What Are We Bearing Witness To?
On March 29th a woman named Tova Friedman, one of the remaining few survivors of the Holocaust, stood on the stage at Kirkwood College as a part of the 2023 Holocaust Remembrance event. Listening to her, we learned that Tova was a Polish Jew who, with her parents, was forced to live in a Jewish ghetto, then sent off to a work camp, and eventually ended up in Auschwitz, a final destination for many. But through a series of “miracles” she and her parents survived, finally meeting up in Poland after their liberation and moving to America. She wrote her story in the book, The Daughter of Auschwitz.
Tova Friedman
I was intrigued when Tova said, “I know it is hard to believe that the Holocaust happened. Even I can hardly believe some of the things that went on. But I was there. I bear witness to the truth of all the terrible things that happened there.”
On today.com, Tova’s grandson is quoted, “A lot of people ask her to see her (tattoo) number because that’s one of the interesting aspects that still remain,” Aron says. “Nobody really has the ability to see the numbers unless you’re … with a survivor.”
When Friedman first came to the United States, a doctor offered to remove it for her. But she said no.
“I am glad I kept mine because it’s a witness,” she says. “I feel as if my number is there to say, ‘You think this never happened? Look.’”
Tova plans to continue bearing witness to the Holocaust for as long as she is able, by sharing her story and by keeping her tattoo. She wants the world to never forget.
In Luke 24:36-49 the disciples hid away after Jesus’ death, wondering what would happen next. They were witnesses to all that Jesus had suffered and had even talked with him after his resurrection. Two believers met him on the road to Emmaus where Jesus opened the Scriptures of his life and ministry. And then he appeared again to his disciples in Jerusalem.
They were witnesses. Backing down was not an option as they went out into the world telling the truth of having been with Jesus. They saw his compassion. Healing and the casting of demons were regular occurrences. They watched as he wept and as he took authority over evil. The dead were raised. Enabling the lame to walk and the blind to see and walking on water were part of these men’s experience with Jesus. They wanted the world to never forget and because of them, we never will.
Some people find it hard to believe that these things happened. But there were eyewitnesses who saw him, talked to him, ate fish with him, and in the breaking of the bread, recognized him.
There are people everywhere writing about their experiences, hoping that others will learn from what they have experienced. I have read a few books recently where the authors wrote about what they bore witness to in their lives.
Beth Moore, in her memoir, All My Knotted Up Life, bore witness to a traumatic childhood, an agonizing marriage, disturbing criticism from leaders in the Christian community, and an unbelievable betrayal of a church she was loyal to for her whole life. And yet, God kept pulling her to himself and teaching her, sustaining her, healing, and upholding her. Her impact on women (like me) is undeniable, the proof of a life lived obediently to God’s leading. (If you choose to read this book, be sure to get the audio version. Listening to Beth read her own story is priceless in every way.)
Aundi Koulber in her second book, Strong Like Water, bears witness to hundreds of clients who have been traumatized or broken in unthinkable ways. But she continues to teach, honor, and encourage these people because she knows there is healing and freedom to be gained through professional help and guidance. She leads from her own experience which has become a most powerful teacher. (I met a student last night who heard her speak at Dordt College, in northwest Iowa, recently. I wish I could have been there!)
In her book, Surprised by Oxford, Carolyn Weber describes her journey of faith while studying at Oxford, an academic institution that favors logic and science. But through some faithful witnesses who were happy to sit with her and wonder with her over her many questions, she couldn’t resist. One evening when she was alone in her apartment, she found herself saying yes to Jesus. This memoir bears witness to the turning of a feminist agnostic into a believer in Christ. You should read it! You’ll be surprised at how articulate and honest the author is in her search for the God who was searching for her.
What about you and me? Like Beth Moore, Aundi Koulber, Carolyn Weber, and Tova Friedman. what are we bearing witness to in our lives? What have we seen and know to be true?
How would you answer this question?
In my Sunday school class a few weeks ago, I asked, “Where have you seen Jesus this week? Where did you bear witness to his presence in your life?”
One spoke up right away about the peace she felt during her latest chemo treatment. She knew that Christ in her led her to feel calm and trusting.
Another talked about the journey she finds herself on…the one of parenting young children. You know that one. It’s tough. But she’s bearing witness that God is full of outlandish grace for her. The scriptures testify to the truth of Jesus’ gentle love, and she knows she can rest in that truth…especially on the hard days.
One told us that she intentionally spent time with Jesus one afternoon, by eating, taking a nap, reading a good book, sitting in silence, and talking with him. She felt loved by him.
During this current hard time, another told us that Jesus was with her, helping her to forgive and to make healthy decisions about her own responses.
I told the class how I had listened to a scripture read by my spiritual director the week before and had realized once again, that I was one who Jesus loves and that his gaze of love was what I needed during my own difficult season.
We are bearing witness to the fact that God is with us, helping us to love and trust him. He compels us toward Christlikeness by enabling us to forgive those who hurt us, to trust God when it feels like all is falling apart, to have hope in the midst of adversity, and to find joy even when everything seems overwhelming or hopeless.
Christ continues to understand every moment's difficulty and stands ready to walk with us through whatever we need. I love that about him. He’s never vacationing in a faraway place when we need him. He’s always right here.
Like Tova, our dear holocaust survivor, what we have seen with our eyes, heard with our ears, and know in our hearts to be true, is what we testify to. We bear witness to the love of God and will do so as long as we are able.
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