The Rainbow of Peace

by Irene Zundel

A very long time ago on Earth, all the beautiful colors God made gathered together to have a talk. Unfortunately, it didn’t take long for them to begin to argue. Each color thought they were the most beautiful or special, or most important or useful. My how they bragged!

Green said:
“Clearly I am the most important color of all. God chose me to represent life. Aren’t the leaves and grasses green? Don’t these provide food for all living creatures? Without me, both man and beast would surely starve.”

Blue replied:
“You think only of the Earth. But what about the sea and the sky? The sea is teeming with life, and from the sky comes rain that refreshes everything. All living things need water. Blue is also a peaceful color. When men gaze at the sky, they think of God in heaven and feel calm inside. Surely I am the best color of all.”

Yellow laughed at Blue and Green. He bragged:
“I am the one whose color is bright and cheerful. People are happy when they see me. I am the color of the moon and sun and stars which God made to adorn the heavens. Sunflowers are also yellow, and always turn their faces towards God’s light and warmth. There is no doubt that yellow is the best color!”

Orange chimed in:
“I am the color found in pumpkins, carrots, mangoes, papayas and oranges which are filled with important vitamins needed for life and health. I am the color of both sunrise and sunset. The day begins and ends with me. I am a rarer color in nature than blue or green. That fact alone makes me the most special!”

Red sputtered in indignation:
“You are all fools! Red is the color of blood, the fluid of life. I represent love and passion. I am found in roses which humans give one another as a token of their affection. Red is the superior color!”

Purple stated in a very dignified manner:
“I am the color of authority, power and royalty. Kings, chiefs and bishops have always worn me to represent their wisdom and their position of leadership. Men respond with respect to people that wear purple. Surely you can see how important I am!”

Indigo finally spoke in a quiet but persuasive manner and said:
“I am the color of twilight and still, deep waters. I represent quiet reflection and deep thought. Indigo is the color that inspires mankind to contemplate their lives and meditate on the Creator. What is more important than to know God?”

Just then it began to rain. It wasn’t one of those soft and gentle sprinkles that make you feel happy to be alive. It was a big, scary, noisy rain storm! Lightning flashed angrily across the sky. Thunder bellowed and roared.

By instinct, the colors all moved close to one another, seeking a feeling of comfort and safety. As they were huddled in fear, God spoke from the center of the storm.

“Silly colors! I created each one of you for a different, unique and valuable purpose. You all are special and important. Now, join hands and come to me.”

In humble obedience, the colors united as God had asked.

Then the Creator said:

“From now on, each time it rains, you are to join hands and stretch a beautiful bow of colors across the sky. It will serve to remind you, and mankind as well, that it is possible for all to live in peace.”

And now you know why God has blessed us with the rainbow...