For the first time in human history...

Every day is a new day. Every minute that we spend in our life is a new minute. This is an endless cycle of time that we are all part of. Despite these changes in time we experience daily, we experience the same life style. Although we have many different experiences, we all live in the same world, which has a direct influence in the choice that we make in our lives. Because of war, our lives are influenced by it either directly or indirectly. They may not be in the nations, where wars happen, but they are still influenced by it through the news. In the 21st century, the whole global community is affected by a war or conflict. We have seen many new years, we have celebrated many new years, but we still live in the world, in which wars persist... Until we saw a small light from South Korea that grew into a greater light.

HWPL, a NGO organization registered under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Republic of Korea started a new movement which is somehow different from the peace movements that we have seen in the past. In the center of this movement is Chairman Man Hee Lee, who experienced war as a solider of the forefront of the Korean War over 60 years ago. The peace movement that HWPL started under the leadership of Chairman Man Hee Lee became a new wave that slowly became a great tide. The ingredients that he suggested were, of course, people. Although movements are initiated by people, HWPL peace movements targetted specific group of people to initate the work: the youth and the women through IPYG and IWPG. Along with the religious leaders, the politicians, and the media, the youths and the women worked to persuade the whole world, because they were the group mostly influenced by the war. the ideology that combined them was heavenly culture. This is having the mindset of heaven by having the heart to take care of the earth.

Heaven provides earth with light, water, and air. It does not kill, but it strives to help. It was the actualy the earth that polluted itself. The heaven only wished to give life to earth. Just as this, we are the cause for the sufferings and pain. This means we need an ideology that transcends the cultures and the mindset of earth and holds us responsible for the home that we live in. This is heavenly culture, which is to have the heart to take care of this earth. There are many peace workers and environmentalist, who advocate to safeguard the planet. The spirit of heavenly culture unites this into one. This is why we will finally see for the first time in history, a new idea called world peace.

Into a new year of peace...

It has been already 18 days since the new year begun. As we enter a new year, we would go through the same tradition of making new resolutions and goals that we will strive to make the year 2016 more special. Although the result may not be promising... For some reason, I think that the last month that we would spend in the year 2016 may be promising in terms of the current affairs in many nations.

Like always Chairman Man Hee Lee along with Chairwoman Nam Hee Kim has been travelling around the world in many world peace tours to share their ideas of bringing peace into the world. The organization HWPL played a critical role last year in the preparation of implementing an international law. For this reason the two chairs of HWPL and IPYG were invited to the United Nation to give a speech on peace.

It shows that HWPL is now targeting the whole world to create a different world, which is a world that differs from other. They visited the conflicting countries in the middle east to gain more support for peace. The activities that they participate is not for their own authority, but to create a different world. We are able to understand their motives through their action. Whenever the chairman meets an advocate of peace, he greets them with a bow and shakes their hand with his two hands. The humility that he shows represents his hope and passion for peace.

 

Since the WARP Summit in 2014 (and also before the Summit), HWPL has been the center of peace movement in fulfilling world peace that has been a long lost dream to many people. We hope that this year the new resolution that HWPL and Chairman Lee made will come true.

Opinion: A glimpse of this world

The film, The Independence Day, was a blockbuster. The plot and the graphics of the film was incomparable to other action films in the past. I heard that a sequel to the film is in the progress of filming. The film was about an alien invasion and of course it followed a typical plot line of an invasion, but the film also showed the reaction of the global community against a stronger force.

People combined their effort against the aliens to keep the peace in their world. I wonder, how the relationship between each nations were before the invasion in the film? We see this from nations to individual households that we do not want to disturbed by others, but also have internal conflicts ourselves. We fight with our siblings or parents, but whenever others interfere with our family, then we unite together against whoever that person is.

Sometimes, I imagine what would the alien's perspective be, if they see the world that they are about the invade is full of conflicts.

Today as a world, we have conflicts in between nations and religions. I think we have to start recognize that this must reach to a resolution. Today the stronger force that we need to overcome is ourselves. We must overcome the differences that we have, these differences have been invading our soul little by little since the beginning.

