Welcome Back!
Last week, I began discussing the book, ‘Number the Stars’, by Lois Lowry.
Two things drew me into this book. First, the citizens of Denmark (the Danes) willingness to help Jews who were fleeing the Nazi invasion during WWII. The second was Lowry’s description of Denmark’s leader at the time, King Christian X.
The Power of a Wise Leader
King Christian the tenth on his daily ride with his horse, Jubilee
Countries that succeed have a strong, moral leader or group of leaders, who love the people and want what’s best for them. Denmark had this in King Christian X.
In chapter two, a Nazi soldier asked a Danish teenager, ‘Where is your King’s bodyguard? The teen gave this response, “All of Denmark is his bodyguard.” The Danes loved their king so much that they were willing to die for him.
One character in the book, Annemarie, said, “Now I think that all of Denmark must be a bodyguard for the Jews as well.” The Danes were willing to help others because of their courageous King.
Resisting Evil
The newspaper article above was published at an anxious, scary time in the war. Who wouldn’t feel empowered by their leader’s response to the Nazi threat?
During World War II, the Danes watched as the inherent rights of their fellow citizens (who happened to be Jewish) were forcibly taken away by the Nazis. The Danes knew it was their responsibility to do whatever they could to protect their fellow citizens.
A large amount of this responsibility was carried out by the young members of the “Dutch Resistance.”
Annemarie’s sister, Lise, was part of the Dutch Resistance. She gave her life in defense of her Jewish neighbors. On asking about her sister’s death, their father wisely responded, “She was part of the Resistance, too, part of a group that fought for our country in whatever ways they could.” Lise, like so many young people during World War Two, gave her life for her country and fellow citizens. The Danes cared deeply about others; they understood the importance of standing for justice, even when other countries didn’t.
What Can We Do?
Many lessons can be taken from this amazing book. We need to be willing to help those around us, who, just like the Jews in WWII, are defenseless. We must resist those who attempt to take away our God-given freedoms. We can do this by saying ‘no’ to corrupt ideas, praying for others who don’t see the truth, and supporting those in political office who stand for what’s right and good. We need to ask ourselves if we’d be willing to lay down our lives for others. Novels like Number the Stars demonstrate what courage truly is.
“Courage is fear that’s said it’s prayers.” – Author Unknown
Conclusion
Lois Lowry’s ‘Number the Stars’ was and continues to be an incredible story of courage, bravery, and wisdom. It reveals a people who believed everyone has certain inalienable rights and proved people are willing to die for those rights. Let us love those around us just like the Danes loved their Jewish brothers and sisters.
In the afterword, Lois Lowry talks about Kim Malthe Bruun, who was a member of the Danish Resistance. She ended with the following quote, and I’d like to do the same. “. . . and I want you all to remember–that you must not dream yourselves back to the times before the war, but the dream for you all, young and old, must be to create an ideal of human decency, and not a narrow-minded and prejudiced one. That is the great gift our country hungers for, something every little peasant boy can look forward to, and with pleasure feel he is a part of–something he can work and fight for.”
I encourage you to get a copy of ‘Number the Stars’ for yourself. You won’t be disappointed.
Until next time…
“The Lord bless you and keep you, make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you. The Lord turn His face towards you, and give you peace.”