Walking Away from Egypt

By Cherry

My Discovery:

"The life of my father's dreams ended when his external war began, and the life of my dreams began when my internal war ended."

-Nancy Cherry

"The author, Nancy Cherry, takes readers on a journey through time, illuminating her parents' love story, which was frayed by the confusion and heartache of World War II.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trilogy Christian Publishing
• Release date: Sep 1, 2020
• ISBN: 9781647730437

Book preview

Chapter 1

The Writing Assignment

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon Me, and ye shall go and pray unto Me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek Me, and find Me, when ye shall search for Me with all your heart.

(Jeremiah 29:11–13, KJV)

During the days of Moses, God’s chosen people were in captivity in Egypt, and God sent Moses to tell Pharaoh: …Let my people go… (Exodus 5:1, KJV).

After numerous objections and plagues (water turned into blood, frogs, locusts, etc.)—which were demonstrations of God’s Power—the Israelites were freed. Pharaoh, however, quickly reversed his decision and mounted horses and chariots to trap the newly released people and take them back into bondage and servitude (Exodus 14:1–8, KJV; paraphrased). (Writer’s Note: In this sense, Pharaoh could be likened to any counterattack by evil.)

With The Red Sea in front of them, the Egyptian Army storming down on them from behind, and steep and treacherous mountain ranges on each side, the Israelites seemed to have no way of escape. Moses called on the Lord, and God parted The Red Sea by having Moses lift up his rod and hand. The people journeyed through the divided water on dry land; when the Egyptians tried to follow them, The Sea converged upon their chariots (Exodus 14:13–31, KJV; paraphrased).

Bondage was broken once and for all, and the eleven-day pilgrimage to The Promised Land was fully engaged!

By reading further in the book of Exodus, it soon becomes obvious that those same Israelites who were miraculously saved from death did not continue to highly esteem their deliverance; that is, they neglected to continuously put God first in their lives. Thus, walking away from Egypt became a journey of forty years.

It has been said that Moses’ job was very difficult because he had a church congregation of three million people, none of whom were Born Again (even Old Testament Believers were a tough crowd). The Israelites easily lost focus and murmured about anything and everything. (Murmur means to gripe, whine, complain, grumble, gossip, argue, protest, etc.) Therefore, wandering in the wilderness—which is often referred to as circling the same mountain again and again—became a seemingly endless quest. Even Moses lost patience with the people, and although he got to see The Promised Land, God did not allow him to enter it. Before he died, Moses transferred his leadership position and authority to Joshua, per God’s instructions (Deuteronomy 1:37, and 34:9, KJV; paraphrased).

God’s Promise to His people was fulfilled, even though the original heirs were no longer on the scene.

The Bible’s book of Joshua contains many success stories, such as: (a) the actual crossing of The Jordan River, (b) the conquering of Jericho and, (c) the fighting of battles to obtain what rightfully belonged to the Israelites.

The Introduction to the book of Joshua in the New King James Version, Thomas Nelson Edition, notates the following

…Through three major military campaigns involving more than thirty enemy armies, the people of Israel learned a crucial lesson under Joshua’s capable leadership: Victory comes through faith in God and obedience to His Word, rather than through military might or numerical superiority… His name (Joshua) is symbolic of the fact that although he is (was) the Leader of the Israelite Nation during the conquest, the Lord is the Conqueror. (Joshua, p. 259, NKJV; parentheses mine)

For those who have always believed and acted on God’s Word, as well as those who are just now attempting to emerge from a wilderness experience, there is strength and encouragement in The Words of God, as spoken to His servant, Joshua:

There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee nor forsake thee. Be strong and of good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I swore unto their fathers to give them… Have I not commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee withersoever thou goest. (Joshua 1:5, 6, 9, KJV)

Strength and good courage are often needed to bolster the desire to fulfill assignments, missions, or purposes. I needed those attributes when, in my mid-fifties, I determined to accomplish two lifelong goals: (1) earn a doctorate and (2) write the book that had long been in my heart. I considered those assignments to be missions because they gave my life purpose…

For reasons I did not fully understand and could not explain at the time, I began—and three and one-half years later completed—a Doctorate in General Theology. This was at a time when I was commuting one hundred and forty miles per day for work, while also taking three years of Supernatural Minister’s Training Institute classes, so I often studied into the early morning hours. It was worth the effort.

Then I turned my attention, once again, to writing. Throughout my life, I had collected and recorded an abundance of book ideas and materials. My desire to write was strong—comparable to an incessant demand or calling—but determining the sequence and format was like trying to navigate a difficult maze: each hopeful beginning led to one dead end after another.

