Poem July 11, 1983 Issue

Egypt: nourisher of leaders

CAROLYN E. HOLTE

Plotted against, then cast into a pit;
sold, then purchased in Egypt by Potiphar;
Joseph prospered—even in prison.
Promoted to prominence, he illustrated the supremacy of Truth—
for pure affection blesses its enemies.^{See Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy, 589:19-22 .}

Taught by the unburnt bush
(and the persistent tutelage of a hardhearted Pharaoh)
Moses' moral courage was rendered eloquent
through obeying God's commands,
leading and saving the people from idolatry/oppression.

As a child,
Jesus was taken to Egypt for refuge
(fleeing Herod's wrath)
to nurture, mature his early lessons
preceding his Christly mission.

So, if we feel plotted against,
pit-prone, prison-bound,
or oppressed by "modern Pharaohs,"^{The People's Idea of God, p. 11, also by Mrs. Eddy.}
these only demand multiple proofs
of our obedience to God's commands
whereby adversity turns to advantage
and
our allegiance develops leadership that liberates;
for, "Out of Egypt have I called my son."^{Matt. 2:15.}