Evidence Not Seen

 

How do you feel someone’s pain through words on a page? I think it simply begins with choosing to read their story and understand the opportunity you’ve been given to dig deep into the layers of their pain, agony, loneliness, abandonment and rejection. Yet what always stands out in biographies of Christians throughout the ages is their steadfastness to the Word of God, and that he will never leave them or forsake them. As I read through this book, I saw that Darlene was willing to give her life and do whatever God called her to do, but it wasn’t easy, absolutely not. This was not something that she or any of the other missionaries (including her husband) anticipated happening to them. No one thinks you’re going to be a prisoner of war, even for a day, let alone years. Countless people, just from that war alone, lived in terror and died a brutal death, but never relinquished their faith in God and never denied that he was good, despite what was going on around them. It isn’t easy to put into words how this book has impacted me. The first word that comes to mind is ‘humble.’ I feel humbled, humbled to a state of quiet reflection and a desperate need for contentment and gratitude to guide my life more than ever, and to be genuinely thankful for the freedom we do have, despite the chaos surrounding us. It sometimes can feel like a dense fog, where we can’t even see our hands in front of us, yet God is sovereign. He is ultimately in control, and we may not know on this side of heaven what his purpose and plans are in the midst of pain and suffering, but nothing is wasted. We have to keep our eyes toward heaven, fixed on the maker of heaven and earth, the One that walks with us through the fire and loves us, so much he gave his life for us so we could be with him for eternity (John 3:16) Each time I read a biography like this one, I am reminded that they held onto the Lord through their life and death experiences and gave away their entire being to serve him, no matter the cost. Darlene, I am filled with gratitude for your courage and faith. You have been home with the Lord for many years now, yet your legacy lives on.

 

My letter to you

Dear Darlene,

At the closing of your heroic telling of your World War II captivity, there was mention of a place to write you a letter. Despite your passing back in 2004, I still wanted to share my heart. This is my letter to you. Deuteronomy 33:12 has become familiar to me in unexpected ways recently.

 Of Benjamin he said,

A wonderful friend shared this verse with my husband and me recently, and the reminder God surrounds and dwells was a powerful reminder; it moved me. This verse, which speaks of God’s care and protection, resonated deeply with me in the context of your story. You also shared this verse in your book. I heard it twice within days and knew I was meant to listen to it!
I have had your book for several months. I began reading it, but I knew it was meant to be completed while away with my dear husband on vacation. I read it quickly and simultaneously slowly. I had to put it down several times, and think through, absorb, contemplate the vicious, evil, demeaning, horrific, cruel activities inflicted on you and all of the POWs if it weren’t for your words and those of others that survived the lonely, desolate, insane acts of inhumanity, how would we know how you held onto the One who called you and your husband Russell to the mission field.
You survived, God ordained that. It was miracle after miracle that you landed back in America eight years after you initially left.

Words are only a framework to ignite what I can’t speak. I find myself overwhelmed, grappling with your experience, and incredibly moved by your heartfelt dedication to Jesus. Your unwavering faith in the face of such adversity is a testament to the power of belief and has had a profound impact on me.

Thank you for sharing your story so bravely, a reminder that we are never out of the hands of our Heavenly Father.

Sandee