“God brought you back to me. It’s a miracle...”
“I know, Mom. I’m sorry for all the heartache I’ve caused.”
“Honey, we love you. We love both of you.” As if on cue, the infant began to cry.
“My baby! Oh God, thank you, God. Thank you!” Beth was crying hysterically as her mother went to the crib and gathered the baby up to take him to his mother. She laid the baby gently in Beth’s arms, and Beth leaned down to kiss the baby’s brow.
“I was so worried about you. I thought I had lost you forever. Oh God, I can’t believe it. We’re all here, together.”
“Yes, and we’re going to stay together this time, no matter what happens. Beth, your mom and I are here for you darling.” John was choked with emotion as he knelt to take his first look at his grandson. He thought the baby resembled his side of the family, but then it might look more like a Daily.
“We’ve got to call Chris!”
“Dad...” Beth began, but the reunion was interrupted by a doctor entering the room.
“I hate to break up the reunion. But I think it’s best we examine the patient and get her treated and get her some rest. It appears she’s had quite the ordeal. If you would like, you can wait here, and I’ll make sure she’s brought back to this room.”
Carolyn kissed her daughter on the head and stroked her hair gently. In eight short months her daughter had passed from girlhood to womanhood; the transformation was astounding. There was so much she wanted to know. So much she was afraid to ask. But she knew that no matter what, she would spend the rest of her days loving and caring for her daughter and this precious grandchild. There was no room in this mother’s heart for judgment or criticism. No matter how much this ordeal had changed Beth, she was still her own flesh and blood. There was no condemnation. Her prodigal had returned.
As Beth was wheeled away, Carolyn looked down at the sweet smelling bundle in her arms. She pressed her cheek to his soft head. She knew if she was ever going to pick up the pieces of this trial and move on that she was going to have to do the unthinkable. Forgiving Beth was easy. But to ever have complete peace, she was going to have to search her heart. Somehow, some way, she was going to have to find it in her heart to forgive Catfish. Not for his sake. Unless he had made a dying confession to Christ, it was too late for him. But for her own sake, she must rid her heart of this bitter hatred she had held for him. She stared into the trusting eyes of the child, and in an instant her choice was made.
“Oh God,” she breathed. “I need your help.”
Chapter 34
A Slave No More
March 2007
Eight months later, Carolyn and John sat on a park bench holding a chubby blonde haired boy dressed in a navy and white sailor suit. The baby was holding the sailor cap up to his mouth and gnawing on its brim, perfectly content to sit and watch the crowds of people pass by on their way to get in line for the rides. A luminous pale luna moth hovered around the trio, flitting from the hat to Carolyn’s red shirt to John’s shoulder. Dollywood was abuzz with Spring Break activity, and the weather was as perfect a day as you can get in the South this time of year. John leaned in to tickle the baby. He goosed him lightly between the ribs, and the baby squealed in delight.
“Look at him. Isn’t he gorgeous.” Carolyn gushed.
“A perfect specimen I’d say. A Luna moth isn’t it?”
“I was talking about Moses. Our daughter makes handsome babies.”
“Your son-in-law isn’t too shabby either, I might add.”
“I’ll concede to that. My opinion of him has changed considerably over the last little bit.”
“Well, it didn’t hurt that he came to you first on Christmas Eve to ask her hand, either, did it?”
“Not a bit.” He paused in reflection for a moment, and then continued. “I’m glad they saw things our way and decided to let us help them out while they go back to school.”
“Me too. Since they let Beth keep the scholarships, she wants to do something else with the reward money for the King Tut treasure.”
“Oh really? What’s that?”
“She told me she wants to start a Christian home for unwed mothers; she’s going to call it ‘Treasures from Heaven.’ I think it’s a great idea.”
“Our Beth has grown up so much through all this. I can really see God working in her -- and Chris.”
“You know how many times I questioned God about this whole ordeal, and I never once stopped to think about how it could be working together for good.” Round and round above them a perfect circle was rotating high above the park.
Beth Daily could see her parents holding little Moses Daily below. She smiled and leaned into her new husband’s shoulder. As the Ferris wheel began its ascent to the top, Beth held her breath at the beauty and wonder of God’s perfect world displayed at every turn. God had created this world -- all of it. He created the mountains, the rivers, and even the wilderness. Chris took her hand and squeezed gently. And now that she had surrendered her life to Him, she was safe.
“What are you thinking about?” Chris asked.
“How blessed I am to have you and Moses. And how good God is.”
“I know, Beth. I thought I’d never see you again. He’s answered so many prayers. You’re free now. You’re free.”
Peace filled her heart, and a knowing smile crossed her face. The Lord had redeemed her and set her back on the path of righteousness and restored her joy. Not only had He made the three a family, but He’d given her an opportunity to help other girls in trouble as well.
The media had given her full credit for the recovery of the Tut treasure, but none of it compared to what God had done for her over the past year. Her amazing God had delivered her from sin, pride, and the bitter bondage of Pharaoh’s hand, and she had come forth from the wilderness of that bleak Egypt, not only a woman, but a new creation—forever His and forever free.
THE END
From Pharaoh's Hand Page 17