The Queen of Sheba: seeking and testing wisdom

 Imagine the wildest stories you have heard about someone. Did you listen in disbelief and proclaim “no way!”? Or would you be intrigued at the fanciful details? The Queen of Sheba is a pagan queen from a wealthy southern country. She has been described as intelligent and wise as well. When she heard the stories of King Solomon of Israel, she wondered if the stories were real. Could a man so wise really exist? So the queen packs up, loaded with gifts, and heads north to Israel. What does she encounter there? How does she determine if the stories were true? What is the significance to gift giving? How do we gain wisdom as we seek God? 

The land of Sheba is said to have been a fragrant land, famous for its perfumes and spices. Modern day historians believe that Sheba was the South Arabian kingdom of Saba (present day Yemen). As part of the trade route, passing caravans would bring items from lands afar as while as stories. The Queen of Sheba heard the stories of King Solomon, the Israelite king who was the wisest man alive. She also heard about the magnificent temple and place the king had built in Jerusalem. The queen was determined to see for herself if the stories were true. She assembled a caravan of camels loaded with spices, gems and gold and made the trip fifteen hundred miles north. There, day after day, the Queen of Sheba was relentless with her questions, each one harder than the next. But nothing was too difficult for King Solomon. She concluded that the stories about his wisdom were true and presented him with the gifts she brought with her. The Queen of Sheba has risen to folkloric Jewish, Islamic and Christian traditions which suggest a sexually relationship between the queen and Solomon that produced a son: Menelik (Ethiopian Christian), Rehoboam (Islam) or Nebuchadnezzar (Jewish) (Fontaine, 1999). 

Many people think that gift giving is a modern phenomenon fueled by our society’s consumerism with societal pressures to give expensive and extravagant gifts. In reality it is not. Gift giving is as old as civilization. For the Purim feast, Jews are told to give a food gift, to ensure that everyone has a meal for the Purim feast (Esther 9:19). The mishloach manot is meant to unite and bring peace and harmony to an often divisive and fractured community (Herzfeld, no date). Even the Magi brought gifts to the child Jesus in Matthew 2:11. Psychologists have shown that the giver, not the recipient, reaps the psychological gains adding truth to the adage that “it is better to give than receive.” There are many psychological benefits such as a decrease in stress, anxiety and depression as well as physiological ones i.e. decrease in pain and blood pressure (Adams, 2021). And gift giving doesn’t have to be a grand gesture or expensive. It could be as simple as slipping your spouse’s favorite snack in their lunch as a surprise or bringing a co-worker their favorite coffee. It is the thought behind the gift, not the cost, that is important. A small gesture to say, “I was thinking of you,” can have a lasting impact. 

Despite her own wealth, prestige and intelligence, the Queen of Sheba sought the man rumored to have more. She came to test him and he did not disappoint. While scriptures do not give us the questions asked or the answers given, we are told that the queen was overwhelmed by Solomon’s wisdom. Even though she was a pagan queen, she knew that Solomon’s wisdom came from God and praises God for the wisdom he had bestowed on Solomon and made him king (1 Kings 10:9). Life often gives us questions that don’t have easy answers or even satisfying answers. When we seek God and his wisdom, he may provide answers to our questions or he may not. Some questions may be answered when we are with him in heaven and not for us to know now while on earth. However, what he will provide is peace and comfort that he is in control and all we need to do is lean on him. Proverbs 3:5-6 says “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

In conclusion, the Queen of Sheba set out to visit the wisest man in the world in order to test him. What she discovered was overwhelming and she proclaimed that God had blessed Solomon with wisdom and it was no wonder he was on the throne of Israel. She gave King Solomon extravagant gifts. Gift giving is an old custom which allows us to honor another as well as provide needs for those who are without. Even the smallest gesture can do so much to boost morale and spirits of the recipient as well as the gift giver themselves. Wisdom isn’t always the grand lessons but the smallest pearl of knowledge that directs us through our days. God is a source of knowledge and wisdom. 

References

Adams, Renee (Mary 28, 2021). 5 Reasons Why Gift Giving is Important. Hoppy Poppie. 

https://hoppypoppie.com/5-reasons-why-gift-giving-is-important/. Retrieved February 15, 2022. 

Fontaine, Carol R (December 31, 1999). Queen of Sheba: Bible. Jewish Women’s Archives. 

https://jwa.org/encyclopedia/article/queen-of-sheba-bible. Retrieved February 14, 2022. 

Herzfeld, Rabbi Samuel (no date). Why Do Jews Send Mishloach Manot on Purim? My Jewish Learning. https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/purim-gifts/. Retrieved February 15, 2022. 

