Tragedy always moves our story forward in a way shalom could never accomplish.

The shattering [of shalom] moves us from a place of shalom to a place that is harsh and unrelenting. The shattering brings us a keen awareness that we are alone and in danger. We are on our own.

Our story will gain momentum and depth only to the degree that we honestly embrace both loss and fear.

The desert shatters the soul's arrogance and leaves body and soul crying out in thirst and hunger. In the desert we trust God or die.