Taking a glimpse of this world. The world that we live today is filled with conflicts that begins with inside one's heart to an international level. Every day we fight with ourselves to become better and strive for success in the world. We are challenged by the society to fit in and follow its rules. This internal conflict and social conflicts that we face extend and are joined by other conflicts of larger scale. 

For what do we live our lives? What cause do we live for? Is there something that we should stand for as human beings? If there is a cause that will benefit everyone, then does this become our obligation to stand up for that cause? Unfortunately, the basic obligation is covered by materialistic needs and for success. We need to understand that these materials and success are not possible if there isn't a world to provide it.

This issue is challenged by HWPL. The organization recognizes what the world needs. This is why Chairman Man Hee Lee has been travelling around the world 21 times to promote this basic obligation. The basic obligation is building a world of peace. When we take a glimpse of this world today, we see conflicts and disagreements. I hope in one year, when we take another glimpse, I hope we take another glimpse of the world and even in the smallest societies that create the world become a place without disagreement.

1st Annual Commemoration of September 18th WARP Summit Main Highlight

Do you remember?

This is the opening question of the highlight clip of the 1st Annual Commemoration of September 18th WARP Summit. 

Do you remember the event last year? The things that achieved since then, when we gathered in hands and promised under the Creator to build a world of harmony.

Peace Palace

Where is the Peace Palace?

One road enters from each direction:

North, South, East, and West

Climb the stairway to heaven,

and there it is!

The sun, moon, and stars are there.

(Sun - Ps 89:36, Moon - Ps 89:37, Stars - Gn 37:9-11)

It is a heavenly town,

where the sky and earth

harmoniously mingle.

There are three stairways to heaven

in the Peace Palace

The pavilion of the world is

"Il-wol-jeong (sun-moon-pavilion)."

Two sreams of clear blue water flow

in the shape of an "S" for sky.

The sun, moon, stars

and clouds in the heavens 

Weave a pictureeque tapestry

A ray of light shines

upon the Peace Palace

The pier under a tall pine tree

Awaits those on their way

Lined up in a "V" for victory.

Boats bound for heaven

gather at the dock, 

Dancing in the waves.

The angels of the Peace Palace

come out to the dock.

And welcome those arriving

with their hands held high

High in the sky, 

at an altitude of 38,000 fee.

The sun, moon, and stars hover above

As we fly to the Peace Palace.

The fish that are schooling

See the stairway to heaven

leading to the Peace Palace

The beautiful Peace Palace is within sight.

The moon is out

and shining serenity upon scene.

Behold the palace of peace!

Link:
http://www.hwpl.kr/board.php?b=multimedia&p=view&type=photo&idx=940&page=1

The 1st Annual Commemoration of September 18th WARP Summit

The 1st Annual Commemoration of the WARP Summit was hosted in Seoul, South Korea by a non-profit peace organization called HWPL. As we already know, HWPL has been making progressive impact around the world since the WARP Summit of last year. We also have been seeing more peace activities around the world even in the midst of various civil wars and conflicts.

Following the grand opening ceremony in the World Peace Gate, multiple conferences were held the next day to discuss the steps towards cessation of war and achievement of world peace. In the meeting, the participants signed a statement to urge for the implementation of an international convention on the cessation of war and achievement of world peace. Although it may be just a piece of paper with a signature that one may use for all purpose to represent himself or herself, when they are gathered together to create a pile to a bigger pile and to multiple piles, this statement with multiple signatures will become a powerful tool to express the voice of the people who live in the world. It is not only just one group of people, who want peace, but multiple and different groups from different backgrounds supporting peace. Although HWPL does not have the equal power as The United Nations or even one country, the organization has the power to gather different people and it has the power to bring and unify them under one. And their cause is not for one person's benefit, it is the benefit for all, regardless of what background they may come from, the thought they have inside and the action that they show reflect their identity. It is based on the his or her action that one person must be judged by, not by what people say.

We see the vision and the action of Mr. Man Hee Lee, Chairwoman Nam Hee Kim, and the members of the HWPL through what they have done in the past year. They made effort to bring religions together into harmony. This recent event became a checkpoint for the organization HWPL and for the rest of us on where we are right now in respect to achieving world peace. It has reconfirmed our passion and enthusiasm to resolve these problems we had for hundreds of years that we let it pass for our own personal greed.