Killer Music: a cozy mystery of whodunit

Killer Music is the first book in the Cooper Harrington Detective series by Tammy L. Grace. A story of a murdered music mogul, a high-and-mighty widow and one detective determined to track down a killer. Cooper “Coop” Harrington meets Grayson Taylor, a record label mogul, at a glitzing party of country music stars and politicians. He never thought he would be investigating his murder the next day. With plenty of suspects, with many people who wanted him dead. Coop is hired by Emily, Taylor’s widow, he has a tag team including Ben Mason, his best friend of Chief of Detectives, Annabelle, his assistant, even his Aunt Camille becomes a useful fountain of local gossip. As the investigation reveals scandalous indiscretions, secrets, and corruption that it becomes a race against time to catch the killer…before another victim is taken. Can Coop and his team find the evidence they need? 

Coop Harrington is a Nashville lawyer turned private detective. Of course, a great detective has a great team behind him. For Coop, it’s his right hand assistant, Annabelle. Coop and Annabelle have a Perry Mason/Della vibe. Killer Music is a fun cozy mystery with the usual suspects including the ice queen, less than a grieving widow. Coop’s Aunt Camille was a lot of fun too! If you are looking for a psychological thriller or a traditional mystery, this is that book. Killer Music has a Perry Mason/Murder, She Wrote/Colombo vibe. If you enjoyed these shows, you will probably enjoy Killer Music, which is filled with humor, southern charm, and comfort food. Warning: do not read this book while hungry. You’ll want to eat everything the characters are having. I am looking forward to the rest of the series. I recommend Killer Music. 

 

Killer Music is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

Encanto: a story about family bonds and being true to yourself.

Encanto had a quiet release in movie theaters on November 24, 2021 but it exploded since the film landed on Disney+ in December 2021. It seems at every turn, someone somewhere is talking about this film. It is a film that my daughters and I lov. We have watched the movie many times and listened to the soundtrack almost daily. My oldest daughter and I have had deep discussions about the themes and motivations of each character. Whether it is the story or the music, Encanto has been on the minds and hearts of its audience. However, it is not without its critics. I will briefly discuss the synopsis of the story for those who have not yet seen Encanto, what I liked about the film and my response to the critics of this beautiful film. 

Encanto is about the magical family Madrigal. Abuela Alma loses her husband Pedro while escaping the violence that erupted in their village. At the Cano Cristales River, nicknamed the Liquid Rainbow (Zapata, 2022), her candle becomes magical, keeping her and her infant children safe. Fifty years later, safely hidden in the mountains of Colombia, they live in a charmed village called the Encanto. The magic of the Encanto has blessed every child in the family with a unique gift. Every child except Mirabel. No one knows why she hadn’t received a gift and Mirabel grows up essentially on the outside looking in with her magical family. However, the night of her cousin Antonio’s gift ceremony, she sees cracks in their casita and the magical candles flame flickers out. She may be the only hope the family has as she sets out to discover why the magic surrounding the Encanto is in danger. 

From my first viewing, I fell in love with Encanto just as I fell in love with Coco (2017). First, Encanto is a beautiful story about family pressures and being true to yourself. Luisa, the sister with super strength, feels she must be stronger and stronger to handle all the family burdens. If she fails, the family fails. Isabela has to be perfect despite feeling she wants moments of imperfection. Mirabel helps her sisters see that they can be more than their gifts. Second, the music is outstanding. From lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda (Hamilton and In the Heights) and composer Germaine Franco (Coco), the music carries the emotional impact of the family and their struggles. My favorite song is Dos Oruguitas. Sung by Colombian star Sebastian Yatra, the song has a folk song vibe as it tells the story of two caterpillars who are holding on tightly to each other, afraid of the change that is coming. But as they turn into butterflies (mariposas), they learn to fly apart, reunite and look to the future. It’s a beautiful image and reminder that we all change and grew into the people we are meant to be but still be a family. Third, the symbolism seen throughout the film. The butterfly theme is seen throughout the film in obvious and subtle ways. Butterflies are symbolic with change. The yellow butterflies are specifically important to Colombia. It is a nod to magical realism and a nod to A Hundred Years of Solitude (1967) by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Colombian Nobel laureate (Zapata. 2022). 

