Peace, Where There Is None

In a world that is consumed by frenzied chaos, one thing is certain, as Christians we are called to be a peaceful beacon of hope. In an age where stress rules our schedules, where every second of our day is categorized into our to-do lists, where there is barely a moment's rest to pause and reflect...we must take that moment. Whether it be in the early morning before the world arises, late in the evening before we go to sleep, or whether it be a slight pause in the middle of the day, we must learn to take that brief time to regroup, to bring everything that is going on in our lives into perspective.


Every time I take a trip to Europe and visit the Cathedrals, I am overcome by wonder at their magnificence and the beauty. In many places though there is an innate simplicity to the majesty as well. One of my favorite parts of the cathedral is the cloisters. The cloisters are, for the most part, four corridors with a courtyard of some sort in the middle. This courtyard may have anything from fountains to just simple landscaping, yet, the peace and serenity of the place is magnificent. It is a peace amidst the chaos, a humble center amidst the soaring heights of the surrounding structure, quiet amongst the noise...

Silent doors close on world’s confusion,
Noise and frenzy disappear,
Each step of faith bringing,
Peace, silence, and serenity,
A thousand feet have wandered here.

Seeking the Path of Wisdom,
Rootless hearts seek these cloistered walls,
Faltering steps of the sad and weary,
Seeking solace for their souls.

Modern man by life drained empty,
Nourished by broken bread of lives laid down,
Drinks from ancient wells of mercy,
Drinks deeply of healing of the soul.

Ancient souls stand in silent witness,
To this Temple built with living stones,
Secluded lives of prayer and service,
Serving God with heart and soul.

Cloistered walls by stone ribcage canopied,
Harbors safe the heartbeat of secret prayers,
Breathed by ancients t’ward Eternal Father,
Echoes loud in Heavens’ ears.

The way of peace and faith-bearers
Reaching to heaven, prayers vigil keeps,
From sunrise to sundown through the night watches,
Yearning to touch the heart of Heaven’s King.

From translucent pages of Lamb’s Book of Life,
Silent witnesses gaze down upon sinner and saint,
Reminding pilgrims and seekers, doubters and believers,
Faith embraces peace at the foot of the Cross.

Silent doors open to world’s frenzied confusion,
Noise and agitation reappear.
Each step of faith, bearing peace to the restless,
Blessed are the feet that have walked with Him here.

-Brianna Bleymaier 2002

The image at the beginning of the post is of the North Cloister in Chester Cathedral, built around 1525-1530. Chester is located in the north-west of England, right on the border of Wales. It was built around 2,000 years ago by the Romans and is one of the best preserved walled cities in the country. Chester is the beautiful city where my mum grew up.