Sitting high on a sandy cliff, gazing out over what seemed an endless sea, I remember thinking, “What’s out there?”
A favorite print that hangs on a wall at home shows a little blond-headed girl sitting on a sandy beach, reminiscent of a place our family lived long ago. The child in the print, maybe six, is dressed in a white blouse and blue shorts; tiny deck shoes lying beside her in the sand.
I had found the old print among the dust and clutter of an antique shop in Tennessee some years back and was struck by my own memories at about that age, sitting high on the dunes of Carmel by the Sea, now far away, playing with grassy reeds and shells; watching the waves roll in to shore, and seagulls noisily doing fly-by’s.
Unable to see beyond the vast Pacific Ocean, I couldn’t imagine the infinite possibilities. “What’s out there?” I wondered.
Did one of the many Carmel artists take time one day to capture the little dreamer I was on canvas? Even the Dutch boy haircut on the child in the print was the same as mine back then. I’ve never stopped wondering about life, and asking questions about it. My mother would tell you it was one of my most annoying attributes. It’s also what led me to seek after God.
Is God real?
“No one can know God!” Mom said that many times when my sisters, Judy and Donna, and I were still wearing her out with our many questions and some shrill tattling. Our parents never went to church, but sent us alone occasionally, maybe to give them a quiet Sunday at home. The rule in our house was, never to discuss religion or politics. And—except for saying a memorized “grace” prayer before dinner now and then—we never did.
My siblings and I were pretty much left to our own fancy as to what God was about. For me, it only prompted a deep curiosity about what was written in a dusty old King James Bible that sat neglected on the shelf at home; sneaking peeks into that Book more than a few times. Unfortunately, meeting head-on with the “begats” (and not understanding this was NOT like other books that offer a plot, a story and a certain ending), I soon gave up trying to make sense of it.
It would be forty years, and a lot of looking for love and other answers in many wrong places, until I would seek answers beyond my mother’s understanding that, “No one can know God.” Thankfully, I would discover the opposite was actually true… that the answers to all my most important questions had been right there in that dusty old Book all along.
Finding answers
It began one night when I was on the road, touring with my band out of Nashville, Tennessee. Our front man, Butch, was driving our oversized van and watching me out of the corner of his eye, as I sat in the “shotgun” seat; my stocking feet against the glove compartment, engrossed in a nondescript novel. Butch finally asked, “Susan, why don’t you read the Bible?”
Suddenly, inexplicably irate, embarrassed even, I shot back with, “Why don’t you mind your own business!” He had just driven on then. But, for days after that I couldn’t get his question out of my mind.
“I’m an intelligent person,” I assured myself. “I’m always curious about things… doing, seeing new things… reading all kinds of books. So, why haven’t I read THAT one?” Up to that point, I’d had a (bad) habit of using a book, even a Bible, in any of those on-the-road motel rooms, as a prop for the lid of my makeup case… its contents still neglected.
Strange, that a few days later, arriving at another venue where we would perform, I would find a paperback book in my motel room! The cover read, “FREE, take this copy with you.” The inside title page read, Good News For Modern Man. About that time, so many things were going wrong in my life, and mostly I missed my children back in Nashville. I needed some “good news!”
A most important question
After our last show that night, in the quiet of my room I settled into bed with the FREE book. Jumping right past the Table of Contents and the Introduction, I began to read. “What IS this?” I wondered cynically, “the Dick and Jane version of that dusty old King James Bible back home?” But, by the time we packed up to drive on to the next venue, I had read several chapters, still not really understanding.
Not long after, back on the road, Butch was again driving the van as I sat on the passenger side, this time reading the “Good News” paperback.
I had just one question for Butch: “Who did this guy think he was, anyway…” I asked facetiously, “…God or something!?” Butch’s wordless, half-smiling shrug, in response to my question, was the beginning of a whole new life for me…
Over the next several years I would find myself singing a new song; spending time with my children and family in more meaningful ways; finding friendships I’d also never known were out there. I was soon hosting/producing Christian television programs, and working with a radio media agency. I was blessed then to marry my best friend, who encouraged me to write my first book.
Called to write a Musical
A few years later, my real sister, Donna Griggs, and I were led to write a full-sized musical stage play about a Dutch woman and her family who had been imprisoned for hiding Jews from the Nazis during World War 2. Corrie ten Boom and her real sister, Betsie, brought hope to prisoners in three concentration camps then, sharing that same “Good News.” Our hope is to continue to do the same, by way of this musical telling of Corrie’s powerful story, “Ten Boom the Musical.”
