Mercy Triumphs

How quickly the weekends come and go. Our blogathon prompt for today is to review a book or movie you have read/watched recently. 

I am not a huge movie watcher, therefore I decided a book was more up my alley. My reading of late has been rather somber, as I am tackling the heart wrenching Les Miserables. 

I have been thrust onto the emotional roller coaster which comes with reading Hugo’s work. Because this is such a vast book, it is separated into smaller volumes, and then within those, shorter books. He did a fine thing to break up his work in such a way, because each segment could be studied and learned from on its own, separate from the tragedy of the whole story. 

The wonderful deeds of the bishop, though so important, I fear will be but a brief ray of light as the book moves forward in all of its heartbreak. Therefore, I think I am going to review the virtues found in the first two books of volume one. The life of the Bishop and the first meeting of Jean Valjean. 

It was during the perusal of these sections that I felt I was on an emotional and spiritual journey. Oh, the Bishop. Every good deed that I have ever done becomes nothing, every Christian act or thought pales in light of the goodness of the Bishop. The self sacrifice, the love of mankind, the sincerity of heart…. he is truly an amazing character. 

It is such a simple concept that he has mastered. That which we are all supposed to strive to do. Love one another. The bishop ached for and loved people. He gave until it hurt… and then he gave some more. From the smallest to the greatest. No one was below him.

This is the man that we know when Jean Valjean, the sad victim of a crooked and judgmental society, is introduced. 

This Bishop’s character can be better understood through the words of his sister. He was not religious. He was not to be the judge of anyone. He was to love everyone. That is all. She states, “Is this not, indeed, to understand charity well? Is there not something truly evangelical in this delicacy which abstains from sermon, from moralizing, from allusions? And is it not the truest pity, when a man has a sore point, not to touch on it at all?”

How often have we beaten the proverbial Bible over someone’s head? The Bishop, knowing well the past of Jean Valjean, made a careful effort to avoid all subjects that would touch on his past. There is an example for us to follow of a good Christian man. 

It is a wonderful thing to see how one individual’s life changes another, and then how that man’s life goes and impacts hundreds, or thousands. Everything we do makes a difference. Whether good or bad, every act, word, or deed will affect another life.

The Bishop’s last words to Jean Valjean were simple, “Jean Valjean, my brother, you no longer belong to evil, but to good. It is your soul that I buy from you; I withdraw it from black thoughts and the spirit of perdition, and I give it to God.” And that is what he did. A few poignant words spoken at the right time, but above all, action, changed the course of Jean Valjean’s life.  

As long as society treated Jean Valjean like a scoundrel and a thief, what other recourse had he then to be a scoundrel and a thief? But when the bishop treated him like a fellow citizen, called him brother, and gave him hope for a future, he rose to the occasion.

I wish I could better describe the way in which this book has been impacting me. When I go to read…. I feel as if it hurts me. If the whole story stopped at the end of book two. We would see the goodness of the bishop, and we would see the life changing moment of Jean Valjean, and we would be happy in thinking he was going to go on and do good to others. 

And so my book review for today does end on a happy note, for I am not expanding on all of the heartbreak that is to come. I merely see how a man changed another's life because he did not judge, but showed mercy.

A lesson to be learned from this book that can be transferred to this life that we lead. Love goes a long way.  There are dark characters in this book, and yet the good characters shine bright in the darkness. This world we live in is flooded by darkness. If we would stop perpetuating evil by unloving actions,by showing mercy, and demonstrating the love of Jesus, perhaps light would begin to spread from one life to another instead, just as light spread from the bishop to Jean Valjean.

Read this book. It will break your heart, but light a fire inside of you all the same.

Have you read any spectacular books lately? Seen any good movies? Link below!

The Idea For Which I Can Live and Die

Because I wanted to take part in “Inspirational Monday” over at Happy Medley, I decided to share one of the most profound quotes I have ever read (though I cut a chunk out because I don’t want to overwhelm those who have not already discovered a love for philosophy).

When I was taking my first philosophy class in college I developed a love for Kierkegaard. I still remember when I first read these words… I felt life pumping through me because I felt exactly this way but I just struggled to find the words.

“What I really lack is to be clear in my mind what I am to do, not what I am to know, except insofar as a certain understanding must precede every action. The thing is to understand myself, to see what God really wishes me to do; the thing is to find a truth which is true for me, to find the idea for which I can live and die…What good would it do me to be able to explain the meaning of Christianity if it had no deeper significance for me and for my life; - what good would it do me if truth stood before me, cold and naked, not caring whether I recognized her or not, and producing in me a shudder of fear rather than a trusting devotion? I certainly do not deny that I still recognize an imperative of understanding and that through it one can work upon men, but it must be taken up into my life, and that is what I now recognize as the most important thing.”

