Van-Gogh-Straße

Selah. I love this word. I love its obscureness and its clarity, which may not make sense, but it will. This Hebrew word has theologians in a constant debate over its uncertain, or obscure meaning. They do agree that the word "selah" comes from the primary Hebrew root word "calah," meaning "to hang," or "to weigh." Therefore, many believe the word is a reminder to "weigh, or measure what is being spoken/written to us." In other words, stop and listen.

This is my favorite interpretation. What a beautiful reminder in the midst of our loud and chaotic lives. For instance, when trying to make important decisions, we get caught up in everything going on around us, and what everyone else is saying, that we forget to stop and listen to what is going on inside ourselves. What are we feeling and saying to ourselves? What is God, or whatever higher power you believe in, saying? Ultimately, it is in these intimate, quieter moments that we are going to find the answers we are searching for.

There are two other possible, broader meanings. Some believe the word "selah" is nothing more than a musical term, indicating an interlude. Other Jewish scholars believe it means "forever."

Interesting though, when you look at these other two interpretations, you can't help but see some of the first in both of them. After all, an interlude is essentially a "stop," is it not? A pause from all the noise and a chance to reflect on the music you just heard. Further, and this might be a stretch, could it not be said that the command to "stop, listen, and weigh" should be an ongoing process in our lives? It shouldn't be a one-time event, we should forever be taking these pauses, drawing them out in an attempt to make sure that we are understanding. So therefore, the clarity of the word comes from the fact that even within these varying interpretations, there is still a similar essence that exists.

Selah. What a lyrical reminder to take the free opportunity we've been granted to reflect and comprehend what is going on around us... to then step back into the world with a greater sense of clarity and peace.

If I do get gutsy enough in the next year or two, this word will most definitely be tattooed on my foot. Or maybe it could be the name of my future daughter? Hah.