We are a non-structured group and each person will have a slightly different reason for standing and a slightly different method of praying but our common goal is peace.

Before today, I stood and prayed and wept for a peaceful resolution to the war in Iraq. From now on I will be standing and praying and weeping for a peaceful resolution to the war that is brewing in Homer.

Looking at the people standing on the sidewalk, I see a store clerk, another a friend of many years and a child. But that is just on the surface. Underneath we are all individuals with the same human spirit with great capacities for love and compassion, but also for hatred and fear.

Standing with the Women in Black has been work, and it hasn't been easy, but it has taught me respect for myself, for the other women and more surprisingly respect for the people who don't share my opinions. Respect cannot be limited to those that agree with me. So when I see my friend or the grocery clerk, I will look them in the eye and connect with them as human beings.

I don't want to live in a town known for its hatred. I want to live in a town where I can wave to someone who stood with me in a peace vigil or wave to someone with whom I had a difference of political opinion, but we went beyond that and learned to listen to and respect and tolerate our differences.

The world needs an example of peace. Let's do it.

Anne Nixon