It seems a good of time as any to explain my coming journey, my coming exploration in shalom.
On 31 May, I will leave the United States with a group from my school, and fly out to Tel Aviv, Israel to kick off a trip called a "Journey of Understanding." For the next eleven days we, will learn about the issues surrounding the Israel/Palestine conflict. Complexity is an understatement when it comes to the issue in the Middle East. Culture, politics, history, and religion are all inseparably significant players in the crisis. We will not go to be recreational tourists thirsty for entertainment. Instead, we hope to be humble learners, students of culture.
I admit, I already have a few biases. These I have formed separate from the rest of the group (except for my dad, who is also in the group and shares similar, albeit better informed views than I). From the stories I've heard, the newspaper articles I've read, and the testimonies of a few of my friends who have already been to Israel on previous Journeys of Understanding, I have garnered a basic, theoretical knowledge of the issues based upon common themes among the sources. Though the opinions differ somewhat account to account, a pattern has brought the consensus to agreement on one point in particular: The Palestinians are oppressed by Israel, a nation supported financially by the US.
As a follower of the Christ, I cannot possibly take the side of the oppressor, even if it be Israel and--indirectly--the US. Therefore, I will arrive in Israel partial towards the Palestinians, especially towards my brothers and sisters.
Is it good to arrive on the ground with a preconception such as this, even though I think I am right?
Monday, April 30, 2007
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Shalom
Everyday, the English language is spoken in thousands of different dialects through hundreds of different forms, from text-messaging to formal speeches. A language of business, English can be quite articulate in financial transactions. However, English like any other language has its limitations.
Many of you may know some of these. There are four different ways to say the word love in Greek, and they all have different connotations.
In English, a person may say "I love you" with such powerful emotion and conviction, then, five minutes later, say "I love pizza". Is that person using the word love the same way? I sure hope not! No wonder English-speakers are so emotionally confused!
I think the word peace is the same way. Not that it is used ridiculously out-of-context to the same degree as love, but English cannot grasp peace deep enough.
In Hebrew, the word shalom is used instead (In Arabic it is salaam). Again, maybe many of you have heard this word before. But shalom was used as a greeting and a goodbye, meaning the whole phrase, "May peace be with you".
In every aspect of life. Shalom in every part of yourself, external and internal. It is a complete peace, a deeper interpretation. Nothing is left out. "May peace be with you, stand beside you, reside within you, motivate all your actions."
Recently, I've begun thinking about far this may go. Modern science is beginning to find a huge connection between the cells, molecules, and atoms that reside in and around us, to the thoughts and emotions we think and feel. Literally, what happens at the atomic, and sub-atomic level effects everything else.
What happens if shalom is brought to the minuscule parts of life? Will the small change effect a big change?
I am a small person in a big world. I have a hard time finding my place sometimes. This world is so large, and cares so little about me. I am one atom in a sea of many. I am running around, reacting, changing, bonding, charging, separating, building, deconstructing my world, trying to give it shalom, when it seems to be going haywire.
But I am only atom. I guess I need peace, too. If I want this living organism called Earth to be one of shalom, I need to find it in myself first. English cannot grasp how hard this is sometimes. That is why I hope this blog, with its trendy, clever name, might help me find it.
Many of you may know some of these. There are four different ways to say the word love in Greek, and they all have different connotations.
eros (romantic)
storge (family affection)
philia (friendship)
agape (unconditional)
---CS Lewis The Four Loves
In English, a person may say "I love you" with such powerful emotion and conviction, then, five minutes later, say "I love pizza". Is that person using the word love the same way? I sure hope not! No wonder English-speakers are so emotionally confused!
I think the word peace is the same way. Not that it is used ridiculously out-of-context to the same degree as love, but English cannot grasp peace deep enough.
In Hebrew, the word shalom is used instead (In Arabic it is salaam). Again, maybe many of you have heard this word before. But shalom was used as a greeting and a goodbye, meaning the whole phrase, "May peace be with you".
In every aspect of life. Shalom in every part of yourself, external and internal. It is a complete peace, a deeper interpretation. Nothing is left out. "May peace be with you, stand beside you, reside within you, motivate all your actions."
Recently, I've begun thinking about far this may go. Modern science is beginning to find a huge connection between the cells, molecules, and atoms that reside in and around us, to the thoughts and emotions we think and feel. Literally, what happens at the atomic, and sub-atomic level effects everything else.
What happens if shalom is brought to the minuscule parts of life? Will the small change effect a big change?
I am a small person in a big world. I have a hard time finding my place sometimes. This world is so large, and cares so little about me. I am one atom in a sea of many. I am running around, reacting, changing, bonding, charging, separating, building, deconstructing my world, trying to give it shalom, when it seems to be going haywire.
But I am only atom. I guess I need peace, too. If I want this living organism called Earth to be one of shalom, I need to find it in myself first. English cannot grasp how hard this is sometimes. That is why I hope this blog, with its trendy, clever name, might help me find it.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Introducing myself to Peace
The LORD replies, 'I have seen violence done to the helpless, and I have heard the groans of the poor. Now I will rise up to rescue them, as they have longed for me to do.'
-Psalm 12:5
I thought I would start out this electronic journal with a verse that has crept upon me, grabbing my heart, and invigorating me.
God is active. He brings peace. A peace that is so complete and so alive, simple words cannot describe it. No one is left out, even the criminal, the helpless, the poor, the ill, the depressed, the worst men and women on earth.
I forget this sometimes. I stress. I lose peace within myself. But if I hope to spread that God peace to this wretched world, mustn't I first allow that same God peace into my wretched self?
This journal will, hopefully, be the narration and dialogue of a journey into peace, an ambiguous word usually reserved for Hallmark cards. But peace has power, especially when it walks with love. See the examples of MLK, Cesar Chavez, Gandhi, and most of all, Jesus.
So I invite you to come with me on this walk , for I'm sure you might have some insights, something you have seen in the scenery that I have missed. Be sure to grab your walking sticks.
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