We are inviting friends of Chickpea to share their reflections on a chosen Name.
Dearest Beloved, as-Salam, the Source of Peace
As infants, we are welcomed into this world by You, the Source of Peace, when we are gently placed on our mother’s chest, above her beating heart. We feel deeply cared for, warm and safe. When we are close to You, Beloved, there is that same deep feeling of inner peace, as if we are resting on Your tender chest. With each inhale and exhale, with as-Salam on our lips and in our heart, You draw us in, even closer. Perhaps this is what You speak of in the Holy Quran when You say You are closer to us than our jugular vein.
Underneath all of our troubles and life challenges, like deep below the stormy surface of the ocean, there is utter silence, clarity, beauty, and peace. You, as-Salam, the Source of Peace, are always deep within us.
For many years, I have had a little magnet in my kitchen. It reads:
peace.
it does not mean to be in a place
where there is no noise, trouble
or hard work. it means to be in
the midst of those things and still
be calm in your heart.(unknown)
Today in our troubled world, there is nothing more important than keeping You, the Source of Peace, in our hearts. This alone will heal the world. “Peace to you” is a universal greeting. Our Christian sisters and brothers turn to each other during the ritual mass and say, “Peace be with you,” recognizing that You are present as one looks into the eyes and straight into the heart of another. Jews greet with “Shalom” and Muslims say “Salam alaikum” as they embrace, heart to heart. We are all one sisterhood and brotherhood embraced by You, as-Salam. These ancient greetings are Your beautiful way of drawing Your human family closer together and to You. You are present in each encounter.
May we return again and again to You, as-Salam, for greater peace in our hearts. May we join our hearts together with our brothers and sisters in You, the Source of Peace.
~ Debra Shatoff, Psychologist, Marital and Family Therapist
