Real Peace
A girl in a busy school hallway focused on taking one step forward, a man concentrating on finishing the next task amid a chaotic office building, and a multitasking mom in the grocery store buying food while watching her babies – peace can be found in ordinary places.
The Cambridge dictionary describes peace as, “the state of not being interrupted or annoyed by worry, problems, noise, or unwanted actions” (para. 3). When the busyness of life feels overwhelming, finding quiet appears unreachable. However, author and scholar Thomas Kempis wrote, “The more humble and obedient to God a man is, the more wise … he will be in all that he does.” Calm is not rooted in circumstances but within the arms of Jesus.
At Echoing Hills, we find hope in Jesus. John 14:27 says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” Fear is an emotion designed to keep us safe by anticipating danger. However, it can be a steep mental barrier. Evangelist and author Nick Vujicic explains, “Pain is pain. Broken is broken. Fear is the biggest disability of all. And it will paralyze you more than being in a wheelchair. When someone is panicked, they can find it difficult to think clearly.”
Riverside Recovery describes, “More often than not, our feeling paralyzed is not a result of any real, tangible danger but of our internal fears causing us mental and emotional pain and distress. We’re more afraid of our thoughts and feelings around the issue … than of any potentially negative consequences that might arise” (para. 2). The program suggests affirmations, breathing exercises, and practicing gratitude to return to a tranquil state.
A relationship with Jesus brings comfort that surpasses all understanding. Our ministry believes in personal fulfillment of God’s plan, including a relationship with our Savior. Our faith-based standard of care provides opportunities for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. Individuals thrive while learning to know and experience Jesus Christ.
