Unusual influences in my spiritual walk- Part I

          There have been far more unintentional influences in my spiritual walk than intentional. For example, my mother influenced me spiritually the day she came home and told her live in boyfriend that she had accepted Christ as her personal savior and he would have to leave.


Andre(left) - sister Juwanna Marine(right) -
bottom pic mother, baby sister Kenya,
 Juwanna and Monica

          The boyfriend had been molesting me since around the age of 8. So when the LORD saved her he was really saving me. (Matthew 18:6)

           A few years later I spent a glorious summer learning proper female etiquette with my absolute favorite aunt Phyllis. And after she had me iron just about all her sheets and pillow cases (a gratuitous task in my opinion) I got a chance to learn how much we had in common.

           My auntie shared with me one of the best books I have ever read in my life outside of the Bible. Hinds Feet on High Places was the story that rang a warning trumpet to the fear in me. Like the book's main character I was Much-Afraid. There began my cognizant journey with the LORD. (Psalm 18:33)

           How about when I was pregnant with my son the doctors told me - because I had been diagnosed with cancer a year prior, and was still taking Chemo - there was a huge chance he wouldn't make it here safely. That little inspiration is now in college @ Robert Morris University on a partial academic scholarship.

Monica and son - Andre

           I have to tell you when my son first left it was bitter sweet. We were going to get him checked in on the flight and then grab a quick bite. So when the airport security informed me that I couldn't go any further with him because of the new check points at the terminal I just helplessly watched him from the other side of the barrier, a young man,  as he put his things into the baskets to be run through the detector and my tears flooded to the surface.

          We hadn't had lunch like we planned...and I didn't even get my hug and a sugar for my cheek.   I walked away from him at Reagan National Airport. I heard him in the background trying to console me. "Don't cry mom; It's okay; I'll call you on your cell."

(Top) Monica- (Bottom) Great Grandma nannie
Andre and grandma Monica's mother.

          Despite the crying I made it to my car.  The uncontrollable tears did eventually stop a few weeks later. But from this experience I learned to appreciate the moments you have with folks. We can't take people for granted. Somehow I learn to cling to God more through all my relationships good or bad.  

There is more to this story. Check out Part 2 of this article in the next CBM post.



Remember

pray without ceasing.
Read your Bible everyday and apply it till the Bridegroom comes!

Your sister in Christ,

MJJaymz