In the generation of this new millennium, I hope that we will be able to see a change compared to the past. It has only been 15 years. Compared to the last millennium, I think we are doing better, but I think we can accomplish more. I hope the HWPL movement becomes the spark that lights up the world.

Pope Francis' visit to the United States

After visiting Cuba, Pope Francis visited United States to meeting with President Obama and on September 25th, Pope Francis spoke at the UN General Assembly. The pope, who has been receiving a great attention from the world for his messages, spoke about international conflict and war. As the fifth pope to visit the United Nation, I hope that the visit of Pope Francis will alert the international community of the importance of world peace. As conflicts and threats are increasing at this time such as the Civil War in Syria, it is imperative that leaders such as Pope Francis, current presidents, and leaders of UN to take action to solve for world peace.

As HWPL and Chairman Lee travels around the world and host dialogues to promote world peace, more people are recognizing and accepting the importance of world peace. I hope that the renowned political and religious leaders will support and lead the hopes of these people, so that world peace can be possible.

In his speech, Pope Francis talked about the constant effort to avoid war between nations and people. He mentioned the restless dedication of negotiation to reenact a law to prevent these conflicts. At the visit to the White House, the Pope supported President Obama's policy on environment. In his speech, he spent majority of his time also on environmental issues. He said, "Earth is the fruit of love from the Creator and mankind do not have the authority to ruin the environment."

This is true. Both war and environmental issues, such as pollution, will ruin the earth that the Creator created. We are not the Creator of this world, we only dwell in the world because it was given to us by the Creator. However, if we do not respect the world that we live in, what would the Creator think of us? It is rude to misbehave in someone's house or misplace their things, then how should we treat the world? The basic manner applies not only to a friend's house, but to this world.

Poem: Here dead we lie

Recently, I took an interest in the poems of the First World War, because these poems captures the emotions and the thoughts of the soldiers. Through many speeches and messages, I have heard the horrific memories of Chairman Man Hee Lee in his participation of the Korean War. I wanted to compare his messages with the literature that expresses the emotions of the author in the quickest way. Some wrote about their assault against their enemies, but some talked about the tragedy from the battle.

After a short research, I was able to find out that A. E. Housman, the British author of the poem "Here dead we lie", actually did not participated in the First World War. However, by reading his poem, I was able to find connection with the agony that the Chairman described, when he saw countless numbers of war happening around the world. The poem only contains two whole sentences, but through these well-phrased sentences the author, an academic who never went to war, shares his point of view of the war with his readers. I wonder what experience motivated him to write this poem, even though he never experienced war. It is interesting how one is able to depict the tragedy in the war without participating.

The rhyming scheme of the poem is ABCD EBFD and the poem is written in quatrain, in which each stanza contains four lines. In the first stanza, the author uses first person plural to represent the soldiers (the speaker) as a whole about their death. In one perspective, it seems that the speaker is slightly ashamed to be alive. And he did not wish to shame the land that we born into. It sounded like he is rather happy to accept his death. It is definitely heroic to die for one's nation. This is truly a great honor. However, what purpose did they serve? The First World War only started because of greed. Wars are fought by young men, who have a future ahead of them. They may participate in wars for many reason. Regardless of these reasons, they have to sacrifice their lives. It seems like a regret of the choice that they made. We need to still leave a space to question, was their sacrifice necessary? This is what the speaker questions in the second stanza. However, to support their nation's interest, they participated in the war to defend their nations.

The second stanza also begins with the pride in their sacrifice for their country and the patriotism that they showed. Ironically, the poem ends "But the young men think it is and we were young." The young men may think that their sacrifice is a glorious deed. There may be nothing important in life. However, after many years, when the young men grow to older men, they would look back to regret that decision. Youth is when action comes first before thinking. There is more in life. The young men, at the time, may have thought it would be cowardly to run away from their military duty as soldiers, but the older generation looked at something greater. It was not only the pride and the honor of that short period, but it was life as a whole. In their moment of reflection of their last years, one may think about many different things. Did war bring happiness through the pride and honor that he received? The answer may vary depending on the individual, but from the author's perspective, there was too much to lose for the heroic struggle.

