I was seven years old when I first stepped in front of a microphone.  Dressed in a long yellow dress, with big pink flowers and puffy sleeves, it was Easter Sunday and I was terrified.

“Were you there, when they crucified my Lord?

Oh, oh, sometimes it causes it me to tremble, tremble, tremble………”

It was a defining moment in my life and I’ve been singing ever since.   I haven’t always understood my need to sing because it goes beyond the love of music.    However, I do know in many ways, singing has often been my saving grace.   At seven, I fell in love with Jesus and reading the bible, going to Sunday school and church.  By the age of 12, I was a Sunday school teacher and choir director.  I was usually in church 5 days a week, often helping clean up on Saturday in preparation for Sunday.  However, by the age of 15, I didn’t want any part of my church life.  Disappointed in those around me, I lost all faith and I turned away from God.  I also thought God turned away from me.

I stumbled through the wilderness for a long time.  I was in and out of churches all the while leaving a trail of mistakes.  No matter how lost I was, God still provided for me and kept me from hurt and harm.  But I kept turning away.  I didn’t understand my worth as child of God.   And though I kept singing, it wasn’t for His Glory.

In 1998, after getting married and moving back to my hometown, I wandered in the public library looking for a part-time job.  I was singing with a big band on the weekends, but I wanted extra income to start a demo.   Shortly after accepting a job as a part time publicity assistant and librarian, I took a full-time position in the library as the Director of Youth Services.  A month after accepting the position, I went completely blind in my right eye in a matter of days. 

At first I refused to go to the hospital, but fear set in and I was faced with the reality that my sight would be lost forever without treatment.  I asked my husband, “why me?”  He replied, “why not you”.   I turned to God for understanding and peace.  In the darkness, I realized, I didn’t need my eyes to sing for Him.  He was telling me I needed to use my gift for His Glory and to help others seek His Love.  He was telling me to stop running.  God was saying TRUST HIM not man; because when you put your trust in man you will always be disappointed. 

I, like Maya Angelou, know why the cage bird sings.   I happy to say today, I’m free.  Yes, I still stumble and make mistakes, but I love the Lord.  He’s done so much for me that I am compelled to sing of His Mercy and Grace.  I am a blessed child of God, wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, Psalmist, Librarian--- and now, a spokesperson for Habitat for Humanity.  I also have a great church family, Covenant United Church of Christ, in South Holland, IL, where Rev. Ozzie Smith, Jr. is my Pastor.  He tells me to get out of my own way. 

I am determined to share the love of Jesus, through inspiration and information, because often, when people know better, they do better.  I know I am on an unexpected but amazing journey.  However, I also know first hand, whenever you strive to move forward, there will always be opposition.  This time, I won’t turn away, I’m pressing on.  I would tell you more, but there isn’t enough room on this page. 

Always remember, press through, no matter what keep pressing through.  God won’t leave you, TRUST HIM.  I believe in miracles…………so should you………