The name of my blog in English is Peace Along the Journey.

The name comes from a four-word Chinese phrase: 一路平安 (pronounced yi lu ping an). This phrase is somewhat equivalent to the French bon voyage! or to saying, “have a good trip!” in English. It is a saying that you might shout to someone as she is leaving on a journey.

The literal translation of the phrase is “a road of peace,” or as I like to make it accessible in English, “peace along the way” or “peace along the journey.”

This phrase is very meaningful in my life. It symbolizes the journeys I’ve taken–physical, spiritual, and emotional–with Christ by my side, giving me the peace that passes understanding.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)

Am I always at peace? Far from it! But when I pray, asking God for help, He gives me His peace for the journey.

The Message paraphrases Philippians 4:6-7 with these words:

Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.

Believe it or not, I don’t actually love to travel. I’ve done a lot of journeying around this world, but I dislike the transience of travel. That’s why “一路平安” is such an important concept to me. Not only is it a phrase in a language I love, but it’s also a mindset of journeying in peace. There’s nothing I can do to gain that peace except to let God’s wholeness settle me down. Isn’t that a beautiful picture?

So the next time you need to bid bon voyage! to someone, perhaps you’ll think of the Chinese version of the phrase and wish them “peace along the journey” instead. I know I will.

Will you join me in this journey?