My daughter could barely get through the final paragraph. Her tears prevented her progress, her heart tenderly wrapped around and invested in the story of the faithful saint, Corrie ten Boom. Corrie finished her earthly chapter on her ninety-first birthday, only to begin her next one—her everlasting witness. It’s still breathing, still shaping hearts and defining souls. Still sowing kingdom seeds. Still putting notes to the musical scores of our faith, even twenty-nine years beyond her peaceful, home-going.
In thinking about Corrie and in absorbing the tremendous and present pain in our world, I am reminded of a line I spoke to a group of cancer survivors not long ago. It has staying power; at least it’s stayed with me. Why? Because it’s connected to a staying truth:
Being a survivor isn’t solely about defeating the disease. Perhaps, greater still, being a survivor is about defeating the silence that surrounds the disease.
Corrie wasn’t a cancer survivor. She was, however, a Holocaust survivor and was able to defeat the silence surrounding her captivity. She didn’t allow the enemy to confine her voice after her physical chains fell to the ground. Instead, she mined the treasures of her faith and her God throughout the course of her imprisonment and beyond. In doing so, she was never really held captive. In many ways, her chains freed her to be a greater witness, a brighter light, a harbinger of the good Gospel that will always sing and that can’t ever be silenced by the harshest of evils in this world. God’s Word cannot be chained. And today, Corrie’s song lives on in the heart of a ten-year-old girl and her forty-six-year-old mom because of the staying power of God’s eternal song.
Two thousand years ago, a soul-defining cry was heard in Bethlehem’s silent night. Many would take note of the witness; many would attempt to hush the melody. Not a lot has changed in 2000 years. Bethlehem still sings its song. Some will hear it; some will refuse the chorus. Regardless of our responses, whether acceptance or rejection, the music continues. God’s still scoring his masterpiece, and because of his amazing grace, our voices are added to the refrain.
Being a soul-survivor isn’t solely about defeating the evil in this world. Perhaps, greater still, being a soul-survivor is about defeating the silence that surrounds the evil.
I’ve sung it before; I’ll sing it again.
Live forward, ye pilgrims on the road of faith! Fight forward, ye warriors of Christendom! Sing forward, ye heralds of the Gospel! Our best days are ahead of us. As always . . .
Peace for the journey,
PS: The winner of the Starbuck’s gift card and one of my books is Karin Ripp. Karin, please send me your snail mail via my contact form and your choice of book. I’ll have this out to you this week; hopefully, you’ll receive it in time for Christmas.
Beautiful.
Elaine, great post — such powerful truths shared. Love the phrases and thoughts “The song still sings” and “defeating the silence.” Yes, let’s keep singing. Merry Christmas to you and yours!
I read these words and think of the families effected by the school shooting on Friday.
Corrie ten Boom has long been an inspiration to me. Her witness of perseverence and godliness in the midst of horrendous darkness speak volumes to my soul. I could only hope to be such a light for Jesus in our dark world. I’m so glad this new generation is learning about Corrie and her faith. What good work you are doing, Elaine, with your little ones. Teaching them about the giants of our faith is noble work and you will be bless because of it.
Dearest Friend,
Page 97 of your book was the last thing I read before I went to sleep, last night. Your words and your friendship will continue to minister to not just my heart, but so many others. You are truly a blessing for all of us. I will keep you posted about my new course in life. I’m excited, and at the same time, sad in some ways that yesterday was my last blog, but I know God leads my way.
XOXOXO,
Brenda
Thank you, Elaine. I was looking for encouragement today and you have again been His instrument to deliver it. Thank you. Blessings my Friend!
Beautiful, Elaine.
I was struck by your phrase *soul-survivor* and thought of this verse:
“I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.” John 10:28
We can fight the silence because we are held firmly by The Voice – the One who speaks His Truth into a dark and lonely world…
GOD BLESS!
ALWAYS love to read anything about Corrie ten Boom! She is one of my all time heroes of the faith! So wonderful that your children are getting the privilege of learning about these great saints of God as part of their school work!
How true is what you said about Corrie’s “everlasting witness”. It goes on and on. In my mind I am hearing Sandy Patti sing “and the gift goes on….and the gift goes on…” 🙂
I came across a quote by someone names “Gordon” that I thought gave a pretty good account of Corrie’s witness: “We do not stand in the world bearing witness to Christ, but stand in Christ and bear witness to the world.”
I know you are planting eternal seeds of faith in the lives of your children and that makes our God smile! Makes me smile too! 🙂
Love you my faithful friend!!
Marilyn
I’d like to learn more about Corrie – and read more of her works. I’ve dabbled in it but you’ve sparked my interest anew!
Blessings to you!
– Kate 🙂
So glad God brought me here today. It’s what He’s speaking to me:”mining the treasures of faith” even though I may be in mental chains. Oh, thank you Lord Jesus for Elaine and using her words to touch the hearts of others, including me. I see today that you have not forgotten me.
Xoxo
Such a true & beautiful sentiment, Elaine. I, too, have survived a season of evil & darkness. It allowed me to navigate a place I would hever have chosen on my own. There, in the thickest of black & bone-jarring sorrow I discovered a light & strength I had heretofore not known. It’s where something new was born in me; a birth that couldn’t have occurred apart from the rigors of a long, seemingly meaningless labor.
We sing the louder for these things …
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