“A Letter to God” is a poignant short story written by Gregorio López y Fuentes, a renowned Mexican author. This story beautifully captures the unshakable faith of a poor farmer named Lencho, who, despite facing immense hardship, believed that divine intervention would save him from his troubles. The central question that arises from this story is: Why did Lencho write a letter to God? The answer lies in Lencho’s unwavering faith, his desperate circumstances, and his profound belief in divine justice.
1. Lencho’s Dependence on His Crops
Lencho lived with his family on a modest farm situated on the crest of a low hill. Farming was the only source of livelihood for him and his family. He worked hard throughout the year, tilling the land and planting crops. The story highlights that Lencho had placed all his hopes on the yield from his cornfield. For him, a good harvest meant survival, while a bad one meant starvation.
However, nature had other plans. As Lencho hoped for rainfall to ensure a good crop, a sudden hailstorm destroyed his entire harvest. The hailstones, which he initially welcomed as “big drops of silver coins,” turned into a nightmare, shattering his only means of sustenance. His hard work of months was wiped out in just a few hours.
Faced with this devastation, Lencho realized that without help, his family would starve. Yet, instead of losing hope, he believed there was one entity who could help him: God.
2. Lencho’s Unshakable Faith in God
What makes Lencho’s story truly remarkable is his absolute faith in God. His belief was so strong that he was convinced that God would not let his family go hungry. Unlike most people, who might have given in to despair, Lencho turned his thoughts to divine help.
He believed that God watches over everyone and would surely come to the aid of a humble farmer who worked honestly and prayed with a pure heart. This unwavering belief in divine benevolence pushed him to write a letter to God, seeking assistance.
3. The Letter to God: A Plea for Help
Lencho’s letter was not just a written request; it was a symbol of pure faith. In his letter, Lencho asked God for one hundred pesos to sow his fields again and sustain his family until the next harvest. The exact amount he requested shows that he had carefully calculated his needs.
Interestingly, Lencho’s tone in the letter was not one of pleading or begging. Instead, it was confident, almost as if he was certain that God would fulfill his request. This confidence shows that Lencho did not consider God as some distant power but rather as someone who was approachable and who cared deeply for his devotees.
4. The Irony and Humanity in Lencho’s Faith
The letter eventually reached the postmaster, who was deeply moved by Lencho’s faith. Touched by Lencho’s trust in God, the postmaster and other post office employees collected money to help him. Although they managed to gather only a part of the amount Lencho had requested, they hoped it would be enough to restore his faith.
However, upon receiving the money, Lencho believed that God could not have sent an incomplete amount, and he suspected that the post office employees had stolen the rest. In his second letter to God, Lencho requested God not to send the money through the post office again, as he believed the postal workers were dishonest.
This irony forms the heart of the story. Lencho, who had absolute faith in God, distrusted his fellow human beings, even though they were the ones who had tried to help him. This reflects the complex nature of human belief systems and highlights the theme of faith versus reality.
5. The Message of the Story
Lencho wrote a letter to God because he believed faith could move mountains. His innocent and pure-hearted belief represents the kind of faith that can inspire hope even in the darkest of times. The story teaches readers that faith, hope, and kindness are interconnected. It also subtly reminds us that sometimes, human beings are the instruments through which divine help reaches us.
Conclusion
Lencho’s decision to write a letter to God was born out of desperation but driven by faith. His belief that God would not abandon him reflects the power of hope in the face of adversity. The story reminds us that even when life seems unfair, faith can provide strength and comfort. However, it also teaches that while looking for divine help, one should not overlook the goodness and kindness of fellow human beings.
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.
