I'm having a hard time coming up with the best word to describe this story. Tragic seems like it would fit best, but that's not the word Livingstone would choose. It's certainly not triumphant. Perhaps faithful is the best choice.
In short, I don't believe I've ever read a book in which the main character had so many reasons to be miserable, and yet he would not succumb to desperation and despondence. Despite the deaths that surrounded him, the failed journeys to find the source of the Nile, the betrayal and thievery of his porters, the seemingly ineffectiveness of his preaching, and constant disease and pain that nagged at him, he never gave up and never grew angry at God, taking it all in stride and continuing to press on toward the vision of what he felt was a faithful life to Jesus Christ. His attitude throughout his life is an inspiration towards how to handle hardship.
Livingstone had an amazing view when he considered his evangelistic efforts. He believed he was blazing a trail, and that the efforts of his life would lead towards conversation later. He was right, although he certainly did not live to see the day when this was realized. He fought passionately against the slave trade, too, aghast at the horrors he saw in Africa. This, too, would end, thanks in large part to his witness, but he would not live to see this, either.
He did not receive much of the fame or publicity while he was alive. He was neglected by the British, separated from his family, and suffering constantly. Yet, the entire time he was striving to be faithful to Christ. What a life. What a model. He lived his vision, as faithfully as possible, and I pray that reading this book helps me to be faithful to Christ as well.
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