A Prayer from Ravensbruck
Nazi Ravensbruck has firmed in history as a measure of human atrocity, almost without equal.
Ravensbruck was a concentration camp exclusively for women and children during World War Two. It was located 90 kilometers north of Berlin. From May 1939 this hell-hole became the grave to 50,000+ (this figure is difficult gauge) women and children during the holocaust.
Found scribbled on a piece of wrapping paper near the corpse of a child, the following prayer was found.
The generosity of this prayer is as unspeakable as the place it was discovered.
O Lord, remember not only the men and women of good will but also those of evil will.
But do not remember all the suffering they have inflicted upon us;
remember the fruits we have borne thanks to this suffering –
our comradeship, our loyalty, our humility, our courage,
our generosity, the greatness of heart which has grown out of all this;
and when they come to the judgement, let all the fruits
that we have borne be their forgiveness. AMEN
The heart that penned this prayer may have known little of doctrine, but was far more importantly warmed under the mantle of grace.
The author was familiar with their Lord, the Lord whose heart is always first full of compassion and mercy. (See James 5:11)
Forgiveness is a virtue of the brave. ~ Indira Gandhi
Those of a prayerful and generous spirit will also navigate life's other concentration camps well.
Today's Soul Snippet:
'The Christian ministry exists for the purpose of holiness'. ~ Donald McCleod
ENJOY TOO ~ Betsie ten Boom 'still lives'
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