A Token of Peace

Journal 2005 10 14
A Token of Peace

“The wife of Shabono our interpetr we find reconsiles all the Indians, as to our friendly intentions    a woman with a party of men is a token of peace.”

Ever get lucky? Many would ask the same question this way, “Ever get blessed?” And I’m going to ask, “Do you believe in miracles?” When you consider the extent of this mission Divine Providence manifested itself in the safe passage of the party. Today’s equivalent would be sending a small party of American soldiers armed with only small arms driving HUMVEES down the main thoroughfare of a foreign city all the while playing a CD over the loudspeakers proclaiming, “We are sent by the President of the United States and we are here to help you children!”

Much has been written of the young Shoshone girl, Sacagawea. The Captains refer to her mostly as “the wife of Shabono (Charboneau).” Her contribution to the success of the Expedition is already significant. From her ability to identify and gather food, to her bravery in recovering cargo from an overturned boat to her successful reunion with her brother, now chief of the Shoshone.

I’ve spoken several times before regarding the improbable nature of a young mother and infant on this mission. Today Captain Clark records what I believe is by far her most important contribution to the success of the Corps of Discovery. Clark notices that as they pass down the Snake River observed by the many Nez Perce who live on the banks of the river that the presence of a woman and child properly present the peaceful intentions of the white soldiers.

For perspective, how possible is it that thirty-one armed soldiers could defeat the thousands of Indian braves that the party has passed through since last May? The Nez Perce women alone could have killed them all weeks ago had they so desired when the party was debilitated from the new diet.

How many of us would even allow such a situation to develop if we were leading this type of mission? We would find a different interpreter, wouldn’t we? Could the Captains have had the foresight to know the peaceful response to Sacagawea’s presence would have on the success of their mission? Could they have known that she would have more knowledge of food sources than these experienced wilderness proven men? Could they have imagined she would prove pivotal to their securing horses and hospitality from the very suspicious Shoshones?

Do we understand the principle at work regarding the presence of “a token of peace?” A token defined by Webster as, “something intended to represent or indicate another thing.” Do you ever find your intentions misinterpreted? Are you frustrated by misunderstanding? Find yourself always having to “prove yourself?”

Maybe you need the presence of a token of your peaceful intentions. If you are a follower of Christ your mission will always have some element of proclaiming a “new Father.” This new Father sent His Son as the Prince of Peace who completed His work and then sent The Comforter, Counselor and Teacher as a deposit guaranteeing our redemption at a future date. And it is the presence of this deposit, the Holy Spirit of God, that is the token of peace to be seen in our missions today. We are to have fellowship with the Holy Spirit so His presence is real and His work is visible in us. Our changed lives lived in constant fellowship with the Holy Spirit is our “token of peace” that allows safe passage. I’m looking in my canoe for that Heaven sent companion and pray those observing my actions can see Him in me. Is He riding with you in your canoe?