Peace Starts with Me—Bridge of Peace Ceremony (WFWP USA)
Written by: Gloria Peterson
Global Women’s Peace Network (GWPN) of Arizona expanded their network of professional women as a call to peace by holding the Women’s Federation of World Peace’s “Bridge of Peace” ceremony for the first time in Arizona. Kim Evans, founder and CEO of Your Wings, and Glenda Lambert, GWPN Arizona Coordinator, led the ceremony with an exchange of scarves and passing of flags. All attendees prayed and embraced for peace among each other and between nations. The ceremony consisted of the exchange of scarves as a symbol of love and caring for each other, and the passing of flags to symbolize a peaceful effort among countries (e.g., Russia and Ukraine; North Korea and South Korea) to one day come together.
The event was held at the exquisite home of Rev. Tina Brown and David Vieweg. What a wonderful way to experience their home and the ceremony. A Mediterranean menu was catered followed by a “Tea with Intention” celebration cake. The Bridge of Peace ceremony was held on May 14. We had 58 in attendance.
A BIG effort was made to have CBS, NBC, ABC, FOX, and the AZ Republic Newspaper cover our event. CBS was there and gave us great news television coverage, which featured an interview with Angelika and video clip of the gathering.
There was an emphasis on being respectful of cultural differences where we live by engaging in understanding and peaceful interactions domestically and worldwide. As shared by Dr. Susan Taffer, Founder & CEO World Connections Foundation:
“These like-minded professional women gathered together to engage in The Bridge of Peace Ceremony, where they also learned about each other in a deeper conviction of understanding, love and acceptance. It was so exciting and deeply moving to witness so many intelligent, loving, caring citizens embracing people from all nations in a step toward a global peace initiative at the local level. These women leaders are all attracted to the concept of igniting an old notion of world peace with a new vision - where leadership with heart is the focus.”
Incredible women, from all walks of life, have stepped up to collectively work toward a greater goal of peace. They GET IT! They believe that in order for all humankind to experience their own greatness, prosperity, and the opportunity to achieve their own highest human potential, we must recognize the divine in all of us no matter our differences and no matter our resistance!
Global Women’s Peace Network of Arizona will lead the valley in helping others deliver the Bridge of Peace curriculum, including the heart preparation and the ceremonial process.
Watch the TV coverage here