Shalom; it is a word that many people associate with being Jewish. But, I’m not Jewish and I wanna use it too! The power of that word is something that has brought a lot of life to me.
It all started a few years ago when I heard this word in church, shalom. My pastor was talking about it with such a delicate passion that I couldn’t miss it or forget it. It sat in my heart from that day on.
Shalom.
So what does it mean, anyway? Shalom is life as it was meant to be. It is life with all things in perfect harmony and peace. Everything; nature, animals, humans and God. All things. I love to sit and imagine life that way. That is the desire of God’s heart. No war, no hate, no injustices, no hurt. Only love. Love from all and for all.
The word shalom is Hebrew. The definition includes a few ways you could use it. They are: to be safe, to be completed, to be friendly, to make or be at peace, restore, rest, happy, and all is/be well.
So to me, this word is more than what most people think is just a way Jewish people say hello to each other. But they got something right, if you ask me! I see why they use it now. When someone says shalom to another person, it’s like they are wishing all those things for the person. Be well, be completed, be safe, be at peace, rest. I like it. I like it a lot.
So, in honor of that, I had my pal draw my next tattoo back in November when we were living in Honduras. I knew I wanted a constant reminder of God’s desire for us; shalom. And here in Vietnam, I went under the needle and got some new ink. I love how she incorporated a dove which is a symbol of peace. So shout out to Liz (Lizard) Davy for the awesome tat design, I love it! Praise be to God for such a creatively-minded friend.
My team (minus Marybeth) hiked to the top of a mountain yesterday and celebrated God’s presence. I feel like this is a close representation of the shalom that I speak of as it was intended by the Father. Peace with each other, peace with nature and peace with the Lord. It is well and we can rest in the safety we have as beloved daughters in Christ.
UPDATE: I sit here in overwhelming gratitude for all that I have. My friends and family (here and in the states) continue to love me so well. My heart smiles in joy when I see all the things God is doing in the lives of the people I love so much. Praising God for his perfect and impartial faithfulness. I move to Cambodia in a few days to start month 6 on the race, which is halfway! This year is flying by and I’m doing my best to hold on tight and just be. I don’t want to miss anything that God has for me while I’m here. Continue to pray that I focus on the here and now and allow God to handle what the future holds!
Huge thank you to all that continue to support me, your support means so much and I really appreciate it!
Much love from the Nam,
Brittany
