Page 2 - Hawaii Island MidWeek - Dec 7, 2022

2 HAWAI‘I ISLAND MIDWEEK DECEMBER 7, 2022
Sol’s Song Of Peace
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with the Rev. Danette Kong
As a child, Sol was mysti- fied by tattoos on the skin of
Strumming, I began to sing, “Let there be peace on Earth.” Sol’s eyes lit up. He ex- claimed, “I remember that
In the remaining stillness and calm, I thanked God for
“Let there be peace on Earth ...”
Sol was known in his community for open- ing his home to those
We closed each successive visit with that song. Serenity enveloped Sol’s countenance as he relaxed, breathing deep- ly and contentedly.
in need of emergency shelter or food. Daily, he could be found in his neighborhood bar, regaling fellow custom- ers with stories, providing hospitality and friendship to all who entered its doors. When illness took him by surprise, I met him as his hospital chaplain. A warm relationship ensued.
When I offered to play songs for him on my ‘ukulele, Sol responded that he would love to hear anything about peace.
Several weeks later, Sol had slipped into a coma. One afternoon, I quietly took a chair next to his bed. Singing his favorite songs, I paused between them to re- call stories he had shared. I reminded him of the hospi- tality he showered upon oth- ers. I affirmed his peaceful, welcoming presence to all. As I closed with Let There Be Peace on Earth, he drew his final breath. It was a holy moment.
some of his relatives formerly imprisoned in Nazi concen- tration camps. His family did not discuss these, so he did not learn of their significance until later in life. The con- flicts he recognized between various religions troubled him, so he chose to live life without any formalized faith.
song! My mother loved it, too!”
the beauty of Sol’s life. My heart echoed his desire for a world renewed with peace. His simplicity and gentleness had blessed me with a mes- sage more powerful than any assurances or comfort I ever provided him. What he gave to others was much more than a place to stay overnight, or a simple meal. He didn’t just listen to the song — he em- bodied its message: “Let there be peace on Earth ... and let it begin with me.”
The Rev. Danette Kong is a retired health care chaplain and ordained minister with the Hawai‘i Conference of the United Church of Christ.
Chasing The Light is pro- duced by Robin Stephens Rohr and Lynne Johnson.
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“This world is filled with so much hate and destruc- tion,” he sighed. “We must find ways to share peace with each other.”
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