I just finished a classic and heart-warming book by Edna Hong, “Bright Valley of Love: The True Story of a Handicapped Child Who Finds a Haven of Love in the Nightmare of Nazi Germany”. The book could be read by a young child and enjoyed just as much as I did, I imagine. After seeing the movie about the effects of Social Darwinism (Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed) last week, this book left me really thinking about my worldview. That must be a good book when it gets you thinking about worldview!
Gunther, the main character, is severely “deformed” of body and was dropped off as a child by his grandmother to Bethel, a Christian community of persons with special needs, to be cared for. “We are simply and solely the arms of Christ.” (25) “But the word ‘hopeless’ is not in the language of praise which is spoken in the Valley of Bethel. Because the people who live in that valley know a love that has no limit, the voice of thanksgiving is stronger in that valley than the voice of complaint.” (46)
“He’s a looney, too! They’re all looney here!” muttered the grandmother.
“Maybe so and maybe not,” answered the father. “Maybe they’re sane and we’re the looney ones.” (23)
Gunther began to learn that he too was created in the image of God.
“In a wave there flooded over the boy a dim and jumbled but wildly wonderful realization of the possibility of life—that he was not a piece of human garbage carried along on a gray and endless tide of time. He could be. Time was for being. Time was for becoming. Time was for becoming what he could be…” (38-39)
As Gunther’s friend Kurt died due to his illness, Gunther learned to express grief and emotion.
“Gunther,” said Brother Herman. “Cry your tears and do not be ashamed. Tears, too, are a gift of love. But think of how rich you are to have had such a friend. And think of how rich we all are that Jesus Christ came from the heavenly home to live among us as a friend.” (65)
“Who is my closest relative? Who is nearest and dearest to me? The one who suffers most!” (76)
“Tell me,” he asked, “what do you think is the best work, the truest calling?”
“To be a minister or a missionary,” several answered at once.
Pastor Wilm chuckled. “Many people think so, especially ministers and missionaries. But God has different ideas, and I suspect that sweeping streets and mopping floors is just as good and true.”
“A soldier,” said Wolfgang.
“A mother,” said Minna.
“No,” said Pastor Wilm. “You may name all the jobs under the sun, and I will still say No. I believe with Paul and Martin Luther that the true calling for us human beings is to glorify God, to glorify him in spirit, mind, and body. Whatever we do with our lives, our first and foremost talk is to glorify God.” (98)
“If I ever again talk about being good for nothing, give me a good swift kick in the butt,” said Klaus on the way back to Capernaum.
“Same goes for me,” said Gunther aloud, but the Gunther deep within sang a freedom song. Not only had his fear of the future vanished, but the icicle of hate had melted. His disgust and his hatred of his parents, his grandmother. His disgust and hatred of his crippled body. He was no longer afraid and sad to be Gunther. There, deep inside, it truly seemed as if he had been born all over again and was brand-new.” (100-101)
“Yes, indeed,” chimed in Sister Marie. “When you sing praises to God, Gunther, somehow you remind us that we are not carrying our sorrows and troubles all alone.” (109-110)
