They Sought Inner Peace

Many are unwilling to put up  with the world as it is. Antonio was a labor leader in a huge factory in Sao Paulo, Brazil.  Hoping to improve living conditions, he took part  in protests and demonstrations, but this did not bring him  peace of mind. 

Some hope that marriage will bring a measure of tranquility to their life, but they may be disappointed. Marcos was a successful businessman. He got involved in politics and became mayor of an industrial city. However, his home life was a disaster. When his children left home, he and his wife separated because of irreconcilable differences.

Gerson, a street child in Salvador, Brazil, wanted adventure. He drifted from city to city, traveling  with truck drivers. Before long he was a drug addict, robbing people to pay for his vice. Several times he was caught by the police.  Despite an aggressive, violent personality, however, Gerson longed for inner peace.  Could he ever find it?

While Vania was still young, her mother died, and Vania became responsible for the home, including the care of her sick sister. Vania attended church but felt abandoned by God. She certainly  had no peace of mind. 

Then there was Marcelo. All Marcelo wanted was a good time. He like to party with other young people-dancing, drinking, and abusing drugs. One time he got into a fight and injured another youth. Afterward, he was overcome with regret for what he had done and prayed to God for help. He too wanted peace of mind.

These experiences illustrate some situations that can destroy peace of mind. Was there any way that the labor leader , the politician, the street child, the overworked daughter, and the party goer could attain the inner peace that they sought?  Does what happened to them teach us anything?  The answer to both questions is yes, as we will see in the next article. 

Next time: Where Can  You Find Inner Peace?

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000