We honor and respect each other by calling out our names. This naming holds deep peace-roots in society. Naming acknowledges our right to exist.
For years I prayed for peace on earth, yet felt empty – as though my prayer were swallowed up in a deep hole. Then one day, Nan Merrill mailed me her manuscript Peace Planet: Light For Our World – one prayer of peace for every country in alphabetic order.
Inspired by the power of calling each country by name, I made my first necklace -- one bead for every country in alphabetic order. The country beads were small glass beads. Each letter of the alphabet was designated by a larger bead. It became my mandala for peace, my rosary of care.
These necklaces and bracelets are made by American women in fragile circumstances paid a living wage. We make peace concretely by helping those in need; we make peace energetically by our prayers.
Today these necklaces and bracelets are worn by women throughout the United States and abroad. We can truly hold the world in our hand and our heart.