Time to Heal
For so long, people have been able to be at war. I am talking about an intensive, destructive, and bitter internal war. The kind of war that sooner or later is noticeable in words through criticisms or even sarcasm or unconscious misunderstandings; the kind of war that we try to avoid or think about something else, instead of facing it; the kind of war that we try to win by ignoring it, hoping that maybe one day magically it will disappear.
During my first meeting with my Methodist mentor, we talked about Ecclesiastes 3: 1-15. It was the first time that I really paid close attention to this biblical text. Through the next almost three years from this holy gathering, one verse had firmly rooted itself in the depths of my mind and heart, “a time for war, and a time for peace.” Ecclesiastes 3: 8b NRSV
I hear and read about Jesus’ peace that surpasses all human understanding; however, it was very difficult to believe in it. It was rationally impossible!!! I did not understand how it was possible to obtain spiritual peace just by believing in Jesus Christ, the Lord and Savior. It sounded too good to be real. Practically, I have boldly been fighting for everything through my entire life!!! Mistakenly, I believed that I had to work and earn the peace that I have longed for.
For me, one thing was sure: it was time for peace. I was tired of walking in circles without any permanent joy. The peace that I needed the most was the internal peace in the manifestation of self-reconciliation. According to the Holy Scriptures and the Christian tradition, the birth of the Christ baby was the beginning of God’s covenant of lovely reconciliation to humanity.
Finally, I understood that God had been wounded and offended by humanity through sin. However, God wanted reconciliation more than judgment, and decided to send His Only Son, Jesus Christ, in order to pour out everlasting peace onto each life; onto each mind and heart that was at war. It is not difficult to find victory in times of war. I just willingly had to accept this gracious and undeserved gift from heaven.
My prayer is that each individual’s mind and soul will be able to find the everlasting peace that surpasses all human understanding in awareness of the presence of the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. What better time to reconcile myself to God and to the world than the celebration of God’s incarnation!!!
With Love and Respect,
Blessings in Christ <><,
Claudia Nava-Galloway
