Shalom Alechem! (Peace to You!)

Have you ever been greeted with the word “Shalom” when saying ‘hello’ or ‘goodbye’?   I have, and I use it as a way to end my e-mail messages.  What does this greeting/blessing really mean?  The word shalom comes from the Hebrew verb shalem which means to be well, complete, or safe.  The word is used in the Old Testament two hundred forty (240) times to imply well-being, wholeness, fulfillment and harmony.  Interestingly enough, this greeting applies to individuals or groups of people.  So, in today’s world do we really have peace – as individuals; as communities; as countries?

The old proverb says, “Peace is not the absence of war/conflict, but the presence of God.”  There will always be conflict while we live here on earth.  So, how do we maintain ‘peace’ in the midst of myriad personal problems, family conflicts and a depressed economy?   The ‘secret’ (as in the old proverb) is the presence of God.  What is this presence and what does it look/feel like?  For purposes of this forum, the presence of God looks like (but is not limited to) the following attributes:

·         Justice

·         Kindness

·         Self-control

·         Respect for others

Justice seems to be a foreign concept in today’s world of narcissism.  There is no empathy for others who are different than we are – financially, ethnically, racially or otherwise.  To this end, politicians find it quite easy to make basic human rights into a political debate while their constituents suffer.  We see dictators living sans consideration for their countrymen, which in turn leads to strife culminating in the toppling and death of some dictators as seen recently.  The citizenry would find it very difficult to be complete, safe, and in harmony while being oppressed.  Where is the peace or presence of God?  If we considered others to be as valuable as we are, then an inherent respect would flow into our everyday dealings, thus preparing laying a foundation for peace. 

Random acts of kindness are few and far between, however, if we are truly at peace with ourselves kindness should be a way of life.  Kind deeds do not always have to be done in front of cameras or posted on Face Book, but simple thoughtful gestures would be so appreciated by the beneficiary while the giver also gets a good feeling – thus facilitating peace in both their souls.  To be thoughtful of others forces us to control our natural inclinations of greed, vengeance, hurtful words and the list goes on. 

Peace (to my mind) is that stillness in each of us that keeps us calm when things around us are chaotic.  It is the stillness that can be respectful and thoughtful of others or wanting the best for them despite our own personal challenges.  This stillness fights against jealousy, injustice, disrespect and conflict.  It is the stillness that keeps us focused on our goals in the midst of recession, oppression and depression.

Jesus said, “I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart.  And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give.  So don’t be troubled or afraid.” (John 14:27 NLT)

What would happen if we tapped into this gift of peace today – as an individual, a family, a congregation, a nation, a world?  Peace to you! I’m just thinking . . .