On November 22, 1963, a headline read: “President Kennedy Slain By Assassin.”
It was a history-changing event. Those of us who were alive then remember where we were when we heard the news. I was in 5th grade and the principal came into our class and called my teacher outside. Then it was announced that our president had died and that the buses would arrive shortly to take us all home. And for the rest of the week, we would not go to school. We would stay at home and watch on black and white TV the report over and over. For a fifth grader, it was an aggravation. TV had nothing to offer but that horrible news. (We could only get three channels with an antenna on the roof, anyway so turned out to be a small inconvenience rather than a tragedy.) It seemed like a long time before our world turned back to normal.
On that same day, another man died. His name was Clive Staple Lewis (C.S. Lewis) at his home in England. The news of his death was relegated to the back pages of various publications if it made the news at all. Columnists said that Kennedy went out with a bang, literally, but that Lewis “departed in unnoticed silence, not with a bang but a whisper…”
Kennedy is remembered for many things. During his short term as President, he is linked to the Cuban Missile crisis, inspiring speeches…and womanizing.
Lewis is remembered for his works of wisdom, fiction, and nonfiction, most of which are still selling well today. Chronicles of Narnia, Mere Christianity, Screwtape Letters, and many more. Lewis was convinced that his works would not be read following his death and that he would be completely forgotten within a generation or so. How wrong he was! Those pages of his work greatly influence readers today.
It’s been 60 years since that day. We remember the assassination, but hardly regard the death of a world renowned Christian author/apologist.
Remember the parable Jesus talked about a servant who invested wisely the gifts entrusted to him? In that passage there is a statement from the master, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25-21). We’ve all longed to hear these words ourselves, maybe as we’re passing through the gates of heaven. It’s what we hope anyway. A delayed response, but worth the wait.
We don’t know whether the former President, John F. Kennedy “Jack”, is hearing those words now. But I’m almost certain that C.S. “Jack” Lewis is not only there, in heaven, but writing furiously about something important. As far as priorities are concerned, here’s what Jesus said about that:
“…seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things [earthly things] will be provided to you. (Matthew 6:33)
I had no idea that fateful day was when this amazing author died! His works are profound…telling the story of redemption in such a glorious, colorful way. I can hardly wait to meet him and hear all he has written since his translation.
Thanks, Susie!
Thank you. Someone else remembers.