Sharing the Good News about Jesus happens in many ways, including: serving another’s needs, invitations to faith, insightful conversations, witnessing, teaching, and challenging values or beliefs.
When we try to share faith with young adults, in particular, especially during times of isolation, our choices decrease. So, Therese has created a novel that invites high school and college members of our families to experience one couple’s vision of God’s love. It is called The Singer and the Sailor. You might invite a young relative or friend to read it, while reading it yourself and then use the questions at the end of the book together. Sharing family history would also be appropriate at this time.
The Singer and the Sailor offers a portrait of life, love, faith and sacramental marriage, during the 1910s, and World War One. Both main characters experience spiritual growth or conversion in different ways. Rosalie moves from rote prayer to fruitful spiritual reading. Warren moves from indifference towards God, to the beginnings of a profound faith during a dangerous hurricane at sea.
Here is an excerpt:
“Oh. That reminds me. I have heard that you might need some cheering up. And I have just the ticket.” Rosalie’s sister, Isabel, announced as she returned with a small paper bag.
Rosalie was intrigued. She opened it to find a green book with a white etching of a nun on the front, ‘A Little White Flower –the Autobiography of Sœur (Sister) Thérèse of Lisieux.’ [who would not be canonized until 1925]. With a look of surprised delight, Rosalie stood and hugged her sister. “This is the very first book that I have ever owned. Thank you.”
Isabel shared her fascination about the young deceased nun from France who was becoming a Catholic sensation. “She is so ordinary, but with a flare! Just like you, Rosalie. Sœur Thérèse talks about her first ride in an electric elevator, and wonders what elevator she might take to reach God.
Then as she prayed about it, Jesus pointed out that our heavenly Father’s arms are her elevator. And ‘the only way which leads to Love’s divine furnace is self-surrender: it is the confidence of the little child who sleeps without fear in its father’s arms.’”
Rosalie got even more excited. “Thank you, Isabel. I will cherish her book and use it to pray. I will add it to my hymn book, rosary and prayer cards on my bedside table.”
“As long as you remember that praying is not a thing we do. It is about who we depend on the most. Whose arms will always pick us up, like an elevator, and hold us close like “Daddy’s two baby girls!”
Here is a Review
The Singer and the Sailor is a lovely historical novel geared for young adult readers and satisfying to older adults as well. The story centers on a budding romance during the 1910s and includes the Great War. The author has given a nod to numerous edgy and eyebrow-raising topics, which many young people face, such as: female roles, the significance of reputation, the power and influence of faith, alcoholism, abuse, and racism. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Elizabeth Tivnan
This might be just the inspiring gift you are looking for. The Facebook page for this book is here. The purchase page is here.