What can we learn from their experience? One may ask, perhaps it was the experience of war that led them to reflect back about their experience. There could have been a different ending if one actually did not participate in the war and choose to live. We were able to see the emotions and the thoughts of our veterans through their memoirs and writing. However, were we able to see writings of those who chose not to participate in the war? Not exactly, because wars were consistent in life. In did not allow the opportunity to not participate in wars. I hope that with Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration Life and Chairman Man Hee Lee, we will become that first generation that decided to not participate in war. Maybe 50 years later, we will see a poem, "Here we are alive:"

Here dead we lie by A. E. Housman

Here dead we lie

Because we did not choose

To live and shame the land

From which we sprung

Life, to be sure,

Is nothing much to lose

But young men think it is,

And we were young

How to get involved with HWPL

As more people are recognizing the works of Chairman Man Hee Lee, HWPL is increasing in numbers with advocates, who devote their time to make peace into a reality. Here is how to join:

1. Go to http://hwpl.kr/content.php?p=EN/getinvolved

2. Choose one option depending if you are joining under a group/organization or an individual.

3. Enter information

Welcome!

The Meaning of Heavenly Culture

What is the meaning of Heavenly Culture, which are the first two words of the peace organization led by Chairman Man Hee Lee? How can it be compared to the culture on earth? Humans in the past millenniums cultivated a fascinating culture through movements like the Renaissance or even the Age of Enlightenment. However, what is the culture on earth compared to the Heavenly Culture? Although there may be many interpretation on how this two words came to be, I would like to put it this way: A culture that reflect heaven.

The beauty of the culture that each nation possesses is obviously artistic and creative. However, it is subjective in nature. It is based on the inspiration of a person. Based on their emotion, a person or a group of people base their culture. This is why there are so many cultures and cultural reformation in the world. It is based on the trend of the people, because it is based on the people. And in the past people compare and share cultures, but also destroyed culture to erase the identity of a group of people. The culture on earth changes. It changes. We call this change, development. However, to where are we developing to? Is it perfection?

On the other hand, there is heavenly culture. Heavenly culture is based on the heaven. It is portrayed by the people on earth, but their focus is on heaven. It is not based on a specific group of people, but it brings different groups of people together towards one culture. It is a trend of culture that cannot change, because it is based on the heaven. The name of the organization HWPL includes a meaning that attempts to bring and identify people as one. Although the name may sound long and somewhat eccentric compared to other peace organization, it carries a meaning and the heart to create peace with everyone. It guides the people to look at the will of the heaven, rather than ourselves.

I believe that the peace movement of HWPL is the next cultural breakthrough that will be included in our history. This movement will allow us to transcend all cultures through heavenly culture.

The Vision of HWPL and IPYG

Why does the world need peace? Has there been any compensation given for their lost lives? This questions are not normally asked by the people, who are busy living their daily lives. This is only a concern for the few, who actually lost their loved ones in war. The people around them may sympathize with them, but it does not lead them to empathy. I also did not truly understand the loss of the loved ones, because none of my families were affected by the war. I only knew the suffering of those who lost their loved ones, but I never felt their pain with them, until I came across HWPL and Chairman Man Hee Lee. His messages made me realize the importance of peace and end of the war. The dedication that Mr. Man Hee Lee showed during the WARP Summit and the World Tours gave me an absolute realization that he does not have the solution and the key to world peace, because his messages did not only influence me to look at the world from a different perspective, but other youths and leaders as well. Those, who were busy fulfilling their personal dreams and goals for their nations, started to look at one single goal: world peace. This devotion that everyone showed at the WARP Summit and the Peace Walk will be the leading cause towards world peace. The small spark of light that started in the Korean Peninsula now spreads across the world to create a greater light.

Essay: War and Peace

War. What is it good for? The song sung by Edwin Starr poses a question to its listeners. Each nation spend countless financial resources for the preparation of a possible war. Although some countries need military power, in order to protect themselves from neighboring nation, it is somewhat amazing to see how much funds we spend on to harm someone.

