There Will Be Peace in My Valley

By John Krysko 

“There will be peace in the valley for me, some day;
There will be peace in the valley for me, oh Lord I pray;
There’ll be no sadness, no sorrow, No trouble, trouble I see;
There will be peace in the valley for me.” – Thomas A. Dorsey 1939

Just before Hitler sent his war chariots into Western Europe in the late 1930’s, a musician, composer, and Christian evangelist traveling by train through Indiana wondered why mankind can’t live in peace even as the farm animals he observed. He was the son of a minster, but he was equally influenced by the blues, in his music.

Sometimes called the “Father of Gospel Music”, aside from the lyrics he saw little difference between the blues and church music. After a spiritual awakening, he served as music director of Chicago’s Pilgrim Baptist Church for 50 years. His songs were recorded by Mahalia Jackson as well as Roy Rogers, Tennessee Ernie Ford, Connie Francis, Aretha Franklin and Elvis Presley.

His most famous song, “There Will be Peace in the Valley” was the song Elvis chose to close out the 3^rd and last of his appearances on the Ed Sullivan show in 1957. It helped change the image of just a hip-swiveling rock-and-roll star into something more acceptable to mainstream America. (It should be noted that Elvis only ever received Grammy awards (three) for his Gospel music). Elvis chose this song in response to the Soviet invasion of Hungary in late 1956.

The lyrics of the song are worth listening to in our times. Many of the same dark forces are afoot in our world, and we do need to find that Peace in our Valley. What can we do as we watch our planet become engulfed in conflicts everywhere, as well as at home?

All true Peace is also Inner Peace. We can all cultivate that in our lives, and with those whom we love. The small encouragements, accompanied acts of forbearance, and forgiveness will go a long way. “Peace” is not accomplished at a negotiating table with the threat of “Or else”. It comes from a recognition of our common humanity, and yes, our common self-interest. Our best interests truly require a foundation of Peace. If we cannot find that place of Calm, Stability and Love, we will be tossed about on the roiled seas of our own fears, doubts, anxieties and angers.  But again, “How do we achieve (Inner) Peace?” How can we learn to “Wage Peace”?

It is not as complex as some might suppose… but it does take concerted and regular effort. Like all good Journeys, it does start with simple steps.

Here are seven guidelines I have come to understand over the years:

1. Find some place in your home, or life, that becomes your Peace Sanctuary. It need not be inside, but it needs to be a space dedicated to the unfoldment of your (Inner) Peace.
2. Regularly endow it with your intention(s) for Balanced, Loving thoughts. This could mean prayer, meditation, yoga, or music that uplifts your Spirit from the day-to-day routine. (This could even be your car, your local health club, or your local Greenspace). The key here is consistency and regularity.
3. Practice some form of deep-breathing. Conscious breathing actually “fixes” the energy into your awareness and mind AND also your physical body.
4. Learn to identify that “feeling” you get when your practice Peace. Positive reinforcement works with our pets (and children), and it equally works on ourselves.
5. Reward yourself for bringing in those “good vibes”. Enjoy activities that support those vibrations- a good book some inspiring music, a beautiful sunset (or painting). Let your leisure time become a platform for reinforcement. Good vibes build more good vibes.
6. Seek out others with similar interests in this Peace Building process. This can happen by going to uplifting concerts, joining a book club, or innumerable other options that allow you to meet other Travelers seeking to have an Earth that is in alignment with the Highest Qualities of life. Peace cannot happen if we do not unite together with others in this Process. It will not happen by itself, or through wishful thinking.
7. Give thanks. Each breath is a gift, each moment an opportunity to share the Gifts of Peace with others. Take some time in your busy schedule to program in some “Gratitude” time. Again, sharing this with others is key. Hug often, smile even more, and work at being a transmitter of Love to all you meet.

Gratitude is the Doorway to Joy…Joy is the Doorway to Love…and Love is the Doorway to Peace.

Try beginning your day with a simple thought/prayer of Gratitude. Let that prayer descend from your head into your heart. You will know this is working when you begin to spontaneously smile, and you can feel the quality of Joy in your chest. While feeling that Joy, allow it to spread throughout your body…and then feel the Love. I can guarantee that the next step of experiencing Peace will be automatic.

Today I found out that my stepbrother, whom I have known for 54 years, has passed early in the morning onto his next stage of Peace. I have held him (at a distance) in Loving support as he spent his last week on earth in a gentle hospice environment near his home. I am comforted, and very grateful, that just a few days ago he enjoyed a meal of pizza and had a dear conversation with a chaplain. I know he has found that place where “the sun ever beams, in this valley of dreams, and no clouds there will ever be seen, oh, yes”.

Tonight I will be going to a music venue with open mic and I will render, with God’s help, to do justice to the beloved song of Thomas A. Dorsey.

Tonight, there will be Peace in the Valley for me.

Love and peace, John 🙏