Chosen & Loved
Fires Of Injustice by Kendy Pearson is a powerful Christian historical novel that is grounded in facts. The tale is set in 1880’s America and concerns the plight of the Chinese people in America who were persecuted and rejected by many. The reader is educated as we read. It was a time in history that I knew nothing about. I was horrified at the dreadful prejudices and cruelty.
As the story opens, it is twenty years earlier than the main tale. We are in China where the reader witnesses the dreadful practice of disposing of baby girls (also called ‘go-away girls’). An American couple with a heart for the Chinese people, rescue an orphan girl believing “God has given us a precious piece of China to have with us always.”
Though the baby was rejected by man, she is known by God. His hand has been on her life from the start. “She was… a beautiful gem, a precious treasure in God’s eyes.”
In the main story, the baby is now grown, and has a heart to open a home for abandoned and neglected Chinese girls. The white women in America are enthusiastic about helping the girls, until they find out that they will be Chinese and not American girls, and then all offers of help are rescinded. The leading character declares “our home is a home to all who need a home.” The Chinese girls have been brought to America by unscrupulous and greedy men who see the girls as commodities and put them to work in brothels. “These were God’s precious children, but evil called them merchandise. Evil called them disposable.”
Rescuing the girls requires courage to stand up to the evil men. But when God is with us, we cannot fail, even if we run into trouble.
The Chinese people in America were an important part of the workforce, taking low paid jobs that were a vital part of the economy. The American people rose up against the Chinese wanting them gone. Brave hearts stood up for the Chinese and for what was right “If a man looks and speaks differently than you do, is he less of a man?” We are all God’s children, and we all bleed the same red blood.
There is the theme of forgiveness. “It wasn’t her place to punish him further… It was her place to forgive – Not forget, just forgive.” Sometimes it is hard to forgive in our strength. Then, we must lean on God and forgive in His strength. “She had been unforgiving. But she wanted to forgive.”
God uses people to do His good work. “They were no longer bound by their past… God’s fingers at work through her to make a difference for them.” When we come to God, the old is gone and the new is here. We can have new life in Jesus.
All the characters were well drawn and believable. The characters and settings come to life under the author’s descriptive pen.
Kendy Pearson has highlighted a dreadful time in history which is not well known at all. We are educated as we read.
Fires Of Injustice is a powerful read that will open your eyes to the sufferings of many, and the brave hearts of a few.
I received a free copy from the author. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
JULIA WILSON