Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Matthew 5:9
The Truce Valley is a portion of the Korean Demilitarized Zone where North and South Koreans forces stand face-to-face. On July 27, 1953, the United States and North Korea signed an armistice in a building now known as The Peace Museum. No side won, but all agreed to stop fighting. US Army Lieutenant General William K. Harrison Jr., senior delegate, United Nations command, signed the first copy of the agreement at 10:01 A.M.
This happened 54 years ago, after 158 peace table negotiation meetings. The Korean people are heading into their 55th year of living without a true resolution. It did bring about the release of prisoners. North Korea’s rocket launches and nuclear tests add to the increasing strain between the north and south as well as the US and North Korea.
President Eisenhower summed it up with the words, We have won an armistice on a single battleground—not peace in the world. We may not now relax our guard nor cease our quest.”
Armistice means to temporarily stop open acts of warfare by agreement. Tension continues without outright fighting. Many people live with tension in their homes due to long term armistice without resolution as people wonder if a temporary halt will reach a breaking point.
Too often couples and families are also divided and tensions simmer while they agree not to fight openly. They continue for years without resolving conflicts and without forgiveness or asking for God’s grace. Tension causes stress and can reach a breaking point. If that describes you, then forgive those involved, return to the table, seek help if needed, and find true peace in your relationships. As Eisenhower encouraged the world, so we should be inspired to continue to seek peace.
May the Lord fill you heart with peace.
Karen Whiting is an international speaker, former television host, and author of twenty-five books. Discover more about American history in her book Stories of Faith and Courage From the Home Front: From the French Indian War to the Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.