Shalom, Shalom

The Hebrew word, "shalom," though usually translated simply as "peace," has a much deeper meaning that might be better expressed by the word, "wholeness." This rock ballad explores both the need for peace, wholeness, and reconciliation in our world, and the role that Christians are meant to play in making that a reality. The social and political conflicts of the 1980s during which this song was written will be evident - civil wars in Latin America, hunger despite record food surpluses, Apartheid in South Africa. Still, Jesus' words about discipleship are as hard a pill for us to swallow today as they were when he spoke them to the rich young man. Being an agent of God's peace and wholeness in our day requires giving up a position of privilege. Only then will we truly know God's "shalom" in our world.