- Soren Kierkegaard

It was a long time ago that I read this quote for the first time. The words still resonate in my spirit in a way which is difficult to explain.

It was in 1835 that this great philosopher penned these words upon the page. The world has changed vastly since then, yet I feel the same way. It is nothing to merely know the truth and do nothing about it. It is nothing to proclaim to others that you are a Christian without allowing those principles to take root in your life.

Therefore this quote is acting like a catalyst within me, encouraging me to think and write down those ideas. Very often they will be the silly musings of a young girl, but sometimes I hope I will touch on points which will resonate in another’s soul like this quote has within me. 

Encouragement for an Autumn Tuesday

October already. Where does the time go? Sometimes I wish I could just slow things down a little. 

I decided to postpone my weekly bit of encouragement for today because I was finishing up Blogtember yesterday. So I hope you are having a wonderful Tuesday on this beautiful autumn day. 

With my hubby working up north (only two more days woohoo) I have been spending a lot of time over at my parent’s house. A few nights ago I pulled a late night with my two younger siblings (side note, sisters and brothers have to be one of the most wonderful things in the world). 

We were talking about life and about goals. Some advice that my sister was giving my brother reminded me of something I used to, and occasionally still, struggle with. 

When I was growing up my parents always told me how smart I was. As a homeschooled student, I didn’t feel that I could properly gauge that for myself. I got straight A’s but my parents, the ones who cared most about me, graded my work. I distinctly remember thinking, “does my dad really think I am smart? Or is he concerned that I am not too bright and that is why he tries to encourage me?” I struggled with this question until I got out of high school, feeling uncertain about myself and my abilities. It was a legitimate fear that I had. In retrospect, I know where the thoughts came from, and it wasn’t from the father of the heavenly lights. 

After I began my first semester in college I realized that I had been listening to a lie for years. Why would I ever doubt myself? Why would you ever doubt yourself?

I know there are some scriptures that you have heard a million times. “Yeah, yeah, I know I can do all things through Christ (Philippians 4:13)…. I know I am fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14)… I know I have a spirit of power and of love and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7).” But do you really know?

I know for myself, if I could really grab a hold of these truths I wouldn’t doubt myself any longer. These are only a few passages that I thought of off the top of my head. There are so many scriptures that affirm God’s promises for your life; so many truths that really need to be imbedded in your mind. 

So if you ever struggle with doubts or thoughts that are not lining up with the word of God then cast them down. Stop listening to those lies of the world and of the devil. Find some scriptures for yourself that reinforce your faith and encourage you in all of your endeavors. 

He said you can do ALL things! 

P.S. Isn’t my niece the most beautiful little six year old in the world?

A Little Monday Boost

Happy Monday everyone! I feel so refreshed after church on Sundays. Ever feel like Monday comes crazy quick? Sometimes the weekend come down starts for me before I am even in bed on Sunday night. However, the name of the day of the week should not dictate our attitudes :)

Therefore I have decided that I am going to begin each week on a very positive note. I am going to make a habit of jotting down a post for a little spiritual boost as we trudge on in this great thing called life. I may share something I have been reading, learning myself, or simply a scripture that has been particularly impactful.

Without further ado here is my little “devotional” for this fabulous Monday.

Jeremiah 1:4-9

The word of the Lord came to me saying, “before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nation.” “Ah Sovereign Lord,“ I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am only a child.” But the Lord said to me.  “Do not say, ‘I am only a child.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord. Then the Lord reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, “Now, I have put my words in your mouth.”

What an amazing passage! 

When I was a teenager I was not a very outgoing individual. Frankly, I would rather have stayed at home all day and read. One year I read 87 books. Extroverts just don’t make time for that much reading… but I digress.

Because it was such a struggle for me to get out of myself, I often wondered how I was going to make an impact for Jesus in the world. At that time I distinctly remember reading Jeremiah 1:4-9 and it drastically changed my outlook and level of confidence. I remember thinking I could exactly relate. I felt as if I were only a child! And yet God had formed me for a purpose; A purpose which I would fulfill because he would direct me every step of the way. What a God!

Yesterday morning I think the Lord wanted to remind me of that. Quite by accident I opened my Bible up to this passage and as I began reading, the familiar words jumped off the page and into my heart. It was not as if I had forgotten that scripture or how powerful it was for me and my life; but perhaps I had not been walking in the specific facet faith which this scripture should bolster.

So be encouraged today; in whatever goals you have set or challenge you are facing. You may feel totally ill qualified, as a child would feel, and yet God says “go” and he will guide you. More than that, he will put HIS words into YOUR mouth.