Disclosure: I received a copy of this book; the post contains affiliate links.

My friend Mindy has a heart for lost souls. In fact, she’s a foster mom, opening her home and loving arms to children who need shelter. I’ve often thought she was an angel here on earth.  She always wanted a large family and in this way she was able to create one.   In What Once Was Lost Kim Vogel Sawyer paints a picture of another giving soul. Christina Williams serves as a mentor and friend to her wards in “the poor farm.” From orphaned children to the elderly, Christina lovingly gives of herself to provide a home for the residents. When the farm is destroyed in a fire, she struggles to keep her patchwork family together while they’re separated. She learns to depend on the generosity of others, even when it’s not given with a kind heart. Meanwhile, the mill owner Levi Jonnson is determined not to love the blind little boy who has been deposited at his doorstep. While I read this story, my heart swelled to the point of breaking while thinking of little Tommy being rejected at every turn.

What Once Was Lost struck a new desire within me to give more generously to those on the missions field.   As I read about Christina trying to supply her residents with clothing, feeding them what meager rations they could derive from their farm, I realized how much weight was bearing on her young shoulders. It reminded me of Mindy, who shares her life and love with children who might otherwise be lost in the system. Could I give even a small bit of encouragement by sending a note or making an Atta Girl phone call? It’s worth a try! For someone like Christina, or like Mindy, that bit of strength sent through a text message might be enough to help them get through one more tough day.

I felt very frustrated for Christina as I read through the story.  For one thing, everyone insists on calling the establishment “the poor farm.”  It might be the truth, but it seemed so degrading.  Although some of the townspeople willingly open their homes, some of them grudgingly share their blessings.  It made me wonder if I appear like that sometimes, sullen and selfish like Mrs. Beasley the boardinghouse owner.  What Once Was Lost is a good reminder of the wealth we enjoy when our simple needs are met.