I had a student many years back who had been a missionary in Africa for many years. He once told me a profound Swahili saying: Sawa Sawa Tu. It means something like, “It’s alright. It’s OK. It’s all there.” When I’m anxious that things are falling apart, that we will never get it together, that the center does not hold, these words can bring Peace. I need only hear the truth in my heart: Sawa Sawa Tu. It’s alright. It’s OK. It’s all there. No worries. When I studied what Christians call the Old Testament, and what I prefer to think of as the Jewish scriptures, I learned about the original meaning of Shalom. Shalom was the promise of Peace through the bounty of Community. It was not some lovely touchy feeling. It was the result of the dedication of the membership to the wellbeing of all. From each according to availability of resources, to each according to need. This commitment to the lifegiving satisfaction of the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of each person is the wellspring of Peace. Shalom is the fruit and the evidence of a Community of care.
Posted on: Sat, 28 Sep 2013 23:55:33 +0000
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