What is Peace?

Many people hope that 2009 will bring peace to countries devastated by hardship – such as Sudan, Zimbabwe, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

However, what exactly is peace? And, perhaps more importantly, is it even possible?

Austin Bay, columnist for the Washington Times, recently wrote a piece of commentary about peace – questioning how to define it and whether it can prevail against the avarice, ambition, envy, anger, and pride of mankind.

I truly believe that peace is more than a “brief timeout between wars”. While I may not be able to say exactly what it is – I know what it is not.

Peace is not the government-sponsored killing of hundreds of thousands of people and the displacement of millions more.

Peace is not the raping of young girls and women who venture too far in search of firewood and water.

Peace is not children growing up in IDP camps without adequate food, shelter, medical supplies, and education.

So, let me know your thoughts. What does peace mean to you? Can it be achieved?