The investment that we make in the security of our nation is obviously not wrong, but it seems that it would be better to find a better solution. The funds that we use to develop the military could be used for something else, such as social welfare and for technical innovation that would improve our daily lifestyle. It does not mean I do not appreciate our veterans or current soldiers, who sacrifice their lives for the welfare of our nation. However, I think we could find a different solution that would help everyone to enjoy a safe and secure life.

HWPL proposes world peace and end of war. Since the WARP Summit, many people, especially in the religious world, have been making efforts to bring peace and unity in their own communities. And like many philosophers and great thinkers mentioned in their individual writings, peace must be achieved within ourselves. We need to want peace in our heart. Then, a change will happen naturally as we work to find a solution together. Our level of conscience needs to increase in terms of our treatment to our neighbors. This all returns back to the basic teaching of love.

The world is divided into so many different pieces. This does not mean the geographical separation of continents. Luckily there is a limit to how many continents we are divided into. However, we find a way to communicate and to travel to the different continents. Our separation does not stop us from reaching to different parts of the world. However, it seems harder to reach out to one another in terms of spiritual or ideological separation. There have been efforts to achieve ecumenical beliefs among the Christian denomination. However, still in addition to countless denominations of Christianity, from which started from only one man, many other religions exist in the world that claims to believe in the Creator.

We are divided into many nations with ideological differences and inside the individual nation, we are divided in many different ways in terms of values and beliefs on what should be truth. War is not specifically limited to an act to kill or harm someone physically. However, what is it good for? It only brings suffering and division in this small planet (compared to the whole universe) that we call home. Peace is when we start walking in the same direction under one guidance. This guidance comes from heaven. We all claim to have our own answers to truth, however, there is one heaven and one Creator. Thus, there is one answer. Our vision to discover this answer must be the banner that unites us together. We are common in this way, and nothing else matters. Our ego and motivation to seek the answer must not harm someone, who disagrees with us.

We are all walking in the same direction, only in different way. This differences does not matter, because we are eventually all walking in the same direction. The miracle in the WARP Summit 2014 was truly amazing, because even though it was a small number of people compared to the global population, people with different belief and answers agreed to achieve peace together under the Creator. And the spirit of the WARP Summit and the vision of HWPL is being carried out today through the establishment of WARP Offices in different countries of the world.

We invest in arms and weapons in fear of a war. However, if this fear disappears through the peace, imagine how much impact it could make in our individual lives. I hope for that day to come to us soon. The vision of Mr. Man Hee Lee inspired my friends and I to work for peace. We can all become a peace advocate in our community.

~Peace

World Alliance of Religions, Peace Summit and HWPL Day in South Africa

The Peace Movement of HWPL is reaching out to different continents. I hope that this peace movement becomes the last peace movements that will conclude and end the continuous wars around the world.

Adahl: Pray for Korea, a song for peace

The song, "Pray for Korea" is written by Adahl, a Swedish CCM group. Although the song carries many Christian references, it talks about unity and peace in the Korean peninsula. The song talks about one nation divided into two, because of ideology. The conflict of ideology in 20th century was portrayed through the division in the two country. Consequently this turned into a conflict among men, who once called each other brothers in one nation.

I think we must not only wish for peace in Korea, but peace in the whole world. The God in the lyrics does not necessarily refer to the God of Christianity, but the God, who created this world. HWPL views that we are all from one divine being and we were not individually created by gods that we believe in. There is only one creator of this world.Let us think about the heart of the divine being, who created the world. What could have been His original purpose of creating the world? However, what would He think, when He looks at the world?

Instead of showing hate, we must show forgiveness and brotherhood. It does not only limit to the Korean peninsula, but to the whole world. Our effort to peace must continue until we see the whole world without borders. I hope that this new day will come soon through Chairman Man Hee Lee.

1.

I SEE ONE COUNTRY, DIVIDED INTO TWO. 

THE HEALING OF THIS NATION IS LONG TIME OVERDUE. 