To motivate and encourage myself, I had constantly read inspirational books, excerpts, and quotations. A few of the passages are as follows:

In the dim background of our mind, we know meanwhile what we ought to be doing…but somehow we cannot start…every moment we expect the shell (of lethargy) to break…but it does continue, pulse after pulse, and we float with it… (William James, 1842–1910)

…Yet you will choose in countless situations, and through time that seems to have no end, until the truth be your decision—futility of function not fulfilled will haunt you—’til what is assigned to you is done… (A Course in Miracles, pp. 476–477)

…you will become as small as your controlling desire, as great as your dominate aspiration…in all human affairs there are efforts and there are results…the vision that you glorify in your mind, the ideal that you enthrone in your heart—this you will build your life by—this you will become… (As a Man Thinketh, James Allen, 1864–1912)

Keep your eyes on the crest of the hill. (Anonymous)

A ship in the harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for… (Anonymous)

I have been through some terrible things in my life—some of which actually happened! (Mark Twain, 1835–1910) (overcoming fear and imaginings)

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves: Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a Child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We were born to manifest the Glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. As we let our light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others. (Nelson Mandella, 1994 Inaugural Speech—excerpt from A Return to Love, Marianne Williamson)

(Writers are) apprentices in a craft where no one ever becomes master. (Earnest Hemingway, 1899–1961; parentheses mine)

(A writer is) a frustrated actor who recites his lines in the hidden auditorium of his skull. (Rod Sterling, 1924–1975; parentheses mine)

All writing is the process of elimination. (Martha Albrand, 1914–1981)

(Writing is) the art of applying the seat of the pants to the seat of a chair. (Mary Heaton Vorse, 1874–1966; parentheses mine)

…you may be keeping accounts, and presently you shall walk out of the door that so long has seemed to you the barrier to your ideals…you shall find yourself before an audience—the pen still behind your ear, the ink stains on your finger…and then and there pour out the torrent of your inspiration. (Stanton Davis Kirkham, 1868–1944)

We may not do great things on this earth, but we can do small things with great love. (Mother Teresa, 1910–1997)

There is a quiet space within my heart where the truth comes to light… (Anonymous)

Truth is what I seek; truth is why I write. (Nancy Cherry)

All of these passages, and many more, produced positive reactions within me, yet I still made little or no notable progress. As was my custom, however, I continued to write numerous pages every day—revisions and continuations of accumulated information—and sometimes just random thoughts.

In the summer of 2012, I became acutely aware that the timetable was shifting; I could produce the book my heart and soul longed for, or I could just try to forget it. No matter what my fears, inadequacies, or perceived criticisms—from myself or from other people—I knew I must write now, right now! To make the situation more intense, I now sensed that my desire to write came from God.

Another quotation surfaced in my mind:

Do not miss your watershed moment—your defining moment to be used by God; in that moment you will move forward. (Anonymous)

Also, I remembered what a wonderful lady, Margurite M., said to me many years ago:

If one person—somehow, somewhere, someway—is helped by your writing, it will be worth it—even if that person is yourself.

Due to a series of events, I began to attend a church that preached and taught The True Word of God. I had not been in church on a regular basis for thirty-eight years; I did not think I would want to become a member, and I was relatively sure the church members would not want me to stay. Thank God I was wrong! During the next eighteen months, I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior…

Slowly but surely, my world began to change—from the inside out.

I began to realize that the words of man are inspiring, but The Word of God is power-filled. Finally, miraculously, I began to walk away from a symbolic Egypt—away from the bondage of my mind that constantly told me, I can’t. Even though evil tried to re-enslave me many times, Jesus Christ became my strength and good courage.

Chapter 2

Shining Light Into Darkness

Arise, Shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.

(Isaiah 60:1, KJV; emphasis mine)

This is the story I have always wanted to write—a story to honor a woman for her courage, faithfulness, and love; a story to exonerate a man and to validate his life.

…thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called the Repairer of the Breach, the Restorer of paths to dwell in… (Isaiah 58:12, KJV)

***

Darkness did not want this story told—that is why it took more than sixty-five years to complete. But in the process of Shining Light Into Darkness, a family blight was shattered, which restored the dignity of members past, present, and future.

What do ye imagine against the Lord? He will make an utter end: affliction shall not rise up a second time. (Nahum1:9, KJV)

***

It was no one’s fault. It was war, which breeds strife and confusion.

For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. (James 3:16, KJV)

***

The initial after-effects impacted family members in a general way. The residual damage trickled down through the lineage to almost destroy the life and calling of one who was destined to love The Word of God.

