Patty Parma
Living Stones….I encountered this phrase many times in preparing for my pilgrimage to the Holy Land. As I traveled throughout this beautiful land, I came to know many stones, they are everywhere. Ancient buildings and pathways, even more ancient stones such as at Gethsemane and Peter’s Primacy, spoke volumes. Were these the living stones that spoke so clearly of the Scriptures and made them alive? The answer profoundly changed my life.
As I met the Palestinian Christians in places such as Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Mount of Beatitudes, and Birzeit, I met the Living Stones. Their faith is ancient and rock solid. In their eyes, I saw the wisdom of Christ; in their hearts, the love of Christ; in their spirits, the peace of Christ.
I returned from the Holy Land with my bags filled with the weight of many ancient stones. I expected that. What I had not anticipated was returning home with a heart filled with Living Stones. These Stones are not a weight, but a joy that lifts my spirit and brings a smile to my heart. These are the Stones that taught me the meaning of the Holy Land. These Stones have given me my Faith.
Peace and Blessings,
Patty Parma
San Antonio, Texas
Pilgrimage April 27 – May 7, 2004