I CAN FEEL IT IN MY SPIRIT WHEN I’M ON MY KNEES AND PRAY. 

OH, KOREA, GOD WILL SHOW A WAY.

2.

I’LL PRAY ABOUT FORGIVENESS. 

I’LL PRAY FOR BROTHERHOOD. 

I’LL PRAY FOR SOLUTIONS THAT WILL CHANGE THIS LAND FOR GOOD.

A COUNTRY WITHOUT BORDERS WITH NO FIGHTING MAN TO MAN

OH KOREA! YOUR FUTURE’S IN GOD’S HAND.

I ‘M GONNA PRAY FOR KOREA, PRAY ALL NIGHT!

JUST ONE NATION WHERE THE PEOPLE WILL UNITE.

LET YOUR SPIRIT BRING THE CHANGES ! 

LET A NEW DAY SHINE SO BRIGHT! 

I’M GONNA PRAY FOR KOREA, PRAY TONIGHT.

HWPL Day in Carson, CA

Few miles away from LA Downtown is Carson City. The city established May 25th, a historical day of celebration for peace, as the HWPL Day. After a successful conference with the local religious leaders, Carson Mayor, Jim Dear, inducted May 25th as HWPL Day in Carson, CA. The conference at University of California, Irvine also provided the students from different religions to come together and established a strong connecting atmosphere.

"Regardless of who starts a war, who are the ones who fight it? It is the youth, our children. I was a witness of this when I fought in the war and saw people die before my very eyes. To create peace as a reality is to end war."

In order to honor the achievements of Chairman Man Hee Lee, Carson City awarded Mr. Lee with Honorary Citizen of the city. It is truly wonderful to see how one person can do to influence the world with the right mindset. We normally think that justice would not be recognized or appreciated, but through the actions and reactions of Mr. Man Hee Lee, we can see that there are still people in the world, who fight for peace and justice.

Reflection on Wendell Berry's Quote on Peace

Wendell Berry

To prepare for a war requires multiple steps and tasks. In the past, many wars happened in between different countries. Their preparation and the outcome of a war is vital, because the fate and future of the country is depended on the war. If they are victorious, then they will conquer and acquire new land and resources. However, if they lose, then they would lose. Many countries in the past, who were invaded and conquered, had to experience the shame and dishonor of losing the identity and the culture of their country.

The outcome of a war is brings good only to one side. It does not enrich both sides. Just to win a war, they prepare greatly, just as Wendell Berry writes. On the other hand, peace is something that everyone can benefit from. The outcome is not different on both sides, but it benefits everyone. If they prepare seriously for a cause that benefits one side, then how much should we work for, for a cause that benefits both sides? If we are able to show the same passion and determination to achieve peace, as we prepare for war, then peace would be possible.

The peace that HWPL is determined to achieve is not just peace between two nations. It is world peace. It requires more steps and enthusiasm from the people to reach it. Already people like Chairman Man Hee Lee and Chairwoman Nam Hee Kim along with the members of HWPL are already working towards peace. We must start asking ourselves, "What can I do to contribute to peace?".

Quote: Man Hee Lee

"We have promised that religions will become one. Our hearts, thoughts, and even each word we speak will have to be used for making peace. We must deliver the message of peace to all the people around the world."

The promise and the agreement, which we made at the WARP Summit, must be displayed through our action and word. Our promise must be reflected through our action. There is no purpose of gathering together for a cause, if there is no follow-up action. It must be a cause that needs to be carried on through our actions after the Summit.

Our Desire for Peace

Aren't we all humans? Then why can't we all live in peace?

Everyone desires peace, but war brings death, sadness and hatred.

Everyone desires peace, then why does war happen, despite this unquestionable fact? Wars happen, because of a conflict in opinion and conflict in interest. It is true that we wish to gain more than others. However, we must understand the consequences that war bring. These are death, sadness, and hatred. What is more important to us? Is it the special privilege that we have over others or is it peace? What are we willing to give up, if we are given the choice between these two? If we want privilege, then we must become higher in authority and position than others. This will naturally cause conflict. And this conflict will lead to war. Do we want this, because it turns out in our history, our choices were not optimal. So, are we willing to tolerate those with some difference? I think this is the true meaning of peace. It is the act of overcoming my thoughts and prejudices against other and transcending to unity with them. Peace is not only an absence of war, it is understanding others despite the difference. As the first quote says, we are all humans. We have one big similarity with each other. We are all humans.