Remember that little girl in the print? The one sitting high on a sandy hill in Carmel by the Sea, now far away from my Tennessee home, wondering, “What’s out there?”
I’m thankful, over many years since, to have seen much of the world. And I’m eternally thankful that, when I had lost the wonder of childhood, and even the will to keep trying, in one stunning moment the Lord had changed my life.
So, what is out there?
I know now, it’s the beauty that God made… the ugliness that sin has wrought… and a world of people out there who need assurance of the love of the Lord who gave His life to redeem us all, on another hill far away.
[Ten Boom the Musical shares the true and powerful story of Corrie ten Boom. To present this musical at your church or venue, contact us at 615-425-2652, 615-300-8591, or email us at [email protected]]
Since Donna Griggs and I began writing the “Ten Boom” project, friends have been great to recommend certain venues to contact. They named various churches, Christian universities, and theater groups. Also, community playhouses they thought would “love to present Corrie ten Boom’s powerful story, especially with the music.”
However, as we began making contacts, we discovered something different.
Many church drama ministries preferred to present some better-known Broadway musicals as a way of “reaching out to unbelievers.” Some quoted 1 Corinthians 9:22, as to the “WHY” of their theatrical ministries. It seems, they just hope to “get them in the door first.”
A few thought presenting original plays (like ours) might be “Too Jesus-y.” After all, they explained, “Some people come to church just needing encouragement.”
Paul wrote that 1 Corinthians 9:22 verse… “I have become all things to all people that by all means I might save some.” But, of course, his whole heart was, that all people should come to saving faith in Christ Jesus. He told of the peace and hope found in Him, not just a momentary distraction.
Montage of Broadway Musicals
A few years ago, a friend suggested we contact a certain music director at a large area church here. We were enthusiastically invited to see a special montage of Broadway musicals they were presenting. We were curious and accepted the invitation. After all, we also love good theater!
When we arrived, the church was nearly filled to capacity, and the spirited fellowship seemed to hint at a revival of sorts. The Broadway “montage” unfolded with scenes from four entertaining (if not really faith-lifting) musicals. Finally, a scene from the fifth musical began. Lights were dimmed in the large auditorium, as probably the most familiar of all overtures began, dramatically. Loud gasps mixed with cheers, especially from the young people there, filled the auditorium.
Suddenly, our host, the music director, took to the stage dressed in black, masked in the role of The Phantom of the Opera. The church erupted! To be sure, he had the voice, and did a convincing job of portraying the dark Phantom. Entertaining, yes… but a purveyor of peace and hope!?
After the performance, the young director told us he had “always wanted to play that lead role.” He “loved the music” and now was able to “kill two birds with one stone.” After all, shouldn’t becoming all things to all people that by all means I might save some apply here, too? Hmm!
Let me think…
The Phantom character is an unforgiving, vengeful, enraged, hate-filled figure. He goes to great lengths to seduce a young virgin girl, confusing and twisting her mind through dark, lustful deception. He hopes to share his dank, be-candled underground world, and together find love, peace and even joy. Happily ever after, right? By the way, he also terrorized and murdered several people in his pursuit of her. Most notably, causing a massive chandelier to plummet down on many!
Yes, I’ve seen the Broadway touring performance, even the spectacularly-produced film, at one point. But, one thing I’ve noted about “The Phantom of the Opera” that would seem to disqualify it from a Church outreach program. It has a mesmerizing appeal to many theater goers. Certain young women are captivated by the tragic (“he just needs love and I can fix that”) character. Many think it a romantic story, as the Phantom beguiles the leading lady (and, in this case, much of the church). Surely such lyrics as, “You can’t resist, the Phantom of the opera is there inside your mind,” give way to some kind of ministry!? Uh… maybe NOT!
As the talented, no doubt well-meaning, young music director finished singing the Phantom’s sad, seductive song… the (mostly) young girls in the church screamed and cheered. Captivated… enraptured!?
What Are We Teaching Our Youth?
Is this what we want for our youth, or ourselves? Do we not get way too much of that from our more and more secular culture now? Proverbs 14:12 says,“There is a way that seems right to a [person], but the end is destruction.”.
When someone has been sifted by whatever life has thrown at them, even of their own doing, and they finally walk into a church seeking truth they haven’t found in the world… as they come needing peace and hope, not just another ‘Band-aid’… isn’t it our Commission as the Church to help them find that hope in Christ Jesus who is the Way, the Truth and the Life… the One we say we believe?
Donna and I wrote “Ten Boom the Musical” to share the life-inspiring, true story of an extraordinary woman who found victory for herself and others despite the darkness of the Nazi Holocaust. Who would argue that evil is alive and thriving in this world? It seemed to us, the example of a real-life hero, someone with deep faith, personal integrity and courage is a more compelling outreach for our youth or anyone else.
But, lest we forget the Phantom…
Should even the darkest of “phantoms” (and there are many of those out there these days) become weary of their ways, and come to the Church to find that peace, hope and genuine concern for their lives… what will we offer them that will prove to make the difference?
We would love to hear from you as you consider presenting this uplifting, musical telling of Corrie ten Boom’s powerful true story, “Ten Boom the Musical.” She overcame the real phantom, even through the Nazi Holocaust.
[Ten Boom the Musical shares the true and powerful story of Corrie ten Boom. To present this musical at your church or venue, contact us at 615-425-2652, 615-300-8591, or email us at [email protected]]
I think Corrie ten Boom might have appreciated American college football, especially the Tennessee Vols! She loved and worked with youth, and she was well-acquainted with hard work, discipline, coordination and team work, given her early experiences and later profound ministry to others.
Last Saturday night, I enjoyed watching my husband watch college football!
Philip can take or leave the pro’s, he says, but he loves seeing young people at these schools. Loves all the color, energy and excitement that goes with them sharing the best years of their youth together.
The Tennessee Vols football team had lost to the Florida Gators for the past eleven years, and Philip and I looked forward to cheering “our team” on to victory in this latest matchup. In our (also) eleven years of marriage, Philip has taught me a lot about football and the strategy of the game. I’ve learned to really enjoy football. So, popcorn popped, pizza in mind, we snuggled on the couch to enjoy the match.
Sad to say, watching the first half of the September 24th game was less than inspiring, with Tennessee dropping the ball six times, and fans in the bleachers looking as if the Rapture had happened, and they had missed it. At the half, the score was Florida 21, Vols 0.
It made me think how… as we run our personal “race” in life… it often happens that, when things seem to be going “south” (no pun intended), we give up as if its game-over, before we wait to see the final score.
Philip was disappointed, “How do you drop six balls that even I could have caught?”
“Well, the one thing we haven’t done is prayed!” I said, not trying to sound pious. He smiled, “It’s a football game!!”
“You have not, because you ask not, somebody said somewhere… in ALL things!” Hmmm! I prayed!
So what happened? If the Tennessee Vols team had left the field at the half looking down in the mouth, they bounded out of the locker room with new resolve. In fact, you might have thought it was a whole new team… like maybe Alabama had donned the Vols uniforms and hit the field!?
But, no… play after determined play, the Vols fought the good fight to claim a 38 to 28 victory over their long-undefeated Florida foe. Odd thing was, Florida… the team that could do no wrong in the first half, seemed to be unable to move the ball in the second half.
Philip smiled again about my prayer, “Really?” But, he had that high-five look all over his face.
For me, watching the explosion of cheers and tears on the faces of 100,000 Tennessee fans, then seeing them, arms linked, swaying to the strains of “The Tennessee Waltz” was a touching moment in time for those of us who hoped for Tennessee’s victory. I thought, “Would that so many would gather together to cheer the One who laid down His life to allow us the greatest victory of all… eternal victory!”
Corrie ten Boom’s true life story is a lesson in victorious living! Life well lived… love of family and others… faith in the One she had learned was trustworthy always… ups and downs, but never taking her eyes off the goal… deep personal assurance, even in the face of the fiercest enemy in world history. As I said earlier, I think Corrie might have liked American college football!
Our hope is, as the next generations live out their lives… dreaming their dreams, even if their world might seem at the point of “game-over”… that they will not let negative input, “political correctness,” or anything else rob them of Truth, and the most important goal possible for their lives: eternal victory in Jesus Christ. “For with God nothing will be impossible” (Luke 1:37).
[Ten Boom the Musical shares the true and powerful story of Corrie ten Boom. To present this musical at your church or venue, contact us at 615-425-2652, 615-300-8591, or email us at [email protected]]
“Gramma Jama” parties… a great way to make lasting memories with your family!
Did you know Corrie ten Boom spent many years organizing Boys and Girls Clubs, even clubs for young servicemen and women, during the worst days of World War 2?
Here was a single woman who gave much of her time and herself, encouraging and teaching young people in her hometown—Haarlem, Holland.
What an extraordinary person she was, who always surrounded herself with loving family and friends, making wonderful memories that, as she later said, “would hold us like an anchor in the storm when the time came for us to walk into hell itself!”
I believe it’s why Corrie ten Boom maintained a giving and joyful spirit, even as the Nazis took over her homeland, and she and her family were arrested for hiding 800 Jewish people who were being hunted for extermination then. You wonder, could that happen again? Could a powerful political force take over the lives of so many others like that again?
Corrie ten Boom never married, and never had children of her own, yet she took time to make memories for, and speak into the lives of many of them then, during the most important years of their lives and one of the scariest times in world history for people of any age.
Honestly, many of the memories I had made, raising my three children (having spent many of those years on the road performing and thinking I was affording a better life for us), were that I had not really been at home enough to make the most important impact on their lives. Years later, coming to faith in Jesus Christ, it became a priority for me to be near my children, if they would want that now, and especially to get to know their children. I wanted to make new memories that might carry me and any of them through the years ahead. Maybe even through events like Corrie and her family had endured, if it ever came to that!
So here’s an idea, for those who have young people to love, that you want to impact positively:
“Gramma Suzna” (that’s what the first of many grandchildren had called me) was having trouble finding time to keep up with all of them. Being a modern grandmother—working full-time with my business-owner husband; a busy writing schedule of my own, managing our home, and a seeming million other details needing attention—it seemed impossible to coordinate with other family members’ schedules!
But, I know now, more than ever, good family memories are SO very important! Children grow up way too fast, and they’re gone. So, years ago “Gramma Suzna” had to come up with a plan, while the children were smaller, not so mobile themselves, and still interested in what “Gramma” was about.
“YESSSSS! I know what I’ll do,” I thought. “How about planning a wonderful time for ALL the grandchildren to come to the house and take part in a special day together… no, TWO days!” Sisters, brothers and cousins all together for an overnight stay… what used to be called a pajama party.
“Yes, that’s IT!” We would call it a GRAMMA JAMA party, and make some memories together! After all, how hard could it be to bring four, six… oh dear… how many of these little people could I handle by myself!? What would Corrie do?
If you’re thinking to throw your own “Gramma Jama” parties, here’s how it went for me:
Now, let’s see… First, we need to coordinate everyone’s schedules for a specific weekend, and send out invitations to each child (in care of their parents, of course). How about they come on a Friday, about 5:00 pm, for about 24 hours of fun together?
Planning “Gramma Jamma” – What to do? Make a list… crafts, games, music, picnic, trip to zoo, aquarium, maybe the beach, a boat ride? How about we bake and decorate cookies or candy or pumpkins?
How about FOOD! Friday night: Everyone loves Pizza, sodas, popcorn, junk food? But, then I thought about healthier munchies their parents might approve: maybe veggy burgers on wheat buns with yummy bean sprouts, slices of cucumber and tomatoes; sweet potato fries, and non-fat yogurt for dessert topped with slices of kiwi? Sounds like something I would eat, alone, while my grandchildren rolled their eyes. Nahhh! It’s just for one or two nights, so…
Pizza AND frankfurters stuffed with mashed potatoes, topped with cheddar cheese, Nacho chips, salsa, and fudge brownies with ice cream. Now we’re talking! Saturday breakfast: how about waffles with strawberry syrup and slices, ringed high with whipped cream smiley faces, with bacon and orange juice. Later, picnic lunch somewhere… yep, more planning to do! Just how much can you cram into a 24-hour “Gramma Jama” party?
What should they bring with them? They’ll stay overnight, so do we have enough beds for them all? No, that’s no fun… they’ll want to be together in one big room… so SLEEPING BAGS or blankets. And PILLOWS. Yes, lots of pillows! PILLOW FIGHT!!!”
I couldn’t wait then to send out special invitations to my grandchildren, to “COME, enjoy a special time with all your sisters, brothers and cousins!” We made “Gramma Jama” memories for the next few years after that.
I think now about Corrie ten Boom and the boys and girls clubs she organized those years before the War. Were they all just about food, family and fun fellowship? That was probably a great part of it, but I know from reading Corrie’s heart in her books, that she also took quality time to read to them and teach them about the most important message she could speak into their lives… about the God who loves them SO much, the importance of getting to know and trust Him, and the power of prayer that would get them through the best and even the hardest events of their lives.
How about making your own “Gramma Jama” memories!?
[Pictured above: Tarah, Olivia, Autumn, Gramma, Amber, Rebekah and Ryan]
[Ten Boom the Musical shares the true and powerful story of Corrie ten Boom. To present this musical at your church or venue, contact us at 615-425-2652, 615-300-8591, or email us at [email protected]]