Book Review: All The Light We Cannot See

When I see "Pulitzer Prize Winner" on a book cover I open with high expectations and in "All The Light We Cannot See," Anthony Doerr delivers as promised. Set during World War II, Doerr lets us see through the "eyes" of three people drawn to the port city of Saint-Malo in France. Once there the the characters decide the fate of a valuable artifact: a mythical stone said to protect bearer from illness and danger.

The structure of this story reminds me of the classic western, "The Good, The Bad and The Ugly." In both we have three different stories told in the same time frame with the characters coming together in conflict near the end of the story. In "All the Light..." each chapter brings us up to date with one of the main characters as they approach their clandestine meeting in Saint-Malo. Marie-Laure (blind from the age of 6 years old), Werner Pfennig (educated in one of Germany's best military schools but questioning the cause) and Reinhold von Rumpel (an expert in rare artifacts) carry us along on their journeys while each plays their part in the war.

When reading a story I want to care about the characters. If I don't, I am not interested in what happens to them. Doerr gives us characters worth caring about with story lines that work well together. He pulls the subplots together without losing sight of the story's main conflict giving us heroes, villains and support characters who flow following the development curve we were taught in school.

I give "All The Light We Cannot See," two thumbs up recommending the story for anyone who has a passion for reading as well as those looking to develop a love for books. By the final page you will understand why this book can proudly wear its Pulitzer badge.

A warning for sensitive readers: There is a chapter in the story where a group of soldiers assault a group of teenage girls and their guardian. The scene is not graphic but may be difficult for some. The story is peppered with occasional foul language, what might be expected from soldiers in a war. There also seems to be an odd fascination with going to the toilet.

Does A Disability Mean You Are Cursed By God?

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          Stephen Hawking was a brilliant man, so I am not surprised in the interest being shown by the media in his final book. "Brief Answers to the Big Questions" was published after his death, based on personal notes. Hawking began writing the book in order to answer ten questions he says he was asked  regularly. For some reason the media seems fixated on his answer to the question about the existence of God. Considering Hawking was an atheist it's no surprise that he did not believe in God. But in looking at the thinking behind his answer we see a bit of theology that is not based on the Bible. It's unfortunate that Hawking, like many others, thought the Bible teaches that a disability is a sign of a curse from God as reported on CNN.com. Those who believe this, misunderstand the nature of God.
          First an admission: There are people who were stricken with physical ailments because of their sin in the Old Testament. To deny this is to deny truth. And Hawking was right, for most of history people equated disability with being cursed. But there were people in the Bible who lived with ailments and disabilities with no indication of being under a curse. Mephibosheth was disabled most of his life because his nurse tripped while carrying him. Though exiled for a time during the transition from his grandfather to King David, Mephibosheth would return to Israel by invitation of the king. David would show Mephibosheth "the Lord's kindness." As a result he lived out his adult life eating at the king's table. His was not the life of a cursed person. He lived and ate the blessings of royalty, experiencing the kindness of God.
          Jesus' disciples also believed disability to be a sign of a curse. Because of this they asked if a man they met was blind because of his parents' sins or his own. Jesus told them neither, personally setting us all straight on this controversy. The man's blindness was not a punishment nor a curse, otherwise Jesus would have said so. If true for him, it's possible (and highly likely) this is true for anyone. In fact, while again acknowledging physical ailments that were said to be punishments for sin, we do not see a Biblical principle where disability and curse are linked beyond certain situations. To assume a disability to be a curse is to say Jesus lied to His disciples and to add to God’s word something that just is not there.
          This man's blindness was an opportunity. It was his chance to experience the power and love of God. It was also a chance for Jesus to set the record straight while demonstrating His love and compassion, out of which He gave the man sight. True, there are many followers of Christ who are not healed of various ailments or disabilities but this is not the sign of a curse. It's unfortunate that so many have a view of God where He unjustifiably curses people with disabilities. Anyone who believes this has missed the truth.

“You shall not curse the deaf, nor put a stumbling block before the blind, but shall fear your God: I am the LORD.”

Leviticus 19:14

My 5 Minute Midlife Crisis

Photo by Nathan Cowley from Pexels

How long is a midlife crisis supposed to last? I ask because I think I had one the other day. Fortunately it only lasted about five minutes. I'm not even sure what triggered it but I found myself thinking about my age and how, in all likelihood, I have lived more than half of my earthly life. Having more years behind than in front is in and of itself depressing but my main struggle was with what I saw in my rearview mirror.

I saw a number of missed opportunities, broken promises and projects left undone. Have I really done anything of value? My initial answer was, "No." I guess I am my own worst critic. I started to get a little down on myself but then I decided it was time for a change.

Instead of getting me down, my midlife crisis helped me adjust my point of view. Now more than ever I value the moment. I plan to live in the moment asking what I can do of value right now. As they say, if we are still alive we still have purpose. As a result I'm working towards my goals moment by moment. I challenge you to do the same.

We're both still alive and that means we're still in the game.

