June 17th, 2007
While recuperating from an injured back, I decided to read a book I had bought for my daughter as a Christmas present.”Left to Tell” is an amazing story. On one hand it tells of the hell of unimaginable horror and on the other, the triumph of an unwavering faith in God.
Immaculee Ilibagiza recounts her own personal experiences of the 1994 Rwandan haulocast. It is the story of how she lived through the terror of one of the bloodiest ethinic conflicts in recent years. For ninety-one days, she stayed hidden in the cramped confines of a tiny bathroom with seven other starving women while the bloodbath raged outside – where her mother, father and two brothers were slaughtered. Immaculee was just twenty-two years old at the time, a university student come home to spend Easter with her devout Catholic family.
Yes, I had heard about the ‘trouble’ in Rwanda at the time, but I felt far removed from it, both by distance and I guess, by lack of understanding.
I doubt anyone could read this book and not be irrevocable changed. This story not only moved me dramatically as I read it – I can’t get it out of my head – it has deeply challenged me.
Jesus said, “With man it is impossible but not with God; for with God all things are possible.” (Mark chapter 10, verse 27) When God and her faith in him were all Immaculee had to hold onto during her horrific ordeal, she proved this is true.
How would my faith hold up in circumstances even a fraction of the immensity of hers? I don’t really know. I just hope I’d have the same kind of courage and faith as Immaculee.
Have you ever found yourself in a situation where all you had was your faith in God? Why not post a comment and share it?