Annie’s Journal
by Annie Warner Donnelly
Aug25, 2025
Hello Everyone. There is a movement in over 200 countries and territories called enditnow®. Established in 2009, it takes a stand against the violence happening to men, women and children around the world.
How can we, as individuals, take a stand against violence? Let’s begin by looking at the 1984 lyrics composer Martin Nystrom created based on the beginning words of Psalm 42.
“As the deer pants for the water, so my soul longs after You. You alone are my heart’s desire and I long to worship You. You’re my Friend and You are my Brother even though you are a King. I love you more than any other, so much more than anything. I want you more than gold or silver; only You can satisfy. You alone are the real joy giver and the apple of my eye. You alone are my strength, my shield. To You alone may my spirit yield. You alone are my heart’s desire and I long to worship You!”
How can we be part of violence if God Himself is our strength, our shield? If to Him alone our spirits are yielding? If God alone is our heart’s desire? If God alone is the One we worship? If we want Him more than gold or silver? If He is the only One who can truly satisfy us? If He alone is the real joy giver?
How can we be part of violence if God is our Friend and our Brother even though He is a King? If we love Him more than any other, if we love Him more than anything?
Galatians 5:22-23 outlines the Fruit of God’s Spirit: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” Add in forgiving others and being forgiven and we have a formula for reducing and ultimately eliminating the angry words and actions that can lead to violent behaviour.
May God grant us His peace and the capacity, in every situation, to stop and think of what our next words and actions will be. When we are in a loving relationship with Jesus, violence in any form cannot flow through us. Amen.