In honor of the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The United Methodist Church of the Lakes Region offers this for your consideration:

THE FAMILY PLEDGE OF NONVIOLENCE

Making peace must start within ourselves and in our family.  Each of us, members of the family of Christ, commit ourselves as best we can to be nonviolent and peaceable people:

RESPECT OF SELF AND OTHERS
To respect myself and affirm others, and to avoid uncaring criticism, hateful
words, physical attacks, and self-destructive behavior.
COMMUNICATE BETTER
To share my feelings honestly, to look for safe ways to express my anger, and to
work at solving problems peacefully.
LISTEN CAREFULLY
To listen carefully to one another especially those who disagree with me, and to
consider other's feelings and needs rather than insisting on having my own way.
FORGIVE
To apologize and make amends when I have hurt another, to forgive others, and to
keep from holding grudges.
RESPECT NATURE
To treat the environment and all living things, including our pets with respect and
care.
P LAY CREATIVELY
To select entertainment and toys that support our family's values, and to avoid
entertainment that makes violence look exciting, funny, or acceptable.
B E COURAGEOUS
To challenge violence in all forms when ever I encounter it, at home, at school, at
work, or in the community, and to stand with others who are treated unfairly.