ADVERSITY – KEEPING THE FAITH
BOOK 2
FAITH CHRONICLES
TEXAS HISTORY
In the sacred verses of Galatians 2:20, the words resonate: "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the FAITH of the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." Such profound sentiments stir the depths of the soul, igniting a journey in Texas history that spans generations and continents, a trip like that of the Struss Family descendants.
Amidst the rugged landscape of Texas, between 1836 and 1846, a wave of immigrants from Germany swept across the land, forever shaping the state's destiny. Among these pioneers were the Struss Family descendants, individuals who carried dreams and determination and whose impact reverberated through politics, economics, and the very fabric of Texan society. A period of profound change was set in motion, leaving an indelible mark by the mid-1850s.
Though the tale you're about to embark on is woven with threads of historical fiction, its foundation rests on the bedrock of truth. One could argue that it ventures into creative nonfiction, for it springs from the essence of real lives, struggles, and triumphs. Through the lens of this narrative, you'll witness the journey of an ordinary German family confronted with the agonizing decision to sever the ties that bound them to the River Hunte near Rastede and Oldenburg, Germany.
Their voyage is one fraught with trials and tribulations. Unfavorable winds challenge their resolve as they brave the tempestuous North Sea. Storms rage, claiming lives aboard the vessel that carries their hopes. Yellow fever and other insidious illnesses threaten their existence, while the specter of Indian attacks cast shadows of fear and uncertainty.
How curious that our relationship with history evolves as we transition from childhood to adulthood. Once endured with impatience, the classroom's stale chronicles become the source of fascination and enlightenment in later years. The tapestry of history reveals its intricate threads of human lives, passions, trials, and triumphs. It unfolds as a panorama of joys and sorrows, victories and failures, as complex and compelling as the human experience itself.
And so, the pages of this novel unfold to reveal a saga of people—real people—etched with flesh and bone, colored with emotions, strengths, weaknesses, and above all, an unshakeable faith in Jesus Christ. For history is not mere dates, names, and places; it's the pulsating heartbeat of humanity, a journey marked by power, its exercise, and its void. Here, in the realm of creative fiction and creative nonfiction, we find a genre that breathes new life into the study of history.
Sidney St. James, a dedicated professional genealogist, invites you on a voyage through time, bridging over thirty years of family research and numerous history books. With skillful prose, he delves into the lives of real people, capturing their essence, challenges, and unwavering faith. This is a journey into the heart of ADVERSITY – Keeping the Faith, where Texas history and humanity intertwine, illuminating the past with a vibrant, resonant light.
