Spiritual battles are real… and they can be intense. We can struggle with them for a season or a lifetime. Some battles are easily recognized, while others are not. In history, the Holocaust was part of both a World War, as well as a Spiritual War. It is easier to identify the horrific acts that many people endured, but more of a challenge is to understand the lives who suffered in silence, and still do. The people who survived this horrific event did not come out unscathed. They had both emotional and physical scars from the Holocaust.
The deep emotional scars of this Jewish nation of people have lasted a lifetime. Many feel guilt, which rears its ugly head time and time again. With the emotions of guilt come confusion, loneliness and sadness, all while dealing with the death of loved ones.
“For God is not a God of confusion but of peace…”—1 Corinthians 14:3
If God is not causing confusion and guilt… who is? The enemy.
Think back for a moment in your life when you have been in deep affliction and confusion, unable to make sense of the world. Today, many survivors of the Holocaust feel this same way. They need a beacon of light to show them grace, peace and hope.
Today at My Olive Tree we are not only honoring those who lost their lives during the Holocaust, but also blessing those who survived. Those living today who survived the horrible hurt, pain and loss still struggle—suffering from survivor’s remorse.
Recently we visited Israel and spent time with Holocaust Survivors in Jerusalem. Their struggle is real, and it is daily. The enemy attacks them through guilt and confusion. When we visited, spent time with them, ate and danced with them, it was truly a blessing for them and for us! What a way to show hope to these precious survivors!
We are in the middle of an exciting project at My Olive Tree. We have a list of 227 names of people who died in the Holocaust, and we want to remember them by planting an olive tree in their name before Holocaust Memorial Day on April 24th. This date is fast approaching! When you plant a tree of legacy for a Holocaust victim, you also bless and give a gift of love to a Holocaust Survivor! For every tree planted and life remembered, you provide a beautiful blanket to a survivor in Jerusalem.
At some point in your life did someone show you kindness that was totally unexpected? How did this gift of love feel during your time of hurt? We ask that you prayerfully consider passing on God’s blessing to these strong survivors. God may use you in ways you do not even know during this event, bringing peace and faith to those in need. You can be a shining beacon of hope to these precious souls. [CLICK HERE] to find out more about this project, and [HERE] to sponsor your tree today!