What Is It Good For?
War (What is it Good For?)
An important question for the flourishing of all creation.
Edwin Starr’s biggest single was a second thought. The folks at Motown Records had already recorded a version with the Temptations, but decided to let Starr’s version become the featured recording released - in order to not disturb the Temptations’ more conservative audience.
It is a song, written during the Vietnam War, that has a lot still to teach us today:
“Life is much too short and precious
to be fighting wars these days
War can't give life, it can only take it away”
Each time we at Motown Mission listen to this song we remember those lost in war, and the toll that violence takes on people’s lives and on the world around us.
Read
In Colossians 3:14-15, we get a glimpse of the kind of life Jesus’ presence can bring. In the First Nations Version, we read,
“When all this new regalia is in place, let the love of the Great Spirit gather all the loose threads and braid them together in unity with one another. Let the Chosen One guide you on the path of peace and harmony, and then as his one body this peace will be the guiding light in your hearts as you give thanks to the Great Spirit.”*
This year, we seek to understand our work with neighbors in Detroit and volunteers from everywhere as a braiding together of life-giving, harmony-building practices of peace. We know that our work together won’t solve geopolitical strife. But, we have hope that the work we do to tend the land, rebuild homes, and share food with one another are the seeds that lead to the peace of Christ. And, we’re so glad that you are joining us to see just what good we can do!
Questions
When have you experienced a real “heartbreaker” in your life?
Who helped you put the pieces back together after you felt broken?
Where have you seen the effects of environmental violence - places that have been devastated by neglect or harmful human practices?
How can one yard clean up, one porch repair, or one bag lunch meal help heal the ravages of war, violence, and neglect in this world?
What tools do you need to wage peace in all its forms?
Motown Mission 2026 - Poll Question #2
* Excerpt From First Nations Version, Terry M. Wildman, https://books.apple.com/us/book/first-nations-version/id6471529383
