I Promise You: True Peace is Possible

I know that true peace from the true peace that was modeled for me by my "peace-filled" mom. Tough times didn’t overtake her peace. It almost seemed she was in a bubble of peace that no-one or no-thing could pop that bubble. I’m so grateful she modeled that peace for me, because that’s the peace I abide in, cultivate daily, and am adamant about living in that peace. I am so passionate about living in that peace that I titled my daily blog: MyPeaceZone.com

My children and grandchildren are aware of my absolute insistence on that peace. They’ll see me remove myself from atmospheres not conducive to peace. Sounds a little over-the-top, doesn’t it? Especially when we’re supposed to be peacemakers in controversy or disagreements. I’ve come to realize that often being a “peacemaker” is more about silence than speaking. Jesus set a good example of that “walk-away” when He was persecuted, spoken negatively about, or when others were antagonizing Him.

Life was hard for my mom as our only breadwinner, caring for my very sick daddy and me. She lived in those times and so did I, as a child, and later in dealing with and overcoming life struggles and caring for my very sick husband. Life can be really hard for all of us. Sometimes it’s easy to despair over finding peace when trouble seems to lurk around every corner. When hard times come, the easiest thing to do is allow our many emotions to rule our hearts and mind. Peace seems to be the emotion we sense the least when life turns topsy-turvy. But that sure isn’t God’s plan. He gave us the answer to those emotional highs and lows and days that are anything but peaceful. He gave us the rock-solid PEACE possibility right in the midst of the most tumultuous storms.

Peace is His perfect will for us. That peace is a state of quiet or tranquility in the middle of anxious thoughts, emotions and trials. This kind of peace that God gives….remains. It’s not something that comes and goes depending on our circumstances. Since God gives it, that divine peace should be governing our lives in all things at all times. When the things of life start to throw us into a state of anxiety and tummy jitters – you know -- that stack of bills, the washing machine breaks down, relationship disappointment, that speech we must deliver to a large crowd or anxious feelings of inadequacy -- we can still find peace.

Here’s the good news: We can have that kind of peace. Jesus told His disciples, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid" (John 14:27). Sounds like a command to me! The peace Christ gives is fully satisfying. It’s peace of mind, heart, body and soul. It’s contentment knowing that no matter what happens, we are in the care of the Almighty. The outcome will be His plan for our good.

In times of doubt and fear, let peace rule. Resting in God’s promises gives us the hope we need to stay focused on Him and His faithfulness, instead of on our circumstances. One way we can be certain that we’ve really placed our trust in God is when we experience an indescribable peace. I know that peace and it’s my absolute requirement for where I go, who I hang out with, and what decisions I am trying to make. No peace – no God. Know peace – know God! Perfect peace.

This is one of my mainstay scriptures. I urge you to join me in “My Peace Zone”. It is such a blessed and sweet place to be. Demand it. Refuse other options. "You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, all whose thoughts are fixed on You!" (Isaiah 26:3)

Good Friday -- He Spoke Not a Word

That sounds almost impossible in an age when it’s all talk, talk, talk and give opinions, express angst and discontentment, and complain about this and that. Passionate defenders of their opinions shout: “Speak up if you want your voice heard!"

The prophet Isaiah gave us inside information about what this day would look like 700 years before Jesus’ birth. “He was as a sheep before the shearers Who opened not His mouth.” (Isaiah 53:7). Jesus said nothing in His own defense. Shocking behavior. He should be defending Himself.

How is that possible? It’s not for me. I have words to speak when I am misjudged or misunderstood. I want what I meant to be clear. After all, I am innocent. I am not a criminal. I am a good girl. I want to set the records straight! I’ve even become one of those passionate defenders of my opinion.

But it’s amazing. Jesus does not defend Himself. Jesus has been up all night enduring absurd trials. He's been spit at, beaten and abused. He's been lied about. Tormented. But, He never says a word. Herod saw no evidence, heard no evidence, heard no testimony, had no proof of any criminal act on the part of Jesus. Jesus was silent.

"Silence is golden" took on a whole new meaning. It was a picture of how Jesus handled adversity. Wonder how many of our arguments could be resolved by silence? 1 Peter 2:23 says “He did not retaliate when He was insulted, nor threaten revenge when He suffered. He left His case in the hands of God, Who always judges fairly.” Peter was an eye-witness and he said: “He did not retaliate.” When they scourged him, He did not retaliate. When the crown of thorns was put on His head, He did not retaliate. When they drove the nails in His hands and feet, He did not retaliate.

The litmus test for us is how we react when we're mistreated. The real test of our faith is often what we don’t do. Our "light" might shine brighter by not saying anything at all. If we want to "WWJD" it when we are mistreated, then we must think and act as He did. We'd first say these four sentences: "It’s not about me. It’s not about now. It’s ALL about God. It’s ALL about eternity." Eternity meant we were on His mind. What if "in the light of eternity" were on our mind when we react?"

