Seeking Shalom - A Note from DEM Laura
Shalom is the Hebrew word often translated “peace” in the Bible. It also carries the meanings of harmony, tranquility, completeness, prosperity, welfare, wholeness, health, safety, reconciliation. Biblically, the word is used to refer to inner peace, bodily wellbeing, relational peace, freedom from war, covenantal peace with God, even wellbeing of the earth. It is also used as a name for God. At least 237 occurrences of this word are scattered throughout the Hebrew Bible. In the New Testament, the Greek word is eirene, which means one, whole, at rest, peace, quietness. Eirene shows up at least 92 times.
Shalom is a peace and wellbeing that touches every corner of life, from the innermost recesses of our souls to the outermost reaches of the planet and everything in between. Most of us have been praying for peace in Israel and Palestine in these last weeks, but we might confess that it’s hard to imagine the kind of safety, wholeness, complete reconciliation that is so deeply our longing. Peace as freedom from war or hostility seems at least possible in this lifetime (sometimes). Shalom, total wellbeing for all humans and all creation, seems impossible to even imagine, let alone experience. And yet we are called to be children of “God is Peace” (Judges 6:23-24), even to be peacemakers ourselves (Matthew 5:9).
What does it look like to foster wellbeing, safety, wholeness, welfare, reconciliation in your corner of the world? What kind of brokenness is calling out for shalom or eirene, the kind of peace that goes beyond simple lack of fighting and reaches into unhealed wounds with salve and hope? It is clear we cannot do it of our own accord. This kind of peace can only come through God’s reconciling Spirit, but that Spirit flows through us as we are empowered to be the body of Christ.
I confess that I struggle sometimes to keep hope. I would love to have answers or blueprints, but I simply don’t. But I see you all and the small and large ways you are seeking and pursuing shalom. In the district, a team of people skilled in listening, trained in conflict resolution, and passionate about the wellbeing of our churches is brainstorming ways to invite leaders from around the district to gain more skills and strength to employ in their communities. This month a group of leaders in the district gathered at Camp Mack to learn peacemaking skills based on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr and other Civil Rights leaders’ examples. Logansport church continues creating a network of support for people in recovery. Union Grove church starts a paper pantry and learns to know new neighbors with need for shalom, offering of themselves to address both the physical and the spiritual. Manchester church supports refugee families in the complicated process of becoming US citizens. I could go on… but you know who you are.
We want to hear those kinds of stories. Thank you to those of you who have shared with us what you are doing in your area. If your story hasn’t been shared here, send us pictures and information and we’ll make sure others hear of it, for the building up of the body.
By God’s grace and Christ’s love and the Spirit’s power, may shalom be increasingly found among us and in our world.
Laura