Thursday, March 25, 2010

Loved It

I love this book. My mother-in-law gave it to me for Christmas a couple years ago and I remember reading it on the couch, pregnant three feet out in front of me, while everyone else was still in bed ... I figured if I was too uncomfortable to sleep at least I could read. :)

What moved me most was the selfless compassion of these women. My goodness. I always forget the protagonist's name, but she saw other people more than she saw herself - which is a talent and an attribute I wish I had too. Others' distress meant more to her than her own, and suffering bothered her more for what it kept her from doing than for her own discomfort.

There are so many Christlike people in this world. I admire them. The light of Christ is real, and the things people can bring themselves to offer - even to strangers - is truly remarkable to me. It reminds me that I'm always in a position to serve. If I choose to. I can certainly hide behind excuses and justifications, but that's all they are. I don't say it in a self-depreciating way but in a grateful way. Service is a great healer, and I'm grateful it's always available for the choosing. And I'm grateful for the people who make that choice so consistently.

4 comments:

Emilee said...

I didn't end up reading this book but I'd love to find out what book is next. I need to get back into this reading club. Who is next?

Jaclyn said...

I loved this book just as much this time as I have every other time I've ever read it. :)

This time, I went through and marked every miracle (at least that I recognized) that God preformed for Corrie and her sister. I was absolutely moved by how in-tune with the spirit Corrie was and how present God's hand was in her daily life. The story I most often think of is when the shrapnel from the bombing struck Corrie's pillow just where her head had been moments before. And how she saw visions, both of her family being taken away from their home and also of the recovery clinic she would build after the war ended. How amazing!

I think the greatest thing Corrie's book has taught me is that EVERY person has access to the Holy Spirit and the strength of that connection is not dictated by our church affiliation, but on our personal choices. If we cultivate it, the light will grow and grow-- and I hope I can cultivate mine as tenderly as Corrie did hers.

I agree, Shelli, I was touched by how amazingly selfless Corrie and her sister were. In the midst of concentration, they prayed for the soldiers, for those who despite-fully used them. What a superb example of Christ! I am trying to follow their example and to pray as Corrie did-- knowing that my love, my patience, my forgiveness aren't enough and asking God to give me His love, His patience, and His forgiveness. What a beautiful, spiritually-moving story of courage and Christ-like love!

Catherine said...

I enjoyed this book too. I kept thinking would I have the courage and strength to do what they did and mostly with a smile!!!

Amazing book. Can't wait for the next one...

Jaclyn said...

me too! who's next?