Quote: Man Hee Lee

One who lives by wearing grace cannot kill and destroy lives and expect to repay the grace. Truly, religion has to become one. I hope we can be the world’s joy and a beautiful legacy for the future generations.
-Man Hee Lee

What is the purpose of religion? Is it to kill and destroy? However, throughout the history we see that religion has been the origin and the center of war. If we understood and recognized this as a problem, we must seek to resolve. The guidelines outlined by HWPL and Mr. Man Hee Lee is spreading throughout the world after the WARP Summit. And with more inter-religious dialogues happening in the world and WARP office being established, it could be possible that peace can solved in our generation. With religious leaders and religion taking the front in this movement, it would fulfill the true role of religion and it will bring more people, who were once discouraged by religion, to religion.

Quote: Chairman Man Hee Lee

A deep man believes in miracles, waits for them, believes in magic, believes that the orator will decompose his adversary; believes that the evil eye can wither, that the heart's blessing can heal; that love can exalt talent; can overcome all odds.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Just because you are comfortable, does it mean you do not need a peace?  Our petty selfishness seems to make someone's misfortune to call for a war.  Wouldn't a small and little more attention and care enrich our lives.
-Chairman Man Hee Lee

Film: Children of Men

Film: Children of Men

The film, "Children of Men", directed by Alfonso Cuarón is based in future, when infertility was a global issue. The life expectancy of an infant was low and were scarce. In the beginning of the film, it was displayed that the youngest man alive was an international celebrity. In the midst of these catastrophe, United Kingdom managed to sustain their government through martial law and control of illegal immigrants. One of the scene at the climax of the film stood out powerfully to me, as I was watching the film.

(Theo, who is escorting Kee and the new-born baby outside the apartment)

Theo was given the mission to protect and escort Kee, the only woman, who was pregnant with a child, to a safe location, so that she may receive protection. In the climax of the film, the two attempts to escape the apartment, where Kee was previously captured, in the middle of a battle between the rioters, which include illegal immigrants and rebel group members, and the military. 

In the middle of ensuing battle as people and soldiers of both side encounter the two and notice the new-born baby, they suddenly stop. As the crying new-born baby held by Kee pass by them, the illegal immigrants taking refugee inside the apartment sing songs in their own language and reach out their hand, as a sign of respect. They share encouragement. The original soundtrack written by John Tavener added a sad, but peaceful mood in the ambiance. The rebel soldier with weapon, who in the beginning pointed his gun at Theo and Kee, slowly dropped his gun to touch the crying infant. The government solider shouts out "Cease Fire" suddenly as soon as sees the infant. The viewers see people of different ethnic background and religion, who welcome the new-born baby and rejoicing at her birth. At that moment, everyone was thinking the same thing: to guarantee the safety of the baby. Perhaps, god was truly watching over them. And I found it interesting that the name Theo origins from "theos" in Greek. 

No one asked them to stop, but they willingly stopped. Despite the ideological and religious differences, they all rejoiced and joined the happiness of a new soul born on this earth. In the short silence of peace that broke out in the midst of a terrible battle, all mankind felt the same compassion and the same joy. Then, could this be possible in our generation? Just as the people rejoiced at the birth of their next generation and allowed their first descendant to be escorted outside the perimeter, can we reach to an agreement for the sake of our next generation? Just as all religion and ethnic backgrounds stopped and rejoiced, I think it would be possible in the reality, if it was possible in our fantasy. Only thing we must do is to convert our fantasy into reality. Although the setting is different in the film than reality, the birth of a new soul into this earth must be joyful. I believe it is our responsibility to prevent the death of our future generation in this world. And then maybe, if we work together, it will inspire the divine creator to help and make this peace possible. I hope that the works of HWPL and IPYG will inspire and plant a passion into the hearts of the many people.