Random Thoughts Originally Posted September 4th, 2018

{Originally posted on my other blog}
          Last week our nation found itself in mourning, remembering individuals who each changed our culture through talent and personal will. Aretha Franklin's funeral was Friday, an event that was lived streamed with many other outlets covering from different angles. She earned a position where our nation cared and needed final closure on her life. Not too shabby for any person, let alone a black woman.
          Over the past several days I have enjoyed hearing stories about Ms. Franklin’s life and career. Once, when Luciano Pavarotti became ill, Ms. Franklin filled in singing "Nessun Dorma," a song she would later perform for the Pope. Filling in for Pavarotti on what is said to be a difficult song (outside of her normal repertoire) is impressive in and of itself. Doing so during the 1998 Grammys in front of a world wide audience is a testimony of courage as well as talent. This is a story that speaks volumes of the type of person and talent that was Aretha Franklin.
          As a child I was not a fan of soul music. Back then I did not appreciate the artistry found on the various soul labels. I did however enjoy Aretha Franklin. Hers was a unique talent. One I could and will always appreciate.
         We lost another unique individual last month. Arizona Sen. John McCain passed away after ending treatments for cancer. Described as a, "Maverick," McCain is well known for taking stands for what he thought best for his country, often without regards for what his party wanted. During an interview on Public Radio’s Radio Times writer Dick Polman spoke of how McCain earned the title "Maverick," by doing what's right. If that's the case we need more "Mavericks." Thank you Sen. McCain for setting the example.
          Last week President Trump hosted a closed door meeting with evangelicals during which he encouraged leaders to get their congregations out to vote in the November elections. Original reports described how he spoke of the "violence," that might happen if the GOP does not do well, allowing opponents the opportunity to roll back the gains of the last two years. However attendees of the meeting did not interpret the president's statements as reported. Either way I think Christians must remember Who really protects us. We should get out and vote but not because we are afraid.
          I originally intended to end most weeks with a post called Friday thoughts. However I find it...challenging to do anything on a Friday evening after getting home from the day job. So from time to time I will put together my random thoughts, posting them on random days. These will be observations on our culture: my opportunity to climb on my soapbox. I don't know what these posts will say but the times we live in should provide plenty of material.

The Rise and Fall of King Uzziah

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Part Two: Helping Marvelously

As long as King Uzziah kept his focus on the Lord, God made him prosper (2 Chronicles 26:5). He defeated his enemies, reclaimed lost territory and built a great army. He tore down the walls that were built by the likes of the Philistines and received tribute from the Ammonites. The Bible says he grew "exceedingly strong" (v.8), ruling over an army of more than 307,000 men. His fame grew as God helped him rule. What's interesting is the word the Bible uses to describe that help. The Bible says Uzziah was "marvelously" helped.

2 Chronicles 26:11-15

What does it mean to be marvelously helped? The word marvelously means extraordinary. The NIV uses the word "greatly." God helped Uzziah in a way that was beyond what was expected. As a result, Uzziah's fame spread "far and wide" as people talked about what he was doing in Israel. His achievements became a testimony to what God does in the lives of those who seek Him, a reflection of His glory while Uzziah maintained his focus on the Lord. Uzziah lived a noteworthy life because God helped him "marvelously."

When God helps He does not do so halfheartedly. He's all in and the results are marvelous. God does not settle for giving less than his best. We see this in every miracle and in how believers in the Bible were able to do so many great things. If we really want to see God helping marvelously we need only look at the cross, where He died for us while we were still his enemies.

Do you want to live a life where God marvelously helps? I do. Based on God's response to King Uzziah we get there by simply seeking the Lord.

Two-Thirds of Americans Are Curious About the Bible. Are We Ready to Let Our Lights Shine?

  {Originally posted on my other blog}

          A report published by Barna reveals some interesting tidbits on how Americans see the Bible. When asked by Barna researchers, two-thirds (66%) of America expressed some curiosity about the Bible. This means there is a good chance that the person sitting or standing next to me on the train or at the store is interested in scripture on one level or another. Why haven’t I said anything to them?
          To be honest, what I think I see in our culture seems a lot different from Barna’s statistics. What I have seen and heard is push back from those who want Christ removed from the public square. I've seen those whose political agenda includes a platform of freeing others from religion. These often are very vocal people whose opinions seem to shape culture. Yet, based on Barna's numbers they are not the majority.
With Barna’s numbers in mind I have to stop using, “Lack of Interest,” as an excuse. Instead I need to make myself available to those who want and/or need answers. I doubt they are interested in being force fed an agenda based on what I think they should know. Chances are they have already heard all the Christian jargon and are not interested in the elevator pitch. They are looking for someone who is willing to go beneath the surface. This means if we want to have a conversation about the Bible we must take time to listen to what people are asking. We must meet them where they are and find out why they are looking for answers.
Those of us who know the Gospel need not be afraid. Yes, a third of those around us will likely say they are not interested. I respect their decision and seek the majority who are out there waiting for answers to their questions. They are out there and shouldn't be that hard to find. Are you ready to let your light shine? I am!

For more on how America sees the Bible according to Barna's research see:
State of the Bible 2018: Seven Top Findings