For thus says the LORD: "Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the nations like an overflowing stream; and you shall nurse, you shall be carried upon her hip and bounced upon her knees."
Isaiah 66:12 – New English Version
Peace like a River
Rev. Berry Behr, Interfaith Minister
I first became conscious of the term Peace like a River in 2019 when a dear friend and colleague, now deceased, wrote a magnificent creed for a new interfaith group he was mobilising to take a stand against rising crime. Wilfred envisaged "Peace like a river flowing through our streets" as we took them back from the gangsters, criminals, and drug peddlers who terrorise the neighbourhoods.
It's a sparkling image! I think of the river as flowing joyfully, drawing inexorably towards the sea: powerfully focused in its intent, never distracted from its course. Water has the power to erode even rock. If peace were a river, it would sweep away everything in its path that does not serve peace. Rivers are life-giving. Every farmer wants a river on their land and access to the water it carries.
I thought a lot about that second part of the quote: And you shall nurse, you shall be carried upon her hip and bounced upon her knees. Rivers are abundant and nurture the soil, feeding the roots of trees and plants. Life literally nurses at the generous outpouring of a river. Isaiah is talking about a coming together of nations, a new world of peace and justice that will be abundantly blessed by God. How do we get there?
I've had a few threads coming together in the past while. The first is the U.N. International Day of Peace on September 21, which Emissaries worldwide will celebrate under the 2023 theme, "Actions for peace." The second is a course I am taking, exploring the intersection between spirituality and race. During the first session, participants were asked to consider what a spiritually anti-racist life might look like. I realised it's not enough to be non-racist. Inclusive spaces can only be effective when they are actively made safe for the entering beloveds.
What needs to happen in our world for true peace to be manifested? I think of the LGBTQI+ community, youth, refugees, and even violated land and trees—what am I doing to be not only inclusive but fiercely protective of their rights? Instead of saying: "You are welcome here," perhaps I should ask: "What do you need to make you feel safe here?" And then, do that.
Finally, when I am in love with life, in full Attunement with all of Creation's wondrous diversity, I may reverently dip my hand into the sacred waters and feel Peace like a Riverflowing through my veins, through my breath, through my life, and through the Cosmos.
About Open Windows
We, the authors of this blog, dedicate it to the transparent exploration of the world’s sacred scripture and enlightened spiritual thought. We believe that the original inspiration of all faiths comes from a common source, named and revered in a myriad of ways. With that understanding, the innumerable symbols, beliefs, and practices of faith cease to divide. They become open windows to a common reality that inspires and unifies us. We find deeper insight and nourishment in our own faith and from the expression of faith from others.
We hope these weekly quotations and meditations speak to your heart and soul.
Thank you, (Rev.) Berry (Behr), Great to join with you in the inner peace process on this day when people strive for outer peace. With you in welcoming all — whether LGBTQIA – or the racially marginalized, those quite senior, Veterans – and so many others who do not feel they have been given the message “come near unto me.” So appreciate your work, world, and representation in larger conclaves of spirit-workers. MAHALO for you your commitment and message. Love, Tom Cooper
Your words, Berry, remind me of how precious and generative water is. This year we have had an abundance of rain in our valley and the trees, bushes, plants and even the blades of grass have responded by creating an oasis of beauty and thriving life. Water is the symbol of Truth, and just as Nature responds so beautifully to water, so does our human nature respond beautifully and creatively to the Truth of Love.
4 Responses
Thank you, (Rev.) Berry (Behr), Great to join with you in the inner peace process on this day when people strive for outer peace. With you in welcoming all — whether LGBTQIA – or the racially marginalized, those quite senior, Veterans – and so many others who do not feel they have been given the message “come near unto me.” So appreciate your work, world, and representation in larger conclaves of spirit-workers. MAHALO for you your commitment and message. Love, Tom Cooper
Thank you Tom, for your encouraging and kind message. And thank you for all you are and all you anchor in the world. Love and blessings to you, Berry
Your words, Berry, remind me of how precious and generative water is. This year we have had an abundance of rain in our valley and the trees, bushes, plants and even the blades of grass have responded by creating an oasis of beauty and thriving life. Water is the symbol of Truth, and just as Nature responds so beautifully to water, so does our human nature respond beautifully and creatively to the Truth of Love.
How beautiful – peaceful – encouraging – and filled with grace – thank you!