KEEP CALM AND READ ON

I was in 5th or 6th grade when my mom handed me a copy of C.S. Lewis’s The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe to read. I didn’t really know the context of the story, but it immediately drew me into its magical world of Narnia, Jadis (the White Witch), and, of course, Aslan. Because I didn’t have the benefit of watching the movie that came out a few years ago, I had to rely on the book, coupled with my own imagination.

Transported back to war-torn England during World War II, I hung on every word as Lucy discovers another world while hiding in a wardrobe during a game of hide-and-seek in her uncle’s house. After her discovery and earnest retelling, her siblings eventually believe her story and follow her through the wardrobe and into the wintery world of Narnia, a place constantly cold and snowy, thanks to the icy influence of the White Witch. “Always winter but never Christmas.” I read with horror as Edmund, tempted by his desire for personal pleasure (Turkish Delight), betrays his own family and does the White Witch’s dirty work by luring them into her trap.

When Aslan arrives in Narnia, I discovered, along with the Pevensie children, who he is and how the creatures in Narnia place their hope in his return. They earnestly desire for Aslan to dethrone the evil witch and to reign once more over Narnia. I found myself investing emotionally in the story; I was cheering right alongside all the oppressed inhabitants of snow-laden Narnia.

However, well into the story, the plot takes an unexpected twist. The White Witch’s helpers tie up Aslan, who has offered to take Edmund’s place, lay him upon a great stone slab, and Jadis murders him. Echoing Lucy’s and Susan’s response, I heaved a great sob and closed the book. I refused to continue reading. Things had gone horribly wrong, and I wouldn’t read any more of this tragic tale. When my mom found me, curled up in a ball with a tear-stained face, she just held me and asked what was troubling me. I finally found my voice and uttered, shakily, “She killed him. She killed Aslan. I’m all done with this book.”

I’m sure my feelings of hopelessness were nothing compared to the feelings the disciples might have had when they witnessed Jesus’ crucifixion. Their world was turning upside down before their eyes. They’d left their livelihoods behind to follow someone they thought was going to be the Messiah, who they expected would save them from Roman rule and oppression. And now, after predicting his own death, Jesus was taken from their midst, arrested, beaten, and crucified. If it had been a book, I’ll bet the disciples would’ve slammed it shut and refused to keep reading. In fact, they kind of did for a while. They were hiding in fear that they would be killed next (John 20). Jesus had even told them they would do this at their Last Supper together, just one week before His death: “‘Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home…’” (John 16:32a ESV).

Flash forward to the COVID-19 outbreak of March 2020: The world we once knew has taken on an unhealthy look, a bit like the unending snows of Narnia and the oppressed and occupied land of Israel. Places of meeting have closed their doors indefinitely, residents have been told to stay home, and social media has almost completely taken the place of face-to-face interactions. We’ve been forced to define “essential” -- workers, activities, needs… For many, comforts we have taken for granted have disappeared before our eyes. Will life ever be the same? If it was a book, maybe we could just close it and refuse to keep reading. But did you know that our problems are not to be a surprise to us?? During that same Last Supper, Jesus had told his disciples, “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows...” Wait, what?? I know, but keep reading: “...take heart, because I have overcome the world” (John 16:33 NLT).

Even though He had just spoken those words to the disciples, it seems like they had forgotten about those two seemingly opposite “promises,” It wasn’t until He appeared to them after His resurrection, showing them His hands and feet, that they knew it was really Him and not a ghost. It was then that they realized that death had NOT kept its grip on Him, that he TRULY was who He said He was. They could now boldly go forth and proclaim the Good News because He, in essence, had told them, “Keep reading, my beloved. I promise you it will be worth it.” You see, He knows how the story ends. And if you have read the Bible all the way to the end (Revelation), then YOU know how it ends, too.

I believe that is how we can “keep calm and read on” in the midst of this uncertain time. Jump into this strange new adventure with both feet. Don’t be afraid. Embrace these moments and find joy in the midst of the craziness. We know the author. Open up the book. Keep reading, Cherished Ones. I promise you it will be worth it. There will continue to be unexpected twists and turns, but we know how it ends, so we can trust Him in the midst of the fear and uncertainty.

I trusted my mom, too. When she hugged me tightly and looked into my puffy eyes, she said, “Keep reading, sweetie. I promise you it will be worth it.” She could say that because she had already read the book. She knew how it would end. And so, with her gentle prodding, I reluctantly picked up where I had left off and persevered through the difficult passages. Of course, you know how it ended, too:

“Wrong will be right, when Aslan comes in sight,

At the sound of his roar, sorrows will be no more,

When he bares his teeth, winter meets its death,

And when he shakes his mane, we shall have spring again.” (Mr. Beaver)

- Mrs. Hoefling

Take Heart - Matthew West