A letter from Tracy: Shalom, Shalom!
I have taken the last few months in these letters to talk about peace. My friend Fran Sciacca was here in the spring, and so much of his last teachings have been on the word Shalom. Shalom written twice means we want a double portion of peace. Shalom, Shalom! Today I pray over our city a double portion of peace – the peace that only our Lord and Father can give. I have served in ministry for over 40 years now. I am hungry for more of Him and the shalom that comes in the time and presence of the Father.
As I think on Shalom, these are my thoughts:
Shalom is sitting in the shadow of Christ’s light!
Shalom is in the comfort of Christ’s arms!
Shalom is walking side by side with Christ in the still of the day!
Shalom is when the Spirit is with me!
Shalom is when Christ is for me!
Shalom is when God goes before me!
Shalom is when I am deeply in love with Christ and him with me!
Shalom is when I can rest in his presence!
Shalom is in the presence of His holiness daily!
Shalom knows He is my Father, and I am his son!
Shalom is where total trust resides!
Shalom finds understanding!
Shalom, Shalom is the peace that surpasses all understanding.
I’m reminded of the words of St. Patrick:
“Christ with me,
Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ in me,
Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ on my right,
Christ on my left,
Christ, when I lie down
Christ, when I sit down,
Christ, when I arise,
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.”
At CSM, our work is to build relationships with God’s institution, The Church, and to seek the Shalom of our city where he has called us. I believe more than ever that we have tasted and seen peace in our city. I think it will come when we humble ourselves and seek the peace of God for our city. Birmingham will be on the world stage in a few weeks with the “World Games.” Pray that we could see the Shalom of God in our city. We all have a part to play, and I know we are in our place for these times, are you? Shalom, Shalom!!
– Tracy
Previous letters on peace:
