Book Jacket

 

rank 3305
word count 52077
date submitted 19.09.2011
date updated 12.12.2011
genres: Non-fiction, Biography, Harper True...
classification: universal
complete

A Time To Let Go

Wendy Oxley

Two mothers and three fathers and only four years old. Will I ever find my real mother? And who is my Father?

 

World War II did not just have lasting consequences for the people who went to fight, it changed the lives of ordinary people, forcing them to make choices they later lived to regret. My parents were just such people.

Fast forward half a century and I have three daughters, one ex-husband, accumulated innumerable hours sitting alone at hospital bedsides, countless tears, and very little money to call my own.

But then I find myself with a group of Christian missionaries on the edge of the sand-swept Sahara where I make a decision which will finally bring me the acceptance and restoration I have been searching for my whole life. Finally I have found someone I can whole-heartedly call Father. And so unfolds the most extraordinary chapter of my life so far.

This is the story that takes me from being unwanted, abused and neglected to finding peace, forgiveness and, at last a future.


 
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tags

, adoption, autobiography, christian, conversion, discipleship, faith, life story, missionary, missions, non fiction, second world war, world war two

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Ed Walker wrote 604 days ago

An excellent read and encouraging story of God's redemptive power.

Ed W

MaryBe wrote 577 days ago

Wendy,
Your book is a thrilling account of your life. I enjoyed your story especially the part where Ally who you had to give so much care to, was so significant in your finding God. A very moving story. I am so happy for you. God Bless You!
MaryBe

Jannypeacock wrote 581 days ago

I found this incredibly hard to read, but that’s a positive reflection on your capable writing. Because I have children myself stories like this just break my heart. The poor girl. She is so confused and innocent. I found myself aching to protect her. Chapter 3 is especially poignant and so beautifully written. The emotion was leaping off the page.

Your writing is excellent. My emotions are in turmoil after reading this and I can’t seem to get the story out of my head. Incredibly powerful and moving story. You are a very talented writer. Well done.

LPret wrote 592 days ago

Very Good!! A book worth reading. I know Wendy...I walked with her in Namibia. Great friend!! Lpret

CMTStibbe wrote 601 days ago

This is one of those books you can’t put down. The similarities of my life to this are astounding and I know many others will empathize. My adoptive father wanted me to go to St Swithuns, so I know the area well.

But for this little girl, life is so confusing. With feelings of inadequacy, being unloved and not daring to ask questions, especially when children cannot reason until after the age of 8, it is a tale of heartlessness. I cannot believe how the adoption happened and how easily this child is given over to others. Since the POV is from our protagonists perspective it drives home the confusion children feel and continue to feel in an unloved world. By that I mean, parents who no longer feel they are able to keep the children they have. And I am not talking about the ones that genuinely struggle as single parents, never letting go and never giving up. This little girl had nobody to speak out for her and for that I am sad. Driven through the fire, our little Wendy is being honed for something greater and I have goosebumps as I write this.

I reached Chapter 5 effortlessly, desperate to know more. The writing is flawless, smooth and fast paced. I would say this though, in Chapter 1, it would be nice to give this special little girl a name. I may have missed it, but if not, it tends to give a personal aspect to the one we are rooting for. We already care deeply for her and that’s a plus. The hooks are natural and unintentional in this genre. But you are hooked nonetheless.

The letter sent by her mother explaining her adoption is humbling but somehow still misses that ‘warmth’, the necessary love children yearn for. This is so cleverly conveyed by the author because at this time, parents were still unable to show feeling, genuine emotion and affection. I start to wonder if it was considered a weakness. But humans are fallible, we all fall short and disappoint. Jesus is the only one to provide love, companionship and loyalty because he’s always there. And Wendy truly seeks him. The abuse is the most destructive factor in her life exacerbated by leaving a boarding school where she has made friends and feels a sense of permanence. I read to chapter 7 without drawing breath and will definitely return for more.

The promise of the Great Commission is something I always remind my son. “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matt 28:20 NIV) I wish I had known this during my younger years. I am sure I heard it in church every Sunday but somehow missed it and like Wendy, God lived in a box only coming out when I thought I needed Him the most.

6 stars for an encouraging, deeply emotional ride. Claire ~ Chasing Pharaohs.

Wendy Castle wrote 601 days ago

An excellent read and encouraging story of God's redemptive power.

Ed W


Thanks Ed! Have seen you have joined the site - have you got another book in the pipeline?

Ed Walker wrote 604 days ago

An excellent read and encouraging story of God's redemptive power.

Ed W

LouJ wrote 604 days ago

Fantastic story - beautifully told. Inspiring and honest.

julievanmeter wrote 605 days ago

Wendy -

Your book is beautifully written. The story unfolds naturally, evoking a curiousity in the reader to continue into the next chaper. I like the straightforward language, the use of related quotes and poetry in the beginning.

As an American, I didn't know what "O" level results were, so I looked up that item. I don't think this takes away from your story at all, but I thought you would find it interesting that this is not a term used here in the States.

I have your story on my bookshelf and rated with 6 stars.

God bless you on your path!

Julie Van Meter

dizzie61 wrote 608 days ago

Wendy this is very well written. I'm sorry we did not get to meet when you met mum. Liz

tisha wrote 609 days ago

I was born on 8 February 1945 and my memories of my post WW2 Dad are not nice. However, God was so good to me: before he died in 2001 i had made my peace with him and loved him with deep compassion. There are seven of us and we laugh now when we reminisce about the past. I like your story and I shall return to it to finish it as time allows.

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