Bright Valley Of Love, by Edna Hong (Book Review)

 

“He loved the lowest and the humblest of people. Useless, no-account people like us….By loving the likes of us when He was on earth, Christ showed us that God the Father loves the likes of us. And because He loves us, we ought to love each other. And maybe we ought to love our enemies.”

A true story about Gunther, a handicapped child born in Germany during World War I, who is brought to a Christian community for the physically and mentally disabled call Bethel. Here, Gunther learns to do things like a normal child, growing up around people who love and encourage him. He learns to love and serve God, as well as learning about making and saying goodbye to friends. Gunther finds meaning and purpose, no matter his the limitations.

“What a sorry world it would be if God had not given us flowers.”

This book was so well written. I always have such a hard time with true stories, because I put myself in people’s shoes so often, and end up just being constantly reminded of the bad things that happened to them. But this book didn’t only show the trials that people faced, but the Light that over powers them. That’s why I think I was able to enjoy this book so much. It wasn’t only trial and error, but the beauty of life and what kindness does to people. Literally in the middle of a war, faced with the enemy staring at them, people took time to use their gifts to bless the lowest of people. 

At Bethel, which was a real place, people shared their love to others which then multiplied. I loved so much in this book how it really showed that kindness is contagious. The people even found a place in their hearts to forgive the people warring against them—people need to do that in this day and age. Forgiveness isn't something to be withheld, but to be given over and over; literally to your enemies, let alone your friends. 

“Tears, too, are a gift of love.”

It’s a really eye opening book. There were so many things that were really a slap in the face, but there were also simple little things that just showed little bits of beauty. I’d recommend this book to literally anyone, but I think more mature ages would appreciate it most. 

CLICK HERE to get the book!

Tally ho,

Finlee