Do you have your own thorns? Bare it all for our Lord, and find hope.

  


A bang! That's how Pepper Basham's The Thorn Bearer started off.  Did you read the snippet from my earlier post today? (Click here if you haven't.) My "bang" is not referring to what happened in the snippet, but what the very first words of the story. "Death hovered in the shadows of the room..." (1). I didn't expect to be wrapped in so early on, but I was - the very first page. Pepper's The Thorn Bearer splashed us with a surprising revelation of the horrors of  what Ashleigh faced growing up, and doused us with a sense of disgust and even hatred for Ashleigh's father early on.  I don't know how I could've read on without gritting my teeth.  My heart ached for Ashleigh.

The Thorn Bearer is a beautifully written novel with great historical details and striking characters, interwoven with a strong theme of grace, forgiveness and humble dignity. The story of the sinking of Lusitania during the First World War have created a enchanting backdrop in the struggles our characters face from loss to fear to truth and to hope.   Each character will afflict you with a certain infectious emotion that will stay with you until you release it to a listening ear, with romance and their own spiritual journey. Ultimately, what hits me the most with The Thorn Bearer is the title and the image of what those words meant after reading this story.  Thorns of  pain, fear, bitterness, shame and self-deprecation filled Ashleigh's mind and emotions. Even when her thorns are pulled, scars become visible for all to see and vulnerability kicks in high, God's grace and love, soaked and washed her tears and brokenness. His grace and His love can heal all scars with beauty, dignity, faith and true love.  I am reminded how our Lord Jesus wore the crown of thorns and carried our burdens and sin, and only with Him, can forgiveness and peace preside.

I had an overwhelming amount of highlights while reading this book, as you can see from some of the memes here. Here are just a few more that sparked something in me.

"Thank God for small favors." (Loc 459)

"...do not stay alone with your prayer. Hold it before you like a beacon and step back into your life, wherever you are, no matter how dark." (Loc 775)

"Many people face heartbreak throughout their lives.  Some fall under the weight of their sorrow, some harden like stone and others blossom from it, as lovely as a winter rosebush in bloom. Trials are a part of life, and pain with those trials...how you choose to heal from these wounds will determine what will become of the woman inside of you." (Loc 974) 

Honestly, there are so many, I can go on and on.  I do hope that the small amount I've shown you here will give you a glimpse of the beauty and substance of The Thorn Bearer and Pepper's prose in this heart-wrenching and enlightening story.  I end here with this for you.


NOTE:  I received a complimentary copy of this book through Singing Librarian Tours for an honest review.