A Search For Peace
Finally Home by Deborah Raney is a Christian novella set in America 1972 during the Vietnam war.
Brian returns from Nam in a wheelchair. His parents alter their huge house to accommodate his needs, hire a physical therapist and then disappear to Columbia. “If money could buy a miracle, he was home free.” Brian’s parents have everything money can buy. However money cannot buy health or good relationships.
Kathy is Brian’s therapist and she believes in him. She works with him and encourages him. She is balm to his wounded body and soul. But Kathy is hiding a secret.
Kathy and Brian both fight for peace. Literally in Brian’s case. And Kathy goes on peace marches against the war in Nam. “People in this nation were dying of apathy as fast as the innocents in Vietnam.” Their aims are the same but their approaches very different.
Deborah Raney demonstrates the futility of war. The lives it wrecks, not just physically but mentally. She touches on the theme of PTSD. She shows how war is complicated, even children can be brain washed.
Brian in spite of his situation still has a strong faith in God. “He drew his strength from his trust in God.” This is what will see him through whatever life throws at him. Whatever we are facing, fixing our eyes on God and trusting Him will help us in all situations as we feel His peace.
Finally Home is not just about returning in the physical sense but it’s also in the mental sense. It is about being at home with God for who He is and ourselves for who we are. It is about knowing that God can heal but if He does not, it is loving and trusting Him anyway. I was reminded of Daniel 3:17-18 whilst reading the story. “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it… But even if He does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”
I love all Deborah Raney’s writings and this novella is a delightful read. So, grab yourself a download and a cup of coffee and settle down on the sofa to transport yourself back to America 1972.
JULIA WILSON