Stop whatever you’re doing…

Stop whatever you’re doing right now and listen. What do you hear? If you’re outside sitting on the deck, do you hear birds twittering in the trees? Children playing? Dogs barking? If you’re inside making tea, do you hear the kettle whistling? Your friend chatting?

These are the sounds of freedom. Enjoy them. No, do more than that. Relish these moments. And if the time comes, be strong and courageous. Fight for them.

Last summer, I saw a movie that blew me away. It’s called, “Sound of Freedom”. It’s a must see true story! I hope it’s still available in theaters in your area or on Netflix because you don’t want to miss it. It will change your life. How? Freedom feels so much sweeter. But…spoiler alert: I have to warn you, it will be hard to watch. Just like visiting Schindler’s factory in Krakow, Poland was hard to do-it was totally worth it to understand that little piece of history. To be able to talk about the effects of the Holocaust so that it never happens again.

So too the movie, “Sound of Freedom” calls you to action. Witnessing the true story of a brother’s and sister’s capture is horrifying! They survive a journey in a cargo carrier-only to be sold into slavery. If it wasn’t for the empathy and commitment of a law enforcement officer who was also a father, the children would surely still be lost. Hopeless and alone, they suffered under the power and constraints of those who were merciless.

Fortunately, that wasn’t the end of the story. They escaped to hear those sounds that were a familiar part of their free lives: music, singing, laughter. The list goes on. But that’s not all. The story really didn’t stop there. Someone needed to tell the children’s story. To shake up the ivory towers we all live in because it can be easy to ignore evil when we’re doing just fine. But it’s more than that, however. Much more. Their story encourages us. If they overcame evil, we can too. And we can help others along the way.

It’s called making a difference. Shining your light. And don’t worry because it’s never to late to start! Anne Frank states it so beautifully: “How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.”

Shining my light

Which brings me to my novel, Eve’s Covering, the fictional account of my life growing up in a cult and escaping from it. At the time, being threatened with a knife was a terrifying experience. But it woke me up to the darkness I was living in, and I fled. I had no money and nowhere to go. It wasn’t only shame that kept me from reaching out for help. It was fear. I suddenly remembered the people in the cult’s circle that had mysteriously gone missing. It was by God’s grace that I didn’t end up in a trafficker’s hands. For a short time, I wandered the streets before I was able to find a ride back home…only to find it gone.

I struggled through ten years of nightmares and eight rough drafts before publishing my story. I gave up several times in the process, stuffing my notebooks into a drawer so I could try to forget about them. But I couldn’t forget. I couldn’t let evil win, so I picked up my pen and started again! Why did I wait so long? It doesn’t really matter. The important this is that I finished.

Spoiler free synopsis of Eve’s Covering: You’re going to have to read it for yourself😊

Eve’s family moves to Harbor Springs, a small lake town nestled along the shores of Northern Michigan. Her parents are eager to make a new start-and new friends. But Eve soon realizes there is something sinister about Simon and Marigold Blackwell.

When Eve’s cousin, Alice, dies and is said to have committed suicide, she knows something fishy is going on. Alice would never take her own life. Things get complicated further when the Blackwell’s nanny disappears without explanation.

The Blackwells endear themselves to Eve’s family, gaining the trust of her parents. Simon claims to be a prophet and expects his prophecies to be obeyed. Eve is frightened by the things Marigold says she is be able to see in the spirit world. Eve struggles to resist their manipulation, but the Blackwells steadily gain control of everything in her life-disrupting her plans for college and hopes of marrying her soulmate.

After what seems like an eternity of resisting the hold the Blackwells have over her, Eve faulters. She fears a curse and the safety of her family if she refuses the Blackwell’s demands. She finally gives in and joins them.

 Part Two finds Eve on a plane to the Soviet Union. The Blackwells have persuaded her to take an internship at The House of Angels, an orphanage they run in Armenia. Eve soon discovers there’s something evil going on. She sets out to find the truth and is determined to do everything in her power to protect the children, even if it means sacrificing herself.

What’s your difference?

As long as you have breath in your lungs, it’s not too late to make a difference in the world. It might be small-microscopic, even. Perhaps it’s a simple act of kindness. Maybe it’s helping a neighbor or sharing Jesus with a friend. But it doesn’t just happen. You have to be intentional-set your sights and make a goal. Then take the necessary steps to get there. So, let’s make it personal. Think about what matters to you. Your friends and family. Your sphere of influence. How could you make their world a better place? Go for it!

Shine your light,

Elsie

“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” – Anne Frank