The short story “A Letter to God” by Gregorio López y Fuentes is a beautiful narrative about faith, hope, and human kindness. The protagonist, Lencho, is a poor farmer who depends entirely on his crops for survival. After a devastating natural disaster ruins his only source of income, Lencho finds himself in a situation where he desperately needs money. His response to this crisis, especially his decision to write a letter to God, reveals his unshakable faith and the challenges faced by many farmers whose livelihoods depend on nature.
But why did Lencho need money? Let’s explore the reasons behind Lencho’s need for financial assistance and the deeper significance of his request.
1. To Recover from a Devastating Hailstorm
The primary reason Lencho needed money was to recover from the destruction caused by a hailstorm. After working hard for months on his corn and bean crops, Lencho was hopeful for a bountiful harvest. His family’s survival depended on this yield, as it was their only source of food and income.
However, a sudden hailstorm destroyed everything. The hail flattened the crops, leaving nothing behind. Lencho and his family faced starvation, with no money to buy food or resources to replant the fields. The hailstorm’s destruction meant complete financial ruin for Lencho. His immediate need for money arose from this unexpected disaster, which left him penniless and hopeless.
2. To Replant His Fields
After the hailstorm, Lencho knew that the only way to survive was to replant his crops. For a farmer like Lencho, the land is life, and without seeds and farming tools, he could not hope for another harvest. Replanting would give him a chance to grow a new crop, ensuring food for his family and a way to earn money in the future.
However, replanting requires money—for buying seeds, hiring labor, and covering basic farming expenses. Since Lencho had no savings, he needed financial help to start over. This is why, in his letter to God, Lencho specifically asked for one hundred pesos—an amount he believed would be enough to buy seeds and sustain his family until the next harvest.
3. To Feed His Family
Lencho’s immediate concern after the hailstorm was feeding his family. With the crops destroyed, there was no food left to eat. The fear of starvation loomed large. Lencho was a responsible father and could not bear the thought of his family going hungry.
The one hundred pesos he asked for was not just for farming; it was also to buy food and basic necessities until the new crops could grow. Lencho understood that farming takes time, and without immediate financial support, his family would not survive the period between planting and harvest.
4. No Other Source of Income
Lencho needed money because he had no alternative source of income. His entire life revolved around farming. Unlike people in towns who might have other job opportunities, Lencho’s skills and experience were tied to the land. The rural setting of the story emphasizes that for many farmers like Lencho, agriculture is the only livelihood.
After the hailstorm, Lencho could not sell his crops, which would have provided him with cash. There were no savings, no assets, and no community support mentioned in the story. His complete dependence on farming made his need for money urgent and absolute.
5. His Faith in Divine Assistance
What makes Lencho’s need for money unique is the way he chose to seek help. Instead of turning to neighbors or government officials, Lencho decided to write a letter to God. His request for one hundred pesos shows his simple yet profound faith that God would provide.
In the letter, Lencho wrote:
“God: If you don’t help me, my family and I will go hungry this year. I need a hundred pesos to sow my field again and to live until the crop comes, because the hailstorm destroyed everything.”
This letter reveals that Lencho’s need for money was not born out of greed, but out of necessity and survival. His complete trust in God’s benevolence made him confident that his request would be fulfilled.
6. The Broader Message Behind Lencho’s Need for Money
Lencho’s situation highlights the vulnerability of farmers who depend entirely on nature. A single natural disaster, like the hailstorm in the story, can wipe out months of hard work and leave families on the brink of starvation.
The story also shows how faith can provide strength in the face of adversity. Lencho’s need for money was tied not only to his physical survival but also to his emotional resilience. His belief that God would not abandon him gave him the courage to hope even after losing everything.
Conclusion
Lencho needed money because a devastating hailstorm destroyed his entire crop, leaving his family with no food and no means of income. The money was essential for two reasons: to buy seeds and replant his fields and to feed his family until the next harvest. With no alternative sources of income, Lencho believed that his only hope lay in divine intervention.
His decision to write a letter to God asking for one hundred pesos reveals his unshakable faith, simplicity, and determination. Lencho’s need for money, though born out of desperation, also reflects a universal truth—that hope, faith, and resilience can keep people going, even in the most challenging times.
Rahul Kumar is a passionate educator, writer, and subject matter expert in the field of education and professional development. As an author on CoursesXpert, Rahul Kumar’s articles cover a wide range of topics, from various courses, educational and career guidance.