Most reviews have been very positive. Mark Kennedy of the Associated Press said, "It's only appropriate that Encanto—fueled by eight original songs by Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda—turns into that most special thing of all: A triumph in every category: art, songs and heart." However, some have not been so positive. One complaint I have read in different reviews has been that the valley represented, Valle del Cocora, and the Cano Cristales River are more than 850 km away from each other. One reviewer states that the fictional village “that combines locations and elements so distant cheapens what the places are and what they represent” (Garzon, 2022). I understand this criticism because as someone who has lived in Southern California all her life, I have encountered many people who think I live near Los Angeles. While my homes have not been as far away as these two Colombian locations, they are far enough to say I am not from Los Angeles and have only visited a few times in my life. However, I understand that the studio probably wanted to highlight these two popular land features as representing the beauty of Colombia. Despite reviews that point out the simplified Disney version of Colombia, many have embraced the chance to see their culture and their families represented. Especially Afro-Latino, “a group that is even more underrepresented in media than non-Black Latinos” (Medina, 2022). 

Overall, Encanto introduces the wider world to the beautiful country of Colombia and it’s diversity. Despite the criticisms of simplifying the dark history of the country, if one person is motivated to learn more about Colombia, it’s people and the troubles they face and are moved to help, then I say the movie has done a great deal for Colombia. The movie has motivated me to read Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s works. I have heard his name many times but have not read his books. However, now I will and I look forward to it. If you have not seen Encanto, I highly recommend it. It is a moving experience that highlights the beauty and tragedy of Colombia while speaking to the universal language of family bonds and being true to yourself. 

References

Garzon, Camilo (January 6, 2022). Encanto Still Has Charm, Despite Generic Representation of Colombia. The Latinx Project. https://www.latinxproject.nyu.edu/intervenxions/encanto-still-has-charm-despite-generic-representation-of-colombia. Retrieved February 9, 2022. 

Kennedy, Mark (November 22, 2021). Review: Disney’s animated ‘Encanto’ effortlessly enchants. Associated Press. https://apnews.com/article/film-reviews-entertainment-reviews-arts-and-entertainment-movies-d04ad9807894c297d5860020ca463abc. Retrieved February 9, 2022. 

Medina, Amalia (January 20, 2022). Latinx embrace representation shown in Disney’s 'Encanto'. State News. https://statenews.com/article/2022/01/representation-in-encanto?ct=content_open&cv=cbox_latest. Retrieved February 9, 2022. 

Zapata, Mariana (January 25, 2022). 'Encanto' References You Probably Missed. Far & Wide. 

https://www.farandwide.com/s/encanto-disney-colombian-references-e63be2842a4f464f?utm_campaign=encantoreferences-c86cae07c2364b12&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=fac&utm_content=1579568&fbclid=IwAR2j79X_W6e. Retrieved February 8, 2022. 

Newport Harbor House: restoring a family home

Newport Harbor House by Cindy Nichols is the first book in the Newport Beach series. Jen Watson is looking forward to a blissful summer at the family beach house for the first time in years. Widowed when her children were young, Jen focused on raising them but now that they are grown and on their own, she needs this time. She learns that her dad and brother want to sell it especially when there is more profit in selling than doing the necessary repairs. It has become her mission to show them that keeping and repairing the house is worthwhile. Along with her longtime friends, Faith and Carrie, Jen is determined to show the family that selling would be a mistake and worth keeping. 

Newport Harbor House sounded intriguing and I like stories in which old houses are brought back to life; however, much doesn’t happen in this story. While the focus is on saving the house, not much is done in terms of repairs and the most of the events center around caring for dogs, food and cooking. While I enjoyed the friendship with Jen, Carrie and Faith, the rest of the story was just okay. The drama between Jen and her father and brother was lacking. I expected more of a fight and just drama especially when dealing with family. It was a lot of avoidance and phone tag by all three. Newport Harbor House was a quick read with not much going on. 

Newport Harbor House is available in paperback and eBook

Impossible to Forget: a story about friendship, family, and grief

Impossible to Forget by Imogen Clark is a story about friendship, family, grief and the strength to find your place in the world. Just as Romany Osborne turns eighteen, she loses her mother, Angie, to a sudden illness. As the only parent Romany has ever known, Angie wants to make sure her daughter has guidance as she finishes her last year of school before university. In a final letter, Angie has charged her four closest friends to help Romany, each charged with a different task including legal help, cultural education, travel and relationship advice. Three of them have known Angie since university and have remained friends for more than 30 years. Tiger is the perpetual nomad who hides his true identity. Leon is the shy and practical one with an untapped musical talent. Lastly, Maggie, the brilliant lawyer who has always had a set plan to follow. But the fourth guardian is a bit of a mystery. Hope has only known Angie for a few years. She and the others have no idea why she was included. What was the motivation behind this odd request? What could being Romany’s guardian possibly accomplish? 

