The Struggle to be Me

key experiences of Cynthia Harry’s life so far. She is 63 years old. Her

journey through life has helped to shape her current knowledge and

ultimate understanding of God – she now wishes to share this with others

in order to help all of mankind with their own personal struggles.

Rebelling from her traditional childhood and strict but loving

upbringing in Trinidad and Grenada, Cynthia challenges existing authority

through her own exploration of religion and politics, resulting in family

conflict and her life-altering decision to travel and explore the world. The

hustle and bustle of 1960s London is a big culture shock for Cynthia, who

is not used to the weather, the social attitudes of the time and the fast

pace of city life.

Nevertheless, her clear moral values continue to guide her as she

marries and begins to raise a family of four children, unprepared for

the stresses and strains of married life and unwelcome interventions

in a country far away from home. Depression soon follows, as well as

an addiction to alcohol; what she perceives to be her only means of

escape.

Her search for solace and true meaning in the churches of the local

area is fruitless as they fail to provide what she is looking for. A kindly

neighbour and a Salvation Army poster are the only comforts available to

Cynthia in her time of need. God answers Cynthia’s prayers by sending a

Salvation Army officer to her door on a number of occasions; eventually

she is brave enough to answer and accepts his invitation to one of their

Sunday meetings.

Having tackled her depression and alcohol problems, she and her

children become regular attendees at Salvation Army meetings, which

leads Cynthia to some fundamental revelations about the nature of Christ

and His existence on Earth. She also experiences direct communications

from God through holy dreams and the Scriptures. This knowledge

supports her in the face of mounting pressure from her husband, relatives

and neighbours, all of whom want her to sever ties with the Salvation

Army.

Cynthia’s religious experiences and communications continue to

support her through her troubled second marriage. During this time, she

attempts to bring up and assist her children who are experiencing their

own difficulties, as well as starting up her own Christian business without

adequate support from the relevant individuals or authorities.

Cynthia’s many experiences over the years leave her in no doubt as

to the cause of many of contemporary society’s problems, whether moral,

religious, economic or political. Through her knowledge and understanding

of God and the Scriptures, she also believes that she can, at least, put

of friendship to those who are in need, from someone who understands

where they currently are in life – and where they want to get to.