Living in Shalom
A few years ago, we did a Night of Hope in the Jerusalem Theater. After the historic evening, we spent a couple of days seeing the biblical sites of the city. It was an amazing trip and probably my most favorite ever! Every time we greeted a Jewish person, they would say, "Shalom." When we departed, they would say, "Shalom." When we walked into our hotel, the bellman would say, "Shalom." We heard "shalom" all day long, coming and going, and I loved it! Shalom is the Hebrew word for peace. I was all about spreading peace everywhere I went.After we came home, I was still so into Shalom! I bought coasters that said, "Shalom." I filled my house with "shalom." For at least six months, I said, "Shalom" to everyone. My kids were like, "Mom, alright already!"But why wouldn't I be into it? Who doesn't want to have peace and tranquility and live free from strife? Absolutely, I was all about shalom! The truth of the matter is, as long as we live on this earth, there will always be something trying to steal our peace. The Bible says that we are to seek peace and pursue it. That tells me that peace is very important. It's something that we have to go after, and it's something we have to maintain. Peace is not the absence of trouble, but the presence of God in any situation. When you seek God first, you are seeking peace. Shalom!"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." (John 14:27, NIV