The Crimson Cord

Back Cover 

Wife to a gambler who took one too many risks, Rahab finds herself sold as a slave to cover her husband’s debt.  Forced into prostitution, she despairs of ever regaining her freedom and her self-respect.  But when Israelite spies enter Jericho and come to lodge at her house, Rahab sees a glimmer of hope and the opportunity of a lifetime.

In one risky moment, she takes a leap of faith, puts her trust in a God she does not know, and vows to protect the spies from the authorities.  When the armies of Israel arrive weeks later, Rahab hopes they will keep their promise, but she has no idea what kind of challenges await her outside Jericho’s walls – or if she will ever know the meaning of love.

Under Jill Eileen Smith’s talented hand, the familiar story of Rahab bursts forth in high definition.  Immerse yourself in a world of dark and dusty streets, clandestine meetings, and daring escapes as a mysterious biblical figure claims her full humanity – and a permanent place in your heart.

Review 

Next to Esther, Rahab is one of my favourite stories in the Bible.  Found in the book of Joshua, the story of Rahab is such an awesome testament to God’s powerful grace, mercy, and redeeming love.   

This is the first time I’ve read a novel adaption of Rahab’s story.  The Bible does not give us much background history on Rahab, leaving many open-ended questions about her life.  In short, all we know is Rahab is a prostitute, but as evident by her actions, by the time the spies arrived, she had faith in the Almighty.  When the spies came into Jericho, she made a dangerous decision to hide the spies from the king’s soldiers, and also give a false trail for the soldiers to follow.  Surely, she could have turned the spies over and perhaps obtained a better station for herself within Jericho as a reward of sorts.  Yet, her faith in the Lord was clear as she states in Joshua 2:11, “…for the Lord your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath.”  In reading the scriptural passage, we can also see Rahab’s kind heart when she requested that her family’s life also be spared in the destruction that was to come.

Even with the information we know from the Bible, questions still remain.  I found this novel to be a wonderful, and certainly plausible, interpretation of how Rahab came to be a prostitute, her motivations, her desire for a better future, and her incredible courage.  In The Crimson Cord, Jill Eileen Smith brings Rahab’s timeless story to life in a beautiful and insightful way.

You can find an excerpt from The Crimson Cord here.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

The Drop Box

About

Hundreds of unwanted babies are abandoned on the streets of Seoul, South Korea, every year, forgotten by the surrounding culture.

The Drop Box is a documentary about the work of Pastor Lee Jong-rak and his heroic efforts to embrace and protect his community’s most vulnerable children. By installing a drop box outside his home, Pastor Lee provides a safe haven to babies who would otherwise be abandoned on the streets to die.

It’s a heart-wrenching exploration of the physical and emotional toll associated with providing refuge to save those deemed unwanted by society.

But it’s also a story of hope. And a celebration of the reality that every human life is sacred, has a purpose and is worthy of love.

Review

I had the privilege of reviewing the documentary, The Drop Box.  After the film ended, all I could think was, “Praise the Lord for men and women like Pastor Lee.”  Seeking to protect innocent, vulnerable lives, Pastor Lee created a safe haven for these unwanted children, and because of his efforts, nearly 600 lives have been saved.  Through Pastor Lee, those 600 children now have a future.

The Drop Box is an emotional roller coaster.  To witness human life being discarded in such a manner is heartbreaking.  I pray that as viewers see the smiles of the rescued children, hear their laughter as they play, watch their interactions with their fellow playmates, and witness the love they have for their adopted parents, it will stir many hearts into action.  As mentioned in the synopsis, human life is precious and should be protected – the young, the elderly, the weak, and the vulnerable – they all are to be treasured. 

This documentary has a limited release in the theatres.  Be sure to check your local listings for a date and time of viewing or visit film's website here.  The Drop Box is a must see.  


I was invited to a pre-screening event of The Drop Box, courtesy of Graf-Martin Communications and Focus on the Family.  This review is my honest opinion.