If you love to read, I want to recommend an author who will bless you with his wisdom. Charles Martin has written nine novels and I have read all but one. I’m currently waiting my turn for that one at the library. God and His truth are sprinkled through the pages of every book. Last week I read Chasing Fireflies. It was so moving and profound that I’m still pondering it. Here are a couple of passages that got stuck in my heart.
The main character, Chase, remembers when he was young and felt that he was a mistake and unimportant. In the memory, his foster dad whom he calls ‘’Unc’” talks to Chase about the stars and their light—light only God can make. As evening comes, Unc’ catches fireflies and puts them in a Mason jar, showing Chase how they light up. His encouraging words to Chase are, “If God can make a firefly’s butt light up like a star, then anything’s possible.”’
I don’t believe in chance
Chase’s memory of that evening with Unc’ continues: “’Chase, I don’t believe in chance.’ He held up the jar. ‘This is not chance.’ He pointed to the stars. ‘Neither are they.’ He tapped me gently in the chest. ‘And neither are you. So, if your mind is telling you that He slipped up, and might have made one giant mistake when it comes to you’–the jar lit yellow-green–‘you remember the firefly’s butt.’”
Don’t we all at times need to “remember the firefly’s butt?” Don’t we need to remember how much God loves us, that He made us; that He is in control? No chance of evolution brought about a firefly’s butt. God, who is light, made no mistakes and there were no chances when He made you and me.
My other favorite saying from Unc’ comes after several discussions with Chase about trying to change another person’s mind and ways. Unc’ has many reasons he could justify being angry and striking out, but he refuses.
He tells Chase, “’Words that sink into your heart are whispered, not yelled.’”
How true that statement is! How easy the words are to forget when we feel cheated, betrayed, and angry. May God remind us to whisper when we feel like yelling.
Throughout all of Mr. Martin’s novels, there are words of truth, love, kindness, and wisdom. There is laughter and there is sadness. His characters are real-to-life and their lives are filled with joy and pain. Check out some from your library, order one on your Kindle, or buy some to own. I bought the first one I read—When Crickets Cry. Click here for website
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