Writer Danielle Finch reflects on the surprising spiritual wisdom she found in The Secret Garden. Through this much-loved classic, she explores how stories beyond Scripture can still point us toward truth, beauty and God’s transforming work in the world.
As a Christian, I sometimes find myself quite sceptical of gleaning wisdom outside the realms of scripture, and rightly so. We should be both cautious and discerning. Yet, I recently finished reading The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett for the very first time, and was overwhelmed by the wisdom that resonates so true for me today over a century since the story was written.
The Secret Garden is a coming-of-age novel set in the early 20th century and follows the story of a sickly, troubled young girl, orphaned in India, who is sent to live with her uncle in the Yorkshire Moors. Upon hearing about a ‘secret garden’ within the grounds of the manor, young Mary Lennox becomes determined to find the hidden garden. Without giving too much away, the main themes of story are around redemption and the transformative, healing power of nature. As with anything, there are issues that arise that are a product of the novel’s time such as racism and ableism. But I find that even these things can be pondered on and learned from.
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The Secret Garden is rightly described as a ‘living book’.
The Secret Garden is rightly described as a ‘living book’. Victorian educator, Charlotte Mason, described a living book as, ’not just any book on any printed matter in a binding, but a work possessing certain literary qualities able to bring that sensible delight to the reader which belongs to a literary word fitly spoken.’ Living books captivate the reader, challenge our thoughts and peak our curiosity.
As Christians, we know that all of humankind are image bearers of God. So it shouldn’t have been a surprise to me that a piece of literature, even though written by a woman who did not profess to be a Christian, should still so clearly point to goodness and truth. With that in mind, let me briefly share three lessons that resonated deeply with me as I read The Secret Garden.
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1. The importance of taking captive our thoughts
“Much more surprising things can happen to anyone who, when a disagreeable or discouraged thought comes into his mind, just has the sense to remember in time and push it out by putting in an agreeable, determinedly courageous one. Two things cannot be in one place. Where you tend a rose, my lad, A thistle cannot grow.”
What a beautifully written truth. Did Paul not encourage us to do the same? “Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honourable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” Philippians 4: 8.
In all honesty, as someone who suffers with anxious thoughts, this practice does not come easily.
In all honesty, as someone who suffers with anxious thoughts, this practice does not come easily. But with the help of the Holy Spirit I am beginning to recognise sooner when my thoughts have started spiralling and replace them instead with God’s beauty and truth.
2. The healing power of nature
The Secret Garden contains some truly beautiful imagery of the garden coming to life and the transformative power of nature on both our mental and physical health. I have found this to be so true in my own life. During the 2020 lockdowns, we lived in a terraced house with a small yard, surrounded by houses on every side. With limitations in place on the time we could spend outdoors, I struggled enormously with my mental health, suffering with depression for the first time. I felt so alone and completely disconnected from both the Lord and everyone around me. I’ve come to understand that being able to be outside in nature, is where my soul feels at peace. It is where I am able to slow my thoughts and reflect on God’s goodness. Even on days when I am in debilitating pain due to my disability, being in nature brings some much needed relief.
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3. Recognising the power of God at work within and around us
As the children in the novel start to notice the goodness in the world around them, they start referring to it as the ’magic.’
“Magic is always pushing and drawing and making things out of nothing. Everything is made out of magic, leaves and trees, flowers and birds, badgers and foxes and squirrels and people. So it must be all around us.”
Of course, we should be discerning when talking about magic and the implications of the word. But what struck me, was the ability of the characters to see this power at work in everything around them. In Romans 1: 20 it says, “For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and the sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities - his eternal power and divine nature.”
My prayer is that we too would be able to see God through his breathtaking creation. This beautiful story has captured my heart and become one of my all time favourites. If you haven’t read it yet, then why not give it a go? If you have any recommendations of other novels that have impacted you, I would love for you to share them below so that we might encourage one another in our faith.
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