A Kindred Spirit

Earlier this year I purchased the above book by Michelle DeRusha. It's similar to Warren Wiersbe's book by the same title, changing "women" to "people." The lives of women starting back in the 1700s are shared, and I am continually encouraged reading about courageous women of the faith.

Last week I read the biography on Harriet Beecher Stowe (1811-1896). Most people know her as the author of Uncle Tom's Cabin. Her greatest contribution was that of an abolitionist writer, but I remember a few lines from a hymn she wrote that touched my heart. My friend, Jeanne, gave me the book Streams in the Desert, Volume One, back in 1985. The September 13th devotion shared her hymn, written in the 1850s. I've shared the first verse many times to remind others that Christ is always with them.

"Still, still with Thee, when purple morning breaketh,
When the bird waketh, and the shadows flee;
Fairer than morning, lovelier than daylight,
Dawns the sweet consciousness, I am with Thee."

The last two verses:

"When sinks the soul, subdued by toil, to slumber,
Its closing eyes look up to Thee in prayer;
Sweet the repose, beneath Thy wings o'er shadowing,
But sweeter still to wake and find Thee there.

"So shall it be at last, in that bright morning,
When the soul waketh and life’s shadows flee;
O in that hour, fairer than daylight dawning,
Shall rise the glorious thought, I am with Thee."

You can hear it at the Cyber Hymnal:  http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/s/t/stilstil.htm

                                                    So peaceful when they're sleeping.

The subtitle the author gave for her biography is: "She Wrote for Freedom, She wrote for Hope," and it grabbed me. That's why I write. To spread God's Hope to others, encouraging their hearts and sharing His Promise. And before I continue, lest anyone wonder, I'm in no way comparing myself to this great women of faith. I'm a single soul doing my best at what God gave me to do. Stowe's life is a voice of encouragement to carry on with vigor. Even the encourager needs to be encouraged.

The author wrote this about Stowe's work: "Stowe's prolific writing is a powerful statement about basic human rights, justice and freedom that made an indelible impact in American history. But on a more personal level, her novels are also an intimate walk through suffering and grief--a walk each one of us, in one way or another, recognizes and understands.

President Lincoln said upon meeting Stowe: "So you're the little woman who wrote the book that started this great war!" She was able to reach her readers on a personal, intimate level.

"Parlor literature" ('singing, piano playing and dramatic reading of essays and poems') afforded her 'an intimate relationship to her audience.," the author wrote. I like that. Since I'm not good with the spoken word, I can become close to hears with the written word.

"Right before her marriage to Calvin Stowe, a half hour before the marriage ceremony, she wrote to her sister that she had been 'dreading and dreading the time' when she would cease to be Hatty Beecher and change to nobody knows who. But her husband proved to be her most enthusiastic advocate and an unwavering supporter in her writing career. 'You must be a literary women. It is so written in the book of fate' her husband told her."

With our 29th wedding anniversary on the 14th, I would be remiss if I didn't stop and thank Jerry for his encouragement and support of my writing. I spend large amounts of time in the writing room both writing and working with pictures. It's my haven of rest where I share God's love and receive His love. My window opens to the back yard and so many times I've been inspired by the animal life and nature as I sit and create.

I am also grateful for the encouragement I receive from my pastor, Michael Trammell, who has verbally and in written word voiced his support for the work I do for God. All of us need words of assurance as we labor for our Lord, and I exhort you to thank and show your appreciation to those who have touched your heart and soul.

 

I decided to put my Robert Frost book out with the Christmas decorations. In the movie The Christmas Kiss, a penthouse was being decorated for a party and the owner had a first edition of The Christmas Carol so they displayed it. I liked the idea and decided my 1978 edition of  "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" would look nice  too!

Do you have a kindred spirit? Someone who's heart shares similar interests and hopes. Who makes life easier to get through? Now's the time! Let them know you care.