25.10.2012 Views

Against the Wind: Eberhard Arnold and the Bruderhof - Plough

Against the Wind: Eberhard Arnold and the Bruderhof - Plough

Against the Wind: Eberhard Arnold and the Bruderhof - Plough

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.

<strong>Against</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Wind</strong><br />

CourtShip <strong>and</strong> EngagEmEnt<br />

<strong>Eberhard</strong> <strong>Arnold</strong> called on <strong>the</strong> von Holl<strong>and</strong>er family on <strong>the</strong> morning of Good<br />

Friday, March 29, 1907. Decked out in a black suit <strong>and</strong> top hat, he formally<br />

introduced himself to <strong>the</strong> parents of <strong>the</strong> woman of his choice. They were quite<br />

impressed. Still, <strong>the</strong>y did not like <strong>the</strong> idea of an immediate engagement; <strong>the</strong>y would,<br />

however, give <strong>the</strong>ir agreement to <strong>the</strong> relationship if <strong>Eberhard</strong>’s parents consented<br />

to an engagement. All <strong>the</strong> same, Emmy’s mo<strong>the</strong>r accepted a bouquet of white<br />

roses. The engagement was not to be announced until <strong>Eberhard</strong> could provide<br />

proof of his ability to support a wife. The prosective son-in-law was tactfully left<br />

alone with <strong>the</strong>ir daughter for a short time. He told Emmy again of his conviction<br />

that God had led <strong>the</strong>m toge<strong>the</strong>r <strong>and</strong> added, “I fell in love with you <strong>the</strong> very first<br />

moment I saw you.” Pale with excitement, she replied, “It was just <strong>the</strong> same for<br />

me.” They exchanged <strong>the</strong>ir first kiss. Then – toge<strong>the</strong>r – <strong>the</strong>y read Psalm 34: “I will<br />

praise <strong>the</strong> Lord continually…Those who look to him will be radiant with joy…” In<br />

prayer, <strong>the</strong>y gave <strong>the</strong>ir lives into God’s h<strong>and</strong>s, “to serve <strong>and</strong> to witness for him.” 24<br />

Then <strong>the</strong> family came back in. Emmy’s bro<strong>the</strong>r <strong>and</strong> sisters accepted <strong>the</strong>ir future<br />

bro<strong>the</strong>r-in-law at once. The couple sent <strong>the</strong> following day <strong>and</strong> a half partly alone<br />

with each o<strong>the</strong>r <strong>and</strong> partly with <strong>the</strong> rest of <strong>the</strong> family. On Saturday <strong>Eberhard</strong> left<br />

by train for Breslau. By Easter morning his fiancée already had his first letter in<br />

her h<strong>and</strong>s. At <strong>the</strong> top was written: “Always Phil. 4:4! Eph. 1:14! My Emmy…”<br />

24

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!