Chapter 3

Bob’s Letter

God gave me all of Heaven the day I married you.

My Dearest Ottie,

Today is the same as yesterday and, I’m quite certain, will be identical to tomorrow. In fact, I’m not sure what actual day of the week it is, or even the date. The only reprieve I get from this drudgery is thinking of you.

I am sorry that I haven’t written more often, and I don’t mean to frighten you.

Ottie, I love you with all of my heart, and I never want to cause you any pain.

When my mind is right, I think of our courtship at college—of our nights with all of our friends—laughing and talking under the moon and stars. Remember how everyone acted when we first met at the amphitheater? It felt as if we were in motion pictures, with everyone staring at us on the screen of our lives. I had to work for months for that first kiss—and it was well worth the wait, and the work!

Those two years really flew by, then graduation. Suddenly, we were separated by one hundred miles—it seemed more like a thousand—but that was nothing compared to now.

When our country went to war, your mother already had your wedding dress sewn. How did she know before we did?

My God, you were a beautiful bride—my tall, thin, blue-eyed, brown-haired girl—smiling and happy—I knew right then that I was the most fortunate man in the world!

Then ten days in that little tourist town: you had never made love, and I had never been in love—we shared such passion; we watched the sunrise and sunset together, and told each other of our love and of how we loved God with all our heart, mind, and being. Everything was perfect. God gave me all of Heaven the day I married you.

I love you.

Your Bob Forever

Chapter 4

From Bliss to War

Destination Indefinite

During her first semester at Teacher’s College, Ottie (pronounced aahdee) saw Bob strolling across the grass—not in defiance or arrogance, but with purpose; his long-strided gait was faster than that of the people walking on the sidewalks. Fellow students called out to him, and he to them, with jovial greetings. Ottie turned to her group of friends and said, That’s the man I’m going to marry! All of her girlfriends laughed and ooohed as they scanned Bob’s attractive features—tall (six feet six inches), tanned skin, black hair, lean and lanky body—but they were not quite close enough to see his compelling blue eyes.

Ottie, herself, was a tall, slender beauty. At five feet ten inches, her graceful movements were accentuated by her bright blue eyes, thick wavy brown hair, and tiny waistline. Her mom was a petite, soft-spoken, joyful lady—and also an excellent seamstress; Ottie was always well-dressed, and her friends adored her compassionate, sincere, quiet, yet fun-loving personality.

Papa was Ottie’s dad, and he had always been her best friend. He was an honest and well-respected man, so he served dual roles in his community as County Sheriff and Mayor. Quite often, Ottie and her father would begin a conversation exactly where it had ended several days before—just to let each other know that their thoughts and words were important. Early in her life, Ottie developed a keen sense of right and wrong—not as criticism of others—but as choices for herself. Throughout her life, she instinctively recognized what was right and proper, and her actions demonstrated that line of thought. Her childhood and high school years were filled with joy and laughter; she had no problem being obedient and helpful to such loving parents.

Ottie would be the first person from either side of her family to graduate from college. She achieved top honors, and her organizational skills and attention to detail would carry over into all aspects of her life. She liked the idea of being an Elementary School Teacher, but she also looked forward to someday being a wife and mother in her own household.

Bob was from a less-populated small town than Ottie. His family owned farmland as well as cattle, so he and his brothers had begun to help in the family business at early ages. Bob’s college major was Agricultural Education and Research. Through a combination of former work and study experiences, Bob received compensation credit for a number of courses and would graduate with a Master of Science in Education. Before graduation, Bob was honored to receive official admission to a Veterinary School in an adjacent state. He desired to be a veterinarian for his own farm, but also wanted to do further research in order to implement and market his ideas—for increased cattle production, and for more effective and efficient farming equipment.

***

Three weeks had passed since the time Ottie and her girlfriends had first seen Bob walking across campus. Then one evening at an outdoor theatre production, a classmate saw that Bob and Ottie were in close proximity, and took the opportunity to introduce them to each other. As their eyes met, Ottie blushed crimson, and Bob immediately stepped closer to her and asked her for a date.

Couples dating, as it was called, was all that was allowed for freshmen. In fact, groups of couples were preferred, so friends, and even friends of friends, accompanied Ottie and Bob everywhere they went for the remainder of the school term. It was tremendously fun, hilarious, and thrilling to be so free—and to realize that this man and this woman were falling in love.

When the school year came to a close, several students remained to earn extra credits in summer school, including Ottie and Bob. Now they had time for walks together—just the two of them—weekly movies, window shopping, and ice cream floats at the soda parlor. It was time for the couple to