Tag Archives: World War II

Threaten to Undo Us

27 Saturday Jan 2024

Posted by in book review

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This is a very moving book. The characters are well developed and I found myself strongly identifying with them in their plight.6141uq81pfL._SL1500_

The story centers on a family of German Lutheran heritage living in post World War I Poland. Almost immediately, I felt linked with this family because two years prior to the outbreak of the First World War my grandparents on my mother’s side immigrated to Canada from this region of Poland.

The storyline follows the lives of a young married couple, Liesel and her husband Ernst, through the 1920s, the turbulent years of the 1930s with Hitler’s rise to power, and finally the devastation and deprivation of WWII and its aftermath.

Above all, this is a story of faith and family in the midst of extreme adversity. Ernst is conscripted into the German army and sent to fight on the Russian Front. Liesel struggles to survive on their farm with four hungry children and a baby on the way. Will the family survive? Will Ernst return home after being captured by the advancing Soviet army? Will the family be reunited?

This true account mirrors the experience of millions of German-speaking people who were expelled from their homes in Eastern Europe after World War II. Furthermore, it speaks to both the monumental folly of race-based nationalism, and communist dictatorship that still stalks our world today.

A five star work of historical fiction based on true events and the life experience of the author’s grandparents. A can’t-put-it-down read and winner of the Word Award for historical fiction.

Congratulations, Rose Seiler Scott!

Book Review: The Third Man—Churchill, Roosevelt, Mackenzie King and the Untold Friendships that Won WWII

20 Sunday Jun 2021

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In many respects, this is a rather remarkable book, as it highlights the pivotal role Mackenzie King played in the55312511 relationship between Winston Churchill and Franklin Roosevelt. As Canada’s longest serving Prime Minister, King was able to act as a bridge between these two strong-willed leaders. This was particularly crucial when Britain was facing Hitler, largely alone, before America’s entry into the war. King played a crucial role in establishing the links that resulted in the Lend Lease Program, a vital life line during this darkest hour.

King’s role is often overlooked along with Canada’s major contribution to the war effort.

Author Neville Thompson draws extensively from King’s personal diaries. In many respects the diaries give us an intimate look into the lives of these three wartime leaders. Their friendship was strong, genuine and abiding despite some marked differences in policy.

This book is ideal for those who value a close-up look at history, and how it unfolds at the upper echelons of political power, or those who have a keen interest in these WWII leaders. In many respects, the book is deserving of a five star rating, but it lacks the polish and top level editing needed for that score. Yet for those who treasure Second World War history, it is well worth reading.  

Going through Hell and High Water

15 Monday Jan 2018

Posted by in Bible, Devotionals, Psalm 77, Psalms

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Reading:                                      Psalm 77

(Verses 16-20)
The waters saw you, God,
the waters saw you and writhed;
the very depths were convulsed.
The clouds poured down water,
the heavens resounded with thunder;
your arrows flashed back and forth.
Your thunder was heard in the whirlwind,
your lightning lit up the world;
the earth trembled and quaked.
Your path led through the sea,
your way through the mighty waters,
though your footprints were not seen.
You led your people like a flock
by the hand of Moses and Aaron (NIV).

Reflection
Psalm 77 began with the psalmist in a state of anguish approaching despair. He was filled with questions for the LORD—questions but no answers. This was followed by the psalmist’s decision to recall the miracle-working power of the LORD. He reflects on Israel’s release from bondage in Egypt and in today’s reading he describes their escape through the Red Sea. Your path led through the sea, your way through the mighty waters, though your footprints were not seen.

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1000 Islands boat cruise near Gananoque, ON — photo by David Kitz

Sometimes life will bring us to difficult or even impossible situations. We can see no way forward and it’s impossible to turn back. That’s the situation the people of Israel found themselves in as they set out to escape from Egypt. The sea blocked the way before them and the Egyptian army was pursuing them from behind. They had nowhere to turn but to the LORD.

What did the LORD do? He didn’t take Israel around the problem or over it. He took them through it. We read these words: Your path led through the sea…

During the dark days of World War II, Winston Churchill gave his nation this advice, “If you are going through hell, keep going.” 

Don’t stop. Don’t give up and hang your head in despair. You don’t know the moment when the LORD will intervene on your behalf. You don’t know when the sea will part. You don’t know when you will be called to follow the LORD’s invisible footprints onto the floor of the sea. That requires faith—steps of faith. And don’t dilly dally along the way. If you are going through hell, keep going. If you are going through a personal Red Sea experience, keep going. You don’t want to be caught in the middle. That’s what happened to Egypt’s army. Have faith the LORD will bring you through, and by all means keep going. Persevere.

Response: LORD God, I am facing some difficult challenges. Give me the faith and the courage to keep going. I trust that you will bring me through—through hell and high water by the power of Jesus. Amen.

Your Turn: Are you facing difficult times? Has the LORD brought you through in the past?