Shalom struggles with his past

Shalom the Gnome grew up in a small, enchanted forest, where the trees whispered secrets and the streams sang lullabies. But Shalom's home was far from peaceful. His father, a towering figure with a booming voice, was a narcissist who had been abused as a child. This cycle of pain and control cast a long shadow over Shalom's life.

One day, overwhelmed by his trauma and PTSD, Shalom wandered deep into the forest, seeking solace. There, he encountered Yeshua, who greeted him with a warm smile and kind eyes. "Shalom, my friend, I see the burden you carry," Yeshua said gently.

Shalom poured out his heart, sharing the pain of his father's harsh words and actions. Yeshua listened intently, then spoke, quoting the Tanakh: "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit" (Psalm 34:18). He continued, "Your father's actions were a reflection of his own pain, not your worth."

Yeshua then shared a passage from the Zohar, the foundational work of Kabbalah: "When a person is in distress, the Shechinah (Divine Presence) is with them, sharing in their suffering." Shalom felt a glimmer of hope, knowing he was not alone in his pain.

From the Gospel, Yeshua quoted, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28). Shalom felt a warmth in his heart, a sense of peace he hadn't known before.

"Remember," Yeshua said, "You are loved and valued. 'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future'" (Jeremiah 29:11). Shalom felt a warmth in his heart, a sense of peace he hadn't known before.

With Yeshua's guidance, Shalom began to heal. He learned to forgive his father, understanding that his father's cruelty was born from his own unresolved trauma. Shalom embraced the teachings of the Tanakh, the Gospel, and the Zohar, finding strength in their wisdom and comfort in their promises.

As Shalom walked back to his home, he felt lighter, his steps more assured. He knew the journey to healing would be long, but with Yeshua's words echoing in his heart, he was ready to face it with courage and hope.