♪A Note of Thanks ♪
“Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 1:21b
One of my all time favorite movies is one that is little known called “Ladies of Lavender.” The setting is on a beach in a 1930s Cornish seaside village. Two aging sisters, Ursula and Janet are living a peaceful life and have help from their maid Dorcus. They live in a stone cottage built on a cliff with a side garden area where they paint. They are probably the most well-to-do in their village, with a car (aside from the village doctor).
Following a violent storm one night, the next morning the sisters spot from their garden a nearly-drowned man lying on the beach. They nurse him back to health, and discover that he is Polish. This story is basically about two sisters who save a stranger, and then he stole their hearts. The scenery is spectacular. The two sisters are played by Dame Judi Dench and Dame Maggie Smith. This story reminds me of the story of the Good Samaritan.
While the sisters lived a sort of mundane life, painting, playing the piano, sewing, reading and listening to the wireless (radio), they yearned to be of service, whereupon this young man washed ashore half-dead with a broken leg. They help to nurse him back to health, teach him English, buy him clothes and even find a man in the village who loans him a violin. He is a very gifted musician and touches everyone with his heart-felt melodies, amazing talent and incredible skills.
In the end, the young man breaks their hearts and disappears with a young German woman Olga. Unbeknownst to the sisters, he goes to London and is discovered, becoming a star violin soloist for the London Philharmonic Orchestra. The sisters hear of his debut, pack and go by train to London to surprise Andrea knowing that he has this magnificent opportunity to play as soloist with the symphony. It will be broadcast on the wireless. Everyone is excited about the event. So, Dorcus, the maid, and some of the villagers gather at the sisters’ cottage, sitting ‘round the wireless to listen to their now renowned friend.
Ø Isn’t this a picture of overcoming adversity?
Ø Isn’t this a picture of God’s Grace in action as the sisters help nurse Andrea back to health?
Ø Isn’t this a picture of perseverance, as this young Polish man, who has such a passion for music and despite all the obstacles he faces, keeps on keeping on. He is accidentally thrown off the ship during a storm, is washed up to shore half-dead, regains his strength by help from strangers, overcomes communication barriers and is willing to take a huge risk by going to London with the possibility of rejection…he doesn’t lose sight of his calling.
This indeed is a wonderful picture of perseverance, one of the tenants of our faith.
Never forget, God loves and cares for you. You have friends and family that love and care for you as well. Don’t be discouraged or lose hope. Keep on keeping on. God will see you through.
With joy to know you and serve with you,
Your friend,
Mark David Jackson
