I decided to do a blog because I want to share my story. My life's journey. Why not? I think that amazing things have been done in my life that could encourage or inspire people. My journey has not ended yet (I'll be dead and not typing this. That would be scary wouldn't it?!) Anyway, I want you to know where I come from and the ups and downs so that, perhaps, it would be of some help. I will start by telling you that I'm from a rural town in Arkansas. Love growing up there and I love my family. We are a crazy bunch. (I'm 1 of 8 children. My mom is AMAZING!) I grew up singing and writing songs and I always felt connected to God whenever I sang. I love that feeling!
After graduating college, I taught school in West Helena, AR. I was so depressed because I knew that it was not where I wanted to be. My students felt that all they were seeing was it and they had no hopes or dreams, so I was determined to live a life showing them that there is hope and you don't have to remain where you are just because of where you live. It can all be changed if you hope and dream. This was the message that I wanted to share with my students. So, one day I was walking pass the tv and New York Undercover was on (this is in 1998, so you know that was the show). Anyway, I heard something say to me that I was moving there, to New York. I was ok with that. Now, I only knew one person in New York and he was a blind producer/singer that I had song back up for when I was in college in University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. I contacted his mom. She connected me to him and I came to visit New York.
Before coming, I took a walk down my road and I heard a voice say, "If you were asked, will you be baptized again." I said yes. God talks to me in amazing ways and I love it when he does. So, I came to visit New York (with my boyfriend at the time). We did the tourist things, but one day we were invited to a midweek (church service during the week). When I arrived there, before I met the people, I saw a flood of light as I was walking down the stairs and had this amazing feeling in me that I can not describe. I looked back at my boyfriend and told him this is where I'm suppose to be. It was totally where God had been leading me, to this place, this time. I couldn't imagine the magnitude of what He was calling me to, but I was ready to follow it.
I went back home to Arkansas and told my mom that I was moving. She thought I was crazy. Imagine growing up in an area where there is only a rock road, a house in a field and your closest neighbor is like a football field distance away from you. You would think you were crazy too. But, I couldn't shake that feeling. I couldn't stay here. I didn't want to say one day "I could have, should have, would have, but I didn't" and live with regret. That would be unbareable for me. There was something more out there for me. So, on June 21, 1998, my mom took me to the airport and I cried good bye because I was leaving all that I knew to come to a place that was unknown to me. I didn't know what to expect or what I was coming to. I was leaving my entire family to come to a place where I only knew barely the blind guy and some of his friends. This was soooooo scary for me, but I couldn't turn back. I had to follow my heart. Thirteen years later, I am grateful that I did.
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