I chose Impossible to Forget as my January pick from Amazon’s First Reads selection and I am so glad I did. Imogen Clark is a new author to me and I wasn’t sure what to expect. But from the opening chapter to the final page, this story had me hooked. I could not put it down as I read about the unusual friendship between these four people and Angie. There were many moments of laughter and deep heartfelt moments which left me in tears. At first, there were characters I wasn’t sure I would like but by the end of the book, it was hard to have one favorite character. One of my favorite moments is when Romany was horrified that her mother dared to fold the corner of her book. I laughed and cheered because that’s me! I loved that each character, filled with flaws, had moments of growth and personal revelations that it wasn’t too late for true happiness and to follow your heart instead of the sensible and logical path. I highly, highly recommend Impossible to Forget. It is a book that will fill you with hope and appreciation for those unusual friendships. 

Impossible to Forget is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook. 

Going Home: finding home when you least expect it

Going Home by Judith Keim is the first book in the Chandler Hill Inn series. In 1970 as 18 year old Violet “Lettie” Hawkins finally escapes her life in Dayton, Ohio. She makes her way to the west coast and finds herself in San Francisco, with little money, no place to live and very few options. One day, when a kind, young man, Kenton Chandler, offers her a sandwich and a job at his father’s inn and vineyard in the Willamette Valley, Oregon. With nothing to lose, she takes the offer. When she gets there, she immediately feels a connection with the land. In a whirlwind romance, she marries Kenton. Their happiness is short-lived when his father dies from a stroke. And on the day she learns she is expecting their first child, Kenton is killed in a car accident. Heartbroken, she is left in charge of the Chandler Inn and Vineyard. Her job is to make them the success that Kenton and his father had envisioned. As she struggles to raise a child alone and grow the business, she wonders if she can make it on her own. 

Going Home is my second book by Judith Keim and sadly, I was bored. It began great but once Lettie arrives at Chandler Hill, it began a series of unbelievable events. The timeline for the book goes from event to event with only the indication of the time passed with “Several years have passed…” from one paragraph to the next. It would have been better if the years passing could have been between chapters. There was so much potential for this book but I found myself skimming and not really caring about the characters, especially Lettie. I also feel the book’s synopsis gives too much away that the reader doesn’t get the same emotional impact as Lettie when she learns of each tragedy. Although Ms Keim does capture the struggles of a former child of the foster care system in terms of relationships, especially Lettie’s relationship with her own child. The care of the grapes and process of wine making was interesting. Overall, the story was boring. I’m not sure if I will continue this series. If you are a fan of Judith Keim, you may enjoy Going Home. 

Going Home is available in paperback, eBook, and Audiobook. 

The Last Stand of Fox Company: a grueling picture of the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir

The Last Stand of Fox Company: A True Story of US Marines in Combat by Bob Drury and Tom Clavin is a detailed account of one of the coldest battles on record. In November 1950, General MacArthur ignored Mao’s warnings and pushed his UN forces deeper into North Korea. The 10,000 First Division Marines find themselves surrounded and hopelessly outnumbered by the 100,000 Chinese soldiers near the Chosin Reservoir. Fighting their way south through the Toktong Pass, a narrow gorge, is their only chance for survival. Led by Captain William Barber and the 234 Marines of Fox Company, the courageous but undermanned unit of the First Marines. They climb seven miles of frozen terrain to a rocky point overlooking the pass where they will endure four days and five nights of unrelenting Chinese attempts to take Fox Hill. Three-quarters of Fox Company are killed, wounded, or captured. Only a daring and impossible mission to cut through the Chinese lines may be their only chance for survival. 

I have been fascinated with learning more about the Korean War since learning that my late father-in-law fought in the war. The Last Stand of Fox Company is an in depth, no-holds-bar account of the Battle of Chosin Reservoir (November 26 - December 13, 1950) which is often referred as Frozen Chosin as it was the coldest winter on record in 30 years. I know that Marines have a reputation for being tough as nails with a lot of bravado. However, reading about the courageous and determined men of Fox Company, they have certainly earned that bravado. Drury and Clavin do a nice job spotlighting the many men who played an important part in the battle from the leadership to the enlisted men in the foxholes. They also do not shy away from the horrors of battle and the aftermath that these men went through. I highly recommend The Last Stand of Fox Company. It has opened my eyes to the Korean War than just dates and important battles. 

The Last Stand of Fox Company is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook.