My Book Club recommendation for July is “As I Have Loved You” by Kitty de Ruyter-Bons.

I read this book back in 2003 when it was first published and then I had the opportunity to hear her speak in person. It stands as one of the most inspirational and motivating books I have ever read.

“Kitty de Ruyter-Bons endured the terror of man’s inhumanity to man during World War II. In this inspiring and powerful true story, Kitty testifies of the triumph of the human spirit.

As both of Kitty de Ruyter’s parents were devout Christians, her day started with a hymn and a scripture from the Bible. Kitty was only eight years old when her island paradise of Java, Indonesia, was invaded by Japanese soldiers during WWII.

Members of Kitty’s family were taken to different prison camps. Kitty describes how her mother acted with courage in the face of hardship-even torture. Forbidden to pray at the camp, she nevertheless prayed and taught her children all she remembered of the scriptures. She courageously defied the Japanese officials and bravely took upon herself the consequences.

These and countless other incidents, beautifully portrayed, prove that the grace of Christ gives one power in the presence of hatred, evil, pain, and suffering.”

I love the good she finds and sees in people during dark times. I am so inspired by her mothers strength, courage, inspiration and knowledge of the scriptures. It has given me the desire to be more willing to listen to promptings and act on them. Also, to really know the scriptures so I can recall and teach from them without having the book. I hope that I could be strong enough to take the hit of a blade for my children or have faith that God would preserve me in unfair punishments because I stood up for what I believed in to protect those around me.

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