The luxury of having the time to read a fictional novel is rare. I absolutely love to read so I have been saving up some novels for this summer. One of the books on my list was "Her Mothers Hope"; by Francine Rivers. Having read several of Rivers books before. I knew it would be well-researched concerning historical information. I also knew it would inter-weave themes of faith amidst struggle and family. One thing I was not prepared for was the picture of marriage it would display through it's characters.
From reading the title and the inner flap of the book, I was under the impression it would mostly be a story of a mother and daughter. The struggles they faced to see "eye-to-eye", and learning to embrace those differences. While yes much of the story does deal with these issues. The picture of marriage was what affected me the most. The relationship between the main character Marta and her spouse Niclas Waltert plays out in the beginning of the 20th century and all that was taking place in the world at that time. They are sharecroppers in California, with four children. Rivers gives the reader many "peaks" into life at that time, and the difficulty that many faced during that time in history. It was very convicting to see how another couple relates to one another, in good times and bad. I would become so frustrated with the wife, Marta. Thinking to myself "how could she be so selfish?" or 'how could she speak to her husband that way." Then the Lord would remind me in his ever gentle and merciful way that I too have acted those exact same ways before! It was wonderful to be able to see myself in Marta's character and to repent over behaviors that I had let slip by. When seeing my sin in someone else, it allowed me the opportunity to be prodded by the Holy Spirit and move into repentance.
I also enjoyed the picture of redemption in marriage that was shown throughout the book. When the main characters Marta and Niclas would argue, they were always quick to reconcile. How often do we allow unresolved issues to be swept under the proverbial rug, only coming back to them; when we need ammunition to cause a new hurt? I came to admire the Waltert's consistancy to never let the sun go down on their anger. It is natural in marriage that you will disagree with your spouse, but what do we do when this happens? I was definitely challenged to be quicker in my resolve to complete a conflict and reconcile with my mate. While I was challenged and convicted many times throughout the book, I was able to see how hurtful words can be. Words of a wife to a husband are very important and it is vital to season our speech with love. I have always been a quick responder, meaning I always snap back quickly in conflict. I blame it on being a younger sister, but in truth I am...a sinner. Seeing the pain in Niclas character when his wife Marta would demean him or undermine his authority in the home, was eye opening. It further showed the depth a wife's words can affect her husbands feelings towards his place in her heart, and the home. I was challenged to always be mindful of how I treat my beloved.
Nothing I learned from this book was necessarily new, but it was a great reminder and encouragement. If you get the time, I definitely recommend it!!!
