Presented by Grammar School, Grades 3-4
C.S. Lewis was an important writer and a scholar and professor of
English literature at Oxford and Cambridge in England. He became
best known for his children’s books called The Chronicles of Narnia,
and his writings and talks on the Christian faith.
C.S. Lewis’s classic The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe begins,
Once there were four children whose names were Peter, Susan, Edmund and
Lucy. This story is about something that happened to them when they were sent
away from London during the war because of the air-raids. They were sent to
the house of an old Professor who lived in the heart of the country. He had no
wife and he lived in a very large house with a housekeeper and three servants.
What C.S. Lewis doesn’t tell the reader is that in real life he was the generous
old professor who opened up his home near Oxford to provide shelter and care
for children who were evacuated from London and other cities during the
German air raids of World War II.
This act of hospitality was in part the inspiration behind the Chronicles of Narnia and is just one example of the kindness that permeated the life of C.S. Lewis, a generous follower of Christ. Hospitality, a natural trait of Lewis’s generosity, expanded as his
faith grew.
C.S. Lewis was an atheist in his youth but experienced a profound
conversion to Christianity in his adulthood. His Christian beliefs
influenced his writings and he helped many people understand and
embrace the Christian faith.
When C.S. Lewis became a professor, he was able to live on his own
and support himself. He also provided food and shelter for a
woman named Mrs. Moore. She was the mother of a friend that
died during the war. The two of them had made a pact that if either
of them died during the war, the survivor would take care of the
other’s family.
True to his word, C.S. Lewis ended up caring for Mrs. Moore. For
thirty years he cared tenderly and tirelessly for Mrs. Moore until she
died, often doing dishes, laundry and other household chores for
her, even as he managed to write his books and do his scholarly
work. With little money to spare, C.S. Lewis lived a simple life.
C.S. Lewis was also generous in the time he gave others. He was
able to connect with people and could make them feel that what
they had to say was important. People felt valued by him. C.S.
Lewis spent time meeting with people for lunch and dinner. As his
popularity grew he made it a point to personally respond to letters
he received, which took hours each week.
C.S. Lewis was a writer whose gifts gave his books an enduring
appeal. Unforgettable characters, places and prose that stir the
imagination and heart. C.S. Lewis had a profound impact on the
world, and chose to use his gifts to bless and inspire others.
This historical thought was delivered by our Grammar School students at devotional on 02/20/2025. Each week one class leads the student body in prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, scripture recitation, a meditation, and an historical thought. Family and friends are welcome, Thursdays 8:30-9:05 am.
Belmont is an independent K-12 school in the classical, Christian tradition. In partnership with parents, we invest in students — helping them acquire an education of the highest quality, find joy in life, and become influences for good in the world. If you are interested in receiving updates about Belmont, please subscribe to Exulto here by inserting your email.
Comments