For Such A Time As This
A Song In The Dark by Kimberley Woodhouse is a powerful historical Christian novel that I could not put down. I read it in just two sittings, pausing only to sleep.
The action is set in Europe during 1938 as the world watches on as Hitler’s Nazi Germany consolidates its’ evil regime. This evil radiates outwards from his seat of power in Berlin.
The leading lady is a blind pianist who uses her God-given talent to bring joy to others. As the months count down, she realises that she, too, is one of Hitler’s ‘undesirables.’ “Because I’m blind… I could be seen as less than worthy. Unfit to live.” This opens the eyes of her soul as she does everything in her power to rescue and help those who are viewed as ‘less than’, especially the children. “I can’t sit by and do nothing.”
She is not alone in her endeavours, as her grandmother also has a heart for the persecuted and hurting. “She was willing to use the wealth and resources God had given her to help.” Her age does not stop her from acting.
We witness a life that realises their need for Jesus. “The Lord felt so distant. But she’d been the one to stop communicating.” Now is the time to return to Him. When we know Jesus, we can have peace despite our circumstances. “I’m in the Lord’s hands, and that’s the best place to be.” No Jesus, no peace. Know Jesus, know peace.
When fear comes knocking, we must activate our faith muscle. “Remind yourself that fear is not from Him. Trust… in God.” We can trust God with our lives, and with the lives of our loved ones.
Prayer is important. “The best thing he could do was pray for them.” Sometimes all we can do is pray, and then wait for God to move.
Hope is vital. Hope keeps us pressing forward. We hope for a better future.
The biblical story of Esther is a major theme. Characters are positioned ‘for such a time as this.’
Being blind does not prevent the leading lady for working for the Lord. As the eyes of her soul are fixed on Him, her life is lived for Him.
We learn that personal physical darkness does not mean that a life is lived in the dark, especially when there is hope. We witness the evil, darkness descending as it blankets Europe. “A darkness far worse than blindness was stretching its’ fingers into the hearts of men.”
I adored A Song In The Dark. The characters were all believable and well-drawn. The message of the book was powerful.
Kimberley Woodhouse opens the book with a powerful quote by Joel Rosenberg from The Auschwitz Escape:
“If you ask me, the question shouldn’t be ‘Why are you, a Christian, here in a death camp condemned for trying to save Jews?’ The real question is, ‘Why aren’t all the Christians here?’ “
Wow! That is so powerful! Let it sink into your mind.
This book needs to be read in memory of the six million innocents who died, and of those who survived, and of the brave souls who stood up and did what they could to help, with no thought to personal safety.
Never again must the lights go out in the hearts of men, blinding them to the fate of others.
I received a free copy from the publishers. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
JULIA WILSON
