Peace Be Still, by Rev. Dr. LaKeisha Cook, Executive Director, Virginia Interfaith Center

There is a story told in my faith tradition about a storm that arises on the sea as a group was setting off on a trip to the other side of the land. As the storm intensified, those on the boat became scared but the storm was immediately quieted when the words “Peace be still” were spoken.  

As I look at the news each day, it feels as if we are in the middle of the storm as we hear of violence and chaos swirling all around:  

• The violence targeting Jewish communities in Boulder, Colorado; Washington, DC; and Philadelphia  
• The increase in gun violence on the streets of our communities  
• The budget bill currently being debated, which, if passed, could have a catastrophic impact on Virginians by cutting Medicaid, leaving 380,000 people without health coverage, and 204,000 Virginians would be at risk of losing some of their food assistance (source: Center for Policy and Budget Priorities). 
• The violent enforcement of immigration policies that has caused fear to ripple through families and communities  
• The strain on families caused by the rising costs of childcare and food 
• The humanitarian crises in Gaza, Sudan, and the Congo  

Yet it is in moments like these that I lean into my faith for guidance and comfort, and I find profound hope in the story of the stormy sea. This ancient tale offers us encouraging reminders that speak directly to our current moment: fear is understandable. The call for peace is pivotal. And community is powerful—more powerful than any storm.  

The people in the boat in this story were not alone on the sea facing the storm by themselves. There were other boats, too, fighting alongside them, weathering the same winds and waves. They could look to the left and right and find encouragement from the other ships that were not just surviving, but navigating forward together through the storm.  

This is where I find my greatest hope today. We are not alone in these turbulent waters. Around us are countless others—neighbors, friends, organizations, and communities—all working tirelessly to bring healing, justice, and peace to our world.   

In a moment where the right words seem impossible to grasp, I offer the words that give my heart comfort and strength. We are not meant to weather these storms alone. Although our ships may be different—our backgrounds, our approaches, our specific callings may vary—we are all feeling the impact of this season’s challenges, and we are all committed to being part of the solution.  

This is a time for us to bind together more tightly as a community. This is the time for us to fight harder to not allow differences to divide us, and instead allow our shared values to unite us.  

With your help, the Virginia Interfaith Center continues to fight for economic, racial and social justice. Together, we struggle for peace, persist in hope, and lean into our faith – and one another – to provide direction and comfort.  

The storm may be real, but so is our collective strength. The waves may be high, but our shared commitment to a better world runs deeper. And in the midst of it all, we hold on to the promise that storms do pass; peace can still be spoken into being, and morning always comes.  

Together, we will weather this storm. Together, we will reach the other side.