Healing memories

Bent by Grace: The real life journey of Martin T. Friesen Elma Friesen. Squeaky Cheese Publications, 2004. 561 pages. Order from the author or at Mennonite Books.

This book is a labour of love – love for the author’s husband, Martin, and their families. Moreover, Friesen’s love for Scripture and her intense, spiritual mindset surface repeatedly as she reflects on Martin’s early growth in light of scriptural principles.

The reader is treated to a crash course in early Mennonite history. The first Manitoba Mennonite immigrants arrived in Manitoba in the 1870s. They survived many hardships and subsistence level conditions. Friesen makes it clear that these pioneers lived out their inherited faith as they understood it.

But like much biographical writing, Bent by Grace is also confessional. Of his childhood years, Martin says, “I didn’t know who I was.” The author’s reflections are interlaced with inner dialogue about what an abused and neglected child must have experienced. She interviews members of the extended family and associates, recording their impressions of his parents, including memories of the Belgian grandmother who exercised such a profound spiritual influence on the family.

My impression of the book is of a file of disconnected events, information and facts designed for a more focused biography of Martin T. Friesen. However, celebrating his healing process gives honour to God who is the Great Physician. God is in the process of healing us of our pain-filled memories. We need to remember the hurt child in all of us.

Agnes Dyck attends McIvor Ave. MB Church, Winnipeg.