
Shalom I leave with you. My shalom I give to you; not as the world gives, give I to you. Don’t let your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful. —John 14:27
Shalom to you now, shalom, my friends. May God’s full mercies bless you, my friends. In all your living and through your loving, Christ be your shalom, Christ be your shalom.
After Hurricane Katrina, our house was under one of the flight paths for the Black Hawk helicopters flying from Independence Park to New Orleans and back. The whirring of the blades was so strong that if we were in the backyard when they flew over, it felt as though we could feel them in our chest. The days after Katrina were and still are a blur. The fear, worry, and energy were palpable. The need for clothing, money, support, food, and shelter was overwhelming. News footage and personal stories from friends and students were heartbreaking and at times fear inducing. There were drives for food, clothing, and the librarian at school was curating a list of people who could possibly offer temporary shelter. There were literally many voices crying for help, and the desire to help was paralyzing; there was little if any peace to be found.
One morning while working in the backyard and after seeing, hearing, and feeling the convoy of Blackhawks overhead, I was praying for each pilot as they flew over and for each person they would come in contact with that day. The hymn Shalom to You popped into my head. As the words were sung, absolutely nothing and yet absolutely everything changed. For the duration of that season, if I were by myself when the helicopters flew over, I would sing the hymn. If I was around anyone (out of respect for their hearing J) I would pray the hymn.
Since those days we have faced many life-altering events, and every time the words “Shalom to You” bubble to my consciousness, absolutely nothing and yet absolutely everything changes.
In this season of Advent, my friend in all your living and through your loving, Christ be your shalom, Christ be your shalom.
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you. Thank you for your gift of peace that surpasses all understanding. In Jesus’ name, Amen
Rhonda Tucker