Buried Treasure

Words. Words are a part of me. They have shaped me. They have helped me process my thoughts. And they often point out places of growth in me.

That being said, I haven't touched a book since school let out, I haven't posted since about then, and I have barely written since then. Why? Business, other things to do, and something I can't put a finger on kept me away. Recently I got a new job that gives me an hour long lunch break. I'm usually done with my food within the first twenty minutes or so. For the first couple weeks I took the time to rest after working all morning. Last week I finally decided to use that time better; I started reading a book. It was refreshing to get back into words again. Ironically, a couple days after starting the book, I accidentally left at a family reunion. Monday I didn't really want to start a new one, but I decided reading was a good thing to do. So I started another book: A Voice in the Wind.

I've read the story countless times and enjoy reading it every time. The past few days have been enjoyable as I've immersed myself in a familiar story and characters I can always relate to, listen to, and learn from. Even though the story is set in ancient Rome, the author Francine Rivers succeeds in bringing truth from the past into the present.

The story up 'til now has been exciting and engaging as always. but this time a character stepped out of the story and showed something to me. Enter Hadassah. Hadassah is a Jewish slave in Rome after the Jerusalem was sacked by Rome. She is a Christian in the midst of a pagan household. She's still a child when she enters the home of the Valerians as a maidservant for their daughter. All through her time there, she struggles to share her faith with anyone around her, worried that they would reject her or worse, send her to the arena. This comes to a head when she's in distress and wonders why she hasn't shared the gospel with a fellow Jew still following Judaism and an Egyptian worshiping idols.

Hadassah is torn about keeping silent and wonders why, realizing, "Because her fear of rejection and persecution kept the truth locked in her heart. The knowledge she had was hidden treasure meant for both of them, and she clung to it, gaining strength from it, but too afraid to give it away."

I read that and it hit me so hard. I am surrounded every day by people like those surrounding Hadassah, and I too keep the treasure in me buried. I draw strength form it, I retreat into it when I'm weary, but I don't bring it out and share it with those around me. I can blame not being told how. I rationalize that those around know about God and Jesus and have their own opinions. And I often don't even think about sharing it with anyone. In the story Hadassah weeps. What do I do? I shrug it off, say I'll do better eventually, and carry as normal.

But how can I? That's what Hadassah asked me. Or more exactly, that's the question Hadassah's words asked me. I claim Jesus is my closest friend, someone I can tell anything to, and is the Lord of my life. Yet do I do what He's asked. Do I even try to tell others about how amazing a friend I have? I don't. I am satisfied to enjoy the blessing He is to me and let others find Him themselves. ...I am ashamed of myself.

In the story Hadassah gradually becomes bolder as she draws upon God's strength to aid her and give her the courage to proclaim His name. !SPOILER!-And at the end of the book she is sent to the arena to face the lions for sharing her faith-!SPOILER! Yet even then she says that it is a blessing, because now she is free of the fear. What more can man do to her? She has been liberated to speak boldly and not be afraid. Hadassah stood up for her Lord, her Jesus. Can I do any less? Can I do any less than share the treasure I hold so tight--so terrified--in my heart?

I believe in the power of story's. It's the reason I'm an author. It's why I read and why I write. I usually end a blog post with some sharp, upbeat saying about how I'm going to practice what I just preached. But this time I'm still scared. I'm still trembling inside. Hadassah was for a while too. I don't know the future. I can't smile and say everything will be alright. It only will be if I reach inside and take out what I've hidden away. Hold out to others what I've grasped so tightly myself. Share what keeps me going when nothing else will. Can I share this Jesus, my Jesus? I have to. I need to.


Joshua Falk