Consider this. Was Jesus a helpless victim on this “Good Friday”? Let’s get real here -- He was the Son of God. He had the power to call down a legion of angels to set Him free. He only had to say the word and all of heaven would have come to His aid. But He never said that word. He was truly the Silent Savior who, having all power in His hands, decided not to use it against those who tormented Him. From the cross, Jesus saw the soldiers who mocked, scourged, and tortured Him, and who just nailed Him to the cross. He thought about His disciples who deserted him and Peter who denied Him. He was thinking about us -- who daily forget Him in our lives.

At the height of His physical suffering, He broke His silence to utter these words from the cross: "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." Luke 23:34. Jesus asks His Father to forgive, but it is by His very sacrifice on the cross that we are able to be forgiven! Could we possibly say to OUR enemies: "I love you. I would rather die than hate you.’” That is WJD – What Jesus DID. Oh that we could follow His example daily as we ask ourselves the question "What Would Jesus Do?" WWJD, giving up our right to be right as we take up our own crosses and follow Him. I'm writing WWJD, not with chalk, but a permanent marker on the billboards of my heart on this Good Friday and I pray: "Make me more like You, Jesus. Make me more like You. Give me a heart that's filled with love. Make me more like You."

The Symbols and Mementos of a Beautiful Life

My Sweetheart went "home" on November 16, 2010. On the day after, it was already time to begin the preparations for his home going celebration. We had to do all those necessary things one must do in dealing with a loved one’s passing: go to the funeral home, choose a casket and determine burial logistics, go to a florist and pick out flowers from the family, and visit with the pastor about the funeral specifics. And, we did all those necessary things to celebrate my Sweetheart’s life and home going. God guided every one of our steps.

Symbolism plays a vital role in our worship to God -- no matter our religious affiliation -- our hand gestures, religious icons, candles, pictures, music, scriptures, and so many other various forms of remembrance. And, likewise, I would find so much symbolism in the decisions surrounding the preparations that followed. Everything we decided on symbolized this precious man we loved and adored.

So, yesterday, the 7th anniversary of his home going, we knew it was part of God’s master plan for Mom, Karen and I, to go through Mom’s things that we’re deciding on “keeping or letting go” before her move to Karen’s. Like my Sweetheart went through a transition time to heaven, no doubt Mom is going through transition time. It’s no longer sensible for her to live on her own, so we’re helping her “let go” of so many treasures and so many memories that she and Dad had for over 53 years together. Transition isn’t a “piece of cake”. It’s coming to grips with the “past is the past” and it’s time to move on. Mom is doing her best to move on, but we’ve learned, oftentimes the hard way, that pushing her isn’t the thing to do. I understand that. Her “normal” is changing and giving her the freedom she needs to stay in some form of control, we’ve learned, is best.

Yesterday, it was Mom and I going through her nightstands that contained so much memorabilia AND symbols that opened the door for many stories of where and who “that” came from. It was reading notes and then having to make the tough decision to keep or let go. It took over an hour to go through one drawer. We had so many priceless moments together. I surprised myself because I’m a typical “get-er’-done and be done, kind of gal” – but that is not the case with a 95-year old who isn’t thinking about time and “doing”. It was definitely time and “being”. On this day (the anniversary of Ron's promotion to heaven), God’s timing was perfect for us to be captured with precious memories that symbolized my Sweetheart’s and Mom's son's life.

We would find so many mementos that were symbolic of this beautiful man on this day. Mom pulled out a book and inside was this bookmark where Mom had written “Ron’s Silence” 11/16/10 – yesterday’s date of Ron’s passing. Obviously, God directed her to this book to be read on this day which talked about “stilling our bodies and minds in order for God’s Spirit to communicate with our spirit.” These words assured her that Ron’s inner and outer quiet during the many days of his illness, was him in a holy place of “the secret place of the most high”. We ran across the train of Karen’s bridesmaid dress that she wore in our wedding, 51 years ago. Mom ran across many hand-written cards and notes from Ron to her. We opened a clothes bag and there was Mom's "Run for Ron" t-shirt that we wore in our "Movement of Gratitude". All of those sweet items were remembrances – symbols – precious times of love, laughter, family, sacred holy times, full-of-life times.

Thank you, Father God, for your "hugs" from heaven on a day of celebrating your beloved son, Ronald Jonathan David Wuerch. Thank you for choosing me to be the love of his life and for me to be welcomed into that love – not only from him, but his entire family. Thank you for Mom who has been Mom to me from the start. Thank you for the journey of faith that began as children and carried us through the thick and thin times -- to that place of destiny and purpose until You call us home. Thanks for the memories!