The Christmas Season - Is Peace on Earth Enough?
By Dr. Chrisanne Gordon
As I view the evening news leading up to Christmas, 2023, with so many stories and photos of destruction - I am reminded of the most powerful words of Jonathan Larson’s amazing musical,
RENT: “The opposite of War isn’t Peace - It’s Creation.”
This concept has been reiterated to me hundreds of times when I evaluate our veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan dealing with Traumatic Brain Injuries as a result of their service to our nation. I realized the depth of service and commitment these young warriors shared, not only to our country, but to the countries where they served.
When I asked these brave veterans what they would like to do most in the next chapter of their lives. The overwhelming majority stated that they wished to return to help rebuild the nations with whom they were in conflict “for the sake of the people” was always the response. THINK ABOUT THAT - They had just left a war zone where their lives were in danger constantly, and where they had received significant though often invisible injuries, and yet, their number one priority was to REBUILD; to CREATE; to make whole again. I continue to be in awe of their compassion and commitment to service ALWAYS……
SO, THIS IS MY Christmas message; my challenge for the New Year; my hope for the future.
THIS CHRISTMAS - Let’s create a new world narrative - let’s give the gift of CREATION - in whatever form you choose.
You could create your own Christmas/Holiday cards - You could create your holiday gifts and show your relatives as well as those with whom you may have differences, that sound, loving relationships can indeed, be created. In fact, they are created daily all around the world when strangers assist other strangers in recovery - or when an “average” citizen displays random acts of kindness and heroism. Creation happens daily - We need more of that creative energy right now!
Creation can take so many forms -
Rebuilding structures of worship and work and play;
Renegotiating geographical as well as personal boundaries;
Restructuring social interactions to include understanding and compassion and the nearly lost art of LISTENING.
Realigning families and communities and nations with a resolve to create the BEST of humanity - not propagate the worst.
Resurrecting our heroes’ spirits so that they may lead our communities to a new level of service.
I am a continuing optimist, a belief system nurtured in the faith of a Higher Power Who will guide us on our journey of understanding and compassion. We only must ASK - then ACT. At Christmas time, especially, I feel close to this origin of creation.
If our veterans, who were recipients of physical and moral wounds can put aside differences for the greater good, then why can’t we follow them by creating safe places to settle differences and rebuild trust?
IT is a HUGE ask this Christmas - that instead of simply wishing others PEACE on earth, we all follow the example of those most affected by human, hatred, and conflict and VOW to CREATE a better world. One moment of understanding - one act of kindness; one gift of creation at a time. Let’s create a new holiday narrative from which we will all benefit and let’s keep “giving” ourselves and our talents, all year.
Let us all understand that the world would be kinder, safer, and more secure for those who come after us - if we resolve to make 2024, in some small or great way - a season of CREATION……
Veterans Standing Together Across America Project
Pictured: A World War II veteran signs the first Stand Together Flag.
The Stand Together Flag Project will raise awareness of the brain health issues that contribute to the dramatic increase in veteran suicides. The project promotes family and community support and gratitude for service. We bring veterans out of isolation and have them connect to family and community in a ceremony of honor and healing with a movement of Patriotism for 2024. More than 750,000 Global War on Terrorism veterans struggle with TBI or PTSD issues.
The Stand Together Flag.
The flag is the first 3-D art creation of U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer Joe Pisano, a renowned San Diego artist. The piece consists of a waving American flag bordered by a frame panel featuring signatures of veterans and their family members. The flag is comprised of more than 4,300 drywall screws and is an interactive piece for veterans giving family members an opportunity to remember and honor the military service of their loved ones.
Project Launch and Events.
Resurrecting Lives Foundation will launch the Veterans Standing Together Across America (VSTAA) project at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum on Nov. 1, 2023, and re-dedicate the project in San Diego Nov. 11, 2023 at Liberty Station, home of Chief Pisano’s art studio.
These ceremonial signings will be followed by a yearlong journey throughout the state to various communities to evoke praise and healing for our veterans and our communities; to instill pride, patriotism, and unity. Each state will have the opportunity to receive a Pisano Artistry VSTAA 3D flag, created to reflect the state’s individual hallmarks, but fashioned to remind us all that we are united under the USA Flag.
Resurrecting Lives Foundation and PISANO Artistry intend to raise the Nation's unifying consciousness and lead our struggling Veterans to the appropriate services needed for healing and a successful future.
Please join us in this MOVEMENT - Veterans Standing Together Across America will be filled with the Virtue of Hope and Reverence; the Value of Healing and Recovery; the Vision of Honor and the Resurrection of Patriotism and Unity - under the USA FLAG. We are a charitable organization dedicated to serving our community. Our mission is to provide assistance to those in need and promote social welfare through a variety of programs and initiatives. With the help of our dedicated volunteers and generous donors, we are able to make a positive impact in the lives of many.
Veterans Standing Together Across America Launch
Pictured: Skylar Burgess (Board member), Chrisanne Gordon, MD (Founder and Executive Director), and Navy Chief Joe Pisano with the VSTAA flag at the November 1st Launch.
Resurrecting Lives Foundation and PISANO Artistry launched Veterans Standing Together Across America (VSTAA), a Nationwide Suicide Prevention Campaign held at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum on November 1st, 2023.
RLF and PISANO Artistry - THANKS the amazing team from NVMM, the RLF team, volunteers, Bell Production, and ALL in attendance. This event was successful because of you.
TO VIEW PHOTOS AND ARTICLES FROM THE LAUNCH - CLICK HERE
You Can Make A Difference
Resurrecting Lives Foundation is planning events in Columbus, OH, San Diego, CA and Washington, DC to raise awareness of brain health issues that contribute to veteran suicides, such Traumatic Brain Injuries and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
The foundation enjoys a Gold Rating by the GuideStar Foundation, with 90 cents of every dollar being spent directly on veterans. Support our advocacy with a tax-deductible gift today.