It seems like yesterday that things that were happening in my life over seventy years ago, demands that I trust in the loving purpose of a Sovereign God. I have learned to trust that He is in control – especially when life seems out of control. I am prospering and am always hopeful because as a blessed African American woman, I accept my responsibility to give back to the people in this country as much as it has given to me. I will always acknowledge my roots, as they are more important than ever. I am an empty vessel but am versed with a spiritual being to complete a mission for God. And I have an angel or angels who have guided me all my days. They are sent from my Sovereign Creator.
There are millions of innocent children of the world who deserve love, respect, concern and loyalty. Jesus said many times, “ Suffer the little children to come to me and do not bother them.” Innocent children are untrained, undisciplined and lacking in capacity or experience. Many children suffer today like never before. They need helping navigating their way through the system of life while protecting and respecting themselves. Real life does not teach great lessons in times of ease and prosperity, joy and comfort. Children’s greatest character- building and faith-strengthening lessons mostly come during times of difficulties and suffering. From the time we are born until our death, God doesn’t waste anything – not even our heartaches and trials. Many innocent children are blessed with the empowerment of faith, education and experience of joy they deserve. This is god-sent and shows God’s love of human life. He said “I will show you a most excellent way : LOVE. What we do for others, defines who we are.
In the beginning, God made man. Man was created by God. Then woman was made from a rib of man’s body. God did not want man to be alone He ordained a relationship called marriage. Marriage is forever and in right relationship with the love of God. Marriage is not meant to be easy, but with the persistence and stamina and the grace of God, marriage is a lasting and enduring accomplishment. Many couples take their vows and covenant serious as a covenant to God and man. This book is a testimony from those couples who vowed to love and cherish each other for the rest of their lives. This is a model for future generations to live in love and harmony with each other.
Three persons, Mary Drucilla, Leslie Peter and Eleanor S have shared their life’s stories to edify and help others who are battling serious problems in their own lives. It is amazing how persons can come from tremendous hurts and pain and seek humanitarian solutions for themselves and others. I have chosen to write their stories because many of the mysteries of life can be the most rewarding experiences as they grow and mature. We as individuals, families and friends need each other The unravelling of the drama that effects our complex lives is rendered only through the grace of God. Progress and movement in history occur through the powers of God’s understanding and empathy which can help the unbearable become a bit more bearable.
I t’s a humbling thing to write about persons who have greatly impacted your life. I am reminded that we cannot live alone without the influence of an individual (s) or a higher deity to affect our lives. There has always been someone who came before us and influenced us in a way that greatly mattered to us. They came with equal talents and gifts (of the Spirit) that guided us along the way. We must take heart and humbly seek guidance of our Creator. He will send a mentor or hero to help us whenever we are experiencing frustration or exhaustion. Our Savior God calls us to endure the pain and hurts as well as the successes. He will keep his promise to work in and through us. We must follow Him with exacting diligence to uphold our responsibility to be generous with a faithfulness, justice and a joyful heart.
Children are miracles and mysteries. Before they are born, they are often given a first and last name, and relationships between parents and other family members are established. A value system is clearly reflected in the life of the child. The child must remember his/her roots and never turn his/her back on core values and principles affirmed by the teachings of Christ. The child must learn to be multifaceted and a multitasker. The qualifications of an individual are more important than the color of his/her skin. Never overlook giving back to the community; this feat enhances and enriches values in a human being.
Some of the mysteries of life can be the most rewarding experiences of ones life. The story about my birth and death is begging to be told. It is a story that should not be hidden. I remember the day of my birth and death, which occurred at the same moment. It is amazing how much an individual experiences, learns, remembers, and comprehends as an infant or small child. It is even more amazing what one actualizes and perceives about oneself when we become old. The day I was born, I died. My angel came to me. She knew I needed her. My angel told me that I had twin brothers who had died the year before