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Level II Winner - Bekah Hanish, Community Christian School, Fort Dodge
"Driven with the Wind" by Lynn and Gilbert Morris

Dear Lynn and Gilbert Morris,

     I never thought I was a courageous person.  I always thought that if I ever had to face death or a dangerous situation, I would crumple up in a ball and not get up until I either fainted or died.  Reading Driven with the Wind has made me realize that in times of distress, I won't be courageous, level-headed or sensible, but God will be.  He will always be there to guide me and help me, step after step.  When Cheney was in danger, she cried out to God, and He calmed her mind and quieted her spirit.  He showed her what to do, and He gave her peace.  I now know that when I'm in trouble, He will do the same for me.

     This book also inspired me to share my faith and to do what is right even if it will hurt.  Cheney readily shares her beliefs with others and somehow incorporates God into every conversation.  When Shiloh asks her to marry him, she declines because he isn't a Christian even though she loves him deeply.  That takes such an amazing quality -- to give up something that you love for God.  It's a quality that I don't think I possess, but as time goes by, I hope to obtain it.

     Driven with the Wind also has a great illustration of what happens when jealousy and revenge over take the soul.  Bain Winslow was so bitter towards Shiloh and he didn't and couldn't think straight until he had "settled the score."  I used to be a jealous and discontented person.  I was always measuring myself up to others, and when I fell short, I moped around feeling sorry for myself.  When I did, however, come out on top, it gave me a great, guilty satisfaction.  I'm glad I'm not like that anymore.  I didn't realize until later that envy was separating me from God.

     The most important lesson I learned from your book is I am nothing without God.  Without Him, I am like Shiloh was -- helpless, unable to move, and dying in the middle of an unfamiliar road.  We think that we are so strong and we're so confident in our own abilities.  That may impress others, but it does not impress God.  All He wants is for us to admit that we are hopeless and that we need Him.  Then, and only then, can we really live.

     I want to thank you for Driven with the Wind.  It has taught me so many valuable lessons, and now I know that I don't have to be courageous in everything.  I just have to place myself in His capable hands, and He will be all of the things that I am not.  He chose the foolish things of this world to shame the wise and the weak things of this world to shame the strong.  Once I realize this, that I am foolish and weak, then He will use me according to His purpose.

Sincerely,

Bekah Hanish
grade 8