Carrots of Praise

In 2010, I began looking for a bible study that offered an in-depth look at scripture. While I was in those classes, I received public speaking opportunities within the church to talk about overcoming difficulties, persevering through difficult times, dealing with rejection and loss, and moving forward towards success despite opposition. Trying out several groups at one time, I was not able to satiate my need for knowledge. Though I found my own way, it meant studying under professors and doctors of theology for several years to advance my knowledge of the symbolism in the bible.

When I was an Autism Therapist, families I worked with suggested I start a bible study support group for the caregivers of children with Autism. I prepared a yearlong curriculum. Other types of groups related to Autism were also suggested. I desired to continue my research in the field of Autism, and offered continuing education to professionals in early intervention. Opportunities to travel within NC to teach were presented often. Much of my work dealt with the most challenging of cases, often those in which zero progress had been made.? Turnaround times in my care occurred within 6 months.

With my event planning skills, others requested I begin a catering business to serve meals to seniors,? later to open a brick-and-mortar bakery, and then a fine dining restaurant. Over the years, I’ve mastered several recipes. I took every reasonable opportunity presented to me. I have partnered with all types of specialty licensed medical doctors, nutritionists, therapists, psychologists, engineers, and have co-authored with them on many written works for the past 20 years in the fields of nutrition, psychology, education, criminal behavior, behavior analysis, and science.

I was given other opportunities to speak about our rights, from a woman’s perspective, according to our Constitution – freedom of speech, religion, the right to defend ourselves, standing up for something and standing against another, and how to protect ourselves. Very few churches give women a voice to educate, empower, preserve and illuminate women, specifically the elderly, widows, and singles on firearm safety. Discussions need to occur on what needs to be considered when making the decision to purchase a gun, the type of gun and the accessories that accompany the weapon (holsters, magazines, bullets, eye and ear protection, etc.). For women, the female accessories are necessary to conceal your weapon (concealed carry purses, alternative holsters, special clothes and undergarments) so not to “print” (obvious that you are wearing a weapon). This was most frustrating, as it was trial and error for me to find things that fit well, weren’t oversized, were stylish (yes, I require that), did not cause skin abrasions or loosening of accessories. Women in the church continue to advocate for me.

I joined a volunteer group to feed the homeless in 2016, and a miscommunication left me with 40-50, 18” loaves of bread. It was my idea to map out an area of zip codes in Greensboro to find homeless and unemployed people – on the streets, and living in their cars or parking lots (I took calculated risks). I made care packages for them – protein and fiber bars, toothbrush/paste, toiletries, and gift cards to local restaurants near the encampments. Within 1-2 weeks, I was able to give all away. In hindsight, with all the fiber snacks, I should have included a roll of toilet paper.

I had so many opportunities to talk with these people about how their situation deteriorated to the present moment. Some were heartbreaking, and for those, I tried to help them get jobs or provide them with clothes, shoes, and blankets. I still talk to a few of the homeless people. There was this older petite male archeologist that I saw at the West Friendly shops. He didn’t have suitable clothes to wear for an interview. I gathered some of my husband’s things, albeit they were a bit big, but he said he’d make them work. I didn’t see him the following week. I’m really hoping that he got that job.

Last year someone said to me, “No one knows a thing about you.” So, here I am, telling and showing you who I am. I am grateful for the opportunities I received, for the teaching opportunities, as many people saw something in me that is of value to teach others, if not for this generation, but for future generations. As our population ages, and we lose the people closest to us, it is important to show others how to navigate obstacles in life and what not to do. For the record, I did not receive money for any of these opportunities nor was I compensated in any way.