If is a little book of thoughts about the meaning of Calvary Love – that selfless and sacrificial love that led Christ to walk to the Cross. Written in 1938 by an Irish missionary to South India named Amy Carmichael, this short book is a short book of poems that reflect our thoughts, questions, attitudes and behavior in everyday life situations.
This book of less than 30 pages was written by Amy Carmichael one night when a friend came to her for help. She pondered what to do in response, thought to herself “do I know anything of Calvary love”, and began writing her thoughts in a notebook; thoughts she had no intention of publishing, because it was too personal. But it is precisely this personal, raw and vulnerable nature of her writing that makes If such a treasured book given to us by missionaries of the previous generation.
“If I can write an unkind letter, speak an unkind word, think an unkind thought without grief and shame, then I know nothing of Calvary love.”
These 65 inspired musings can be read as short poems altogether or one at a time with reflection – and maybe accompanied by some writing of your own! If by Amy Carmichael contains writing that makes us think about how we have behaved in certain situations and opens the door to reflection and repentance. Amy Carmichael wrote this book in Dohnavur in South India where she served as a Christian missionary from 1895 to 1951. In South India, she built an orphanage where she cared for hundreds of young girls who had been rescued from sexual exploitation.
“If I belittle those whom I am called to serve, talk of their weak points in contrast perhaps with what I think of as my strong points, then I know nothing of Calvary love.”
The short nature of these writings read almost like haikus and are easy to understand. Since they are drawn from everyday experiences such as how we treat other people, how we react to certain issues and how we think about ourselves, they help us reflect on our own thoughts and behavior.
“If I do not give a friend the benefit of the doubt, then I know nothing of Calvary love.”
If by Amy Carmichael is a guide to help us become better friends, better coworkers, better classmates and better people to everyone around us. The entire book can be read in less than an hour, but it is worth spending time reflecting on each of the ways we have perhaps struggled to understand Calvary love.
PRAYER
Dear Lord, the love you had on the Cross is hard to understand, let alone practice. But following you means showing people the same love you show all of us. Help us spend time in the Gospels understanding your love and practicing your love in our day to day relationships in our homes, offices, classrooms and anywhere else we may go. Through the witness of our lives, help us show people what a relationship with you is all about. In the name of our Lord, amen.
DID YOU KNOW?
The Dohnavur Fellowship, the orphanage that Amy Carmichael established in South India to minister to girls and young women, still operates today. For 56 years, Amy Carmichael served in South India until her death.