The Works of God

O God, break the teeth in their mouths; tear out the fangs of the young lions, O LORD. (Psalm 58:6 ESV)

I’ve read hundreds of books and can’t remember any that referenced Psalm 58:6. That is, until my most recent two fiction books!

Jewel

Jewel, by Bret Lott, tells the story of Jewel from the time she is a girl until nearing her death as an old lady. Beautifully written with rich, complex characters, it is especially moving when Brenda Kay, Jewel’s daughter with Down syndrome is introduced. Lott expertly explores the vast range of emotions and responses that Jewel and her family experience because of Brenda Kay’s disabilities. Both the seasons of sadness and moments of joy feel right and familiar.

Adding to the complexity of the relationships is how Lott deals with the language and mores of Mississippi in the 1930’s through 60’s. Lott does not avoid using the ugly language of the day for Black Americans or people with disabilities. But he also shows, in a brief but powerful scene, that when the stakes are high enough even the most ‘normal’ of language usage can change in an instant.

The reference to Psalm 58:6 comes near the end of the book in a dramatic encounter between two deeply hurting women.

One of the best written books I have ever read, it is for adults interested in engaging complex issues of race, class, marriage, and parenting through compelling people and circumstances. It was an Oprah Book Club Selection in 1999.

Outlaws of Time #2: The Song of Glory and Ghost

Outlaws of Time #2: The Song of Glory and Ghost by N.D. Wilson is the story of Sam, a boy who has been given unusual powers after the loss of his arms, and Glory, a girl with the ability to shift time. To share more would be to give away too much!

Written for an 8-12 year-old audience, I thoroughly enjoyed it, as I have all of Wilson’s work. Though not his best book (that would be Death by Living) nor his best series (that would be the unfinished Ashtown Burials series), Outlaws of Time #2 continues in Wilson’s colorful, imaginative, constant-motion story telling. His characters are courageous, intelligent, loving and loyal in the best sense of those words. The antagonists are evil and cunning and interesting. I’m always sorry when one of his stories is complete.

The reference to Psalm 58:6 also comes near the end in this book, again between two female characters. As Millie, Sam’s sister notes, “she knew she hadn’t quoted any of the old Scriptures even close to correctly. But this was war.”

And a great war it was.