The Old Curiosity Shop

I have a certain fascination with pre-twentieth century English literature, one of my favorite authors being Charles Dickens. For some reason, I am unequivocally drawn into his highly descriptive style of writing, his colorful characters - often of quite extreme colors, and his underlying sense of justice for the lower classes of 19th century England. One of my favorite books by Charles Dickens is The Old Curiosity Shop. In 2009 BBC Video put out a very well done movie of the classic. Although I enjoyed watching it and am glad that the screen writiers stuck to the true story for the most part, it really cannot do the book justice. Here is a review that I wrote about the book after reading it earlier this year:

The Old Curiosity Shop
Charles Dickens

Charles Dickens' The Old Curiosity Shop, is a signature style Dickens - exceedingly descriptive and character-driven with a thread of whimsical. This diametrically replete tale counter-weighs angelic innocence with shameless evil. Originally written in segments and published weekly, its old-world readership was undoubtedly as addicted from week to week as current TV viewers of "Lost" or "24".

The Old Curiosity Shop portrays the lovely child, Nell, who's life's enduring purpose is to love and care for her elderly grandfather despite the hardship and turmoil to which he unknowingly brings upon them. When the grandfather's secret obsession leads the two on a dangerous journey to find freedom, Nell is subjected for the first time to humanity's desperation and despondency.

As each lovely character must have an equally opposing unlovely counterpart, so the story features an ugly dwarf named Daniel Quilp, who's facinatingly evil schemes seek to ruin anyone who has even a hint of goodness. This tale is not for the weak spirited, nor for those who wish their characters to be common, ordinary, law abiding citizens. Although you will encounter poetical fools, gritty poker-shysters, spineless egotistical tools, and quivering abused wives, the redeeming actors put the story into a beautiful balance. The Old Curiosity Shop is a truly enjoyable tale and worth all 500 pages.

A year older

Getting a year older....it's better than the alternative.

My sister informed me this weekend that I had finally caught up to her in age. She said that she stopped aging at 31, so now we are the same age. Since I was a kid, I always wanted to catch up to her - I finally made it! But next year, it seems that I will have to take the role as the older sister. I don't know if I am up for the task...she does such a good job.

Mercy

This is one of countless amazing stories of young women who have been transformed and healed by God's power through a very impacting ministry called Mercy Ministries. If you have a few minutes, listen to Kaitlen's audio testimony.

Mercy Ministries is a residential Christian counseling program for young women who are dealing with life threatening issues: drug abuse, self-harm, sexual abuse, eating disorders, etc. The organization has homes in Nashville, TN; Monroe, LA; Saint Louis, MO; and Sacramento, CA.

Here is one of the graduates written testimonies:

"I came to Mercy Ministries battling an eight year struggle with an eating disorder which led to depression, suicidal thoughts, prescription drug use, and dabbling in self harm. Due to an unstable and abusive childhood, I did not have value or worth. I also did not now how to cope with the pains and rejections that life brought through other peoples’ choices. God used Mercy Ministries in such an awesome way, and He brought so much healing, freedom, hope, health, value, and truth into my life. I now wake up everyday thanking God for the new life He has given me. Mercy Ministries was only the beginning of the healing, hope, and future that God has planned for me! I have grown so much since graduating. Daily I have to continue to surrender and depend on God and keep my mind renewed. I still have to choose truth and life everyday. 

God’s favor and provision have led the way in my journey back to school. I have been blessed with so many opportunities, connections, jobs, relationships, and funding along the way. In 2006, I graduated college from Louisiana Tech University with a bachelor’s degree in nutrition and dietetics. Currently I am working on my master’s degree in nutrition and also working in a dietetic internship to become a registered dietitian. I love my life now, but I am so excited about the future. I know that my best days are yet to come!”

I have Nancy Alcorn's book, "Echoes of Mercy" which details the founding of the ministry, so if you want a good read, you can borrow it!