We want something else which can hardly be put into words–to be united with the beauty we see, to pass into it, to receive it into ourselves, to bathe in it, to become part of it.
Most people, if they had really learned to look into their own hearts, would know that they do want, and want acutely, something that cannot be had in this world.
(Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen).C.S. Lewis Quotes on Hoping for Something More
A TRUE STORY OF HOPE……
Let me share this story told to me by an Austrian woman I met having breakfast with. My husband and I were seated with this elderly lady, Monica and her daughter, Tina. We were guests on a South Pacific Ocean Cruise and seated at a table to share a meal overlooking the ocean. This was to be a most fascinating acquaintance and conversation over breakfast among ‘strangers’…..
The niceties began like, “what do you do, what are your names, where are you from”. Our conversation led into more depth once my husband spoke of his new business and I spoke of having a teenager, as did Tina (4 daughters), and gradually spoke of my new book I had written and seeking film as an author came into our conversation.
The story of struggle and fighting for happiness and strength was brought out in Monica through our interaction. She spoke of her life as a migrant to Australia where she spoke little English. She was ridiculed for this and decided to talk as little as possible. Instead she worked in the day as a waitress and at night in a woolen mill. She obviously worked very hard, long hours. She met a fellow who became her husband and raised 4 children. She graduated within the restaurant where she was a waitress to be asked if she could cook. She learnt good English and later in life owned her own Catering business and launched the Virgin Airlines dinner. She was successful in many ways.
Tina and Monica were asking questions of my book, ‘Josie Released from Within’ and so my husband excused himself from the table and went up to the deck where our room was and returned with my free e-book voucher card, as they had wanted my details to read my story. As they looked at my card with the deer logo front cover picture, they both were overcome with goose bumps! Monica asked me, “Are you a woman of faith?” I said, “Monica, I would be nowhere to this day without it”.
Monica had an experience associated with the deer, a protected animal in Austria. A sacred animal too and in this small Austrian village poachers were trying to hunt down the buck, leader of the herd and wanting to kill him for his most magnificent antlers. But regardless of their illegal gaming and the village people protesting, the poachers persisted in their hunting for the deer. This buck was the ‘dad of all dads’. The leader of the hunters had finally cornered this buck and had him in his sights. As he was to pull the trigger, the buck staring straight at the hunter. Suddenly he lowered his rifle. In amazement and awe he witnessed a shining cross that appeared in between the antlers of this most majestic animal. He retrieved from using his gun that day and stopped hunting the deer throughout Austria. Through his experience he told this story to many. He converted his faith to Christianity and the story has been passed down through the generations.
By the time Monica had finished telling me her story and the experience of the deer she had witnessed, it brought me to tears. Tears of joy, love and the hope that this chance of meeting her and her daughter gives hope to each of us.
(Hebrews 11:1 now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen)
