4 November 2021

I have loved all the stories in our “Study: Overcoming Challenges” this week!  I am a reader, and I connect well with stories. However, what stood out were some of the classic poems and the stories of personal sacrifice to do what is right under challenging circumstances.  A few that have touched my heart and inspired me are the life experiences of Archbishop Van Thuan, Diet Eman, and Nelson Mandela.  Each person faced significant opposition and evil, yet they all held to their principles and did what was right. 

The Archbishop’s story reminded me of Joseph of Egypt. Both men came to trust the Lord and had hope instead of despair even though they were imprisoned unjustly for many years.

Diet Eman worked so hard to save as many Jews as she could during World War II.  When asked why she did it, she said, "…if you love God and love Jesus, you would have done the same…."  "She didn't have to think twice about doing what was necessary to fight a great evil and protect those who were being hunted and killed" (A Field Guide for the Hero's Journey, by Jeff Sandefer & Rev. Robert Sirico, pgs. 105, 106).

Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years because he worked to end Apartheid in his country.  He continued working for his people while in prison.  He said that the poem “Invictus” by William Ernest Henley inspired him.  The lines, "It matters not how strait the gate, How charged with punishments the scroll, I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul” put life into him. 

I am sharing these accounts on my blog because I want to remember what I felt as I read about these three people.  I want to learn courage, honor, dignity, and integrity from their example.  I want to become a better person and stand for what I know to be correct.