Letter Of A Dead Child Found At Ravensbruck Concentration Camp

Several years ago I came across this amazing letter (Source Unknown) that was discovered in the clothing of a dead child at Ravensbruck concentration camp:

"O Lord, remember not only the men and woman of good will, but also those of ill will. But do not remember all of the suffering they have inflicted upon us. Instead, remember the fruits we have borne because of this suffering--our fellowship, our loyalty to one another, our humility, our courage, our generosity, the greatness of heart that has grown from this trouble. When our persecutors come to be judged by you, let all of these fruits that we have borne be their forgiveness."

As I see, hear, touch, taste and smell the meanness and foolishness that has overtaken our world, I am reminded, through letters like this, that there was a time when people didn't have the privileges and amenities we have today; indeed, these people had nothing, nada, zilch. The fact that a child wrote this makes it even more astounding.

Remember the fruits of this awful suffering that humanity has inflicted on us, prays this perceptive child of God. Today's imprecation is retribution on those who do not fulfill our every demand, for that is what we have become: demanding children, aware only of our right to every comfort and latest gadget that we cannot afford. Oh, another right is the right not to be insulted! When I read about what the prisoners at the concentration camps endured, anger surges through every cell of my being when I hear the incessant murmurings of these ungrateful human beings. Did we thank God for our sunrise and sunset today? Did we thank Him for our toothbrush and toothpaste, our soap and hot water, as we get ready for and end the day? Do we thank Him for our food? Do we even realize how important that piece of bread is?

"When our persecutors come to be judged by you, let all of these fruits that we have borne be their forgiveness." Wow! Let these fruits of fellowship, loyalty, courage, generosity, and greatness of heart be as coals on the heads of those who stripped us of our humanity and nailed us daily to crosses of humiliation and unspeakable pain. Can you imagine what a gift this is? Could we do it? I doubt it! Instead, we will continue our litany of petties.