong to the people and are best sung in groups.

If I could, this little ghetto kitteh would take a knee for humanity in 2017 And while I'm kneeling I will pray for peace. Be the change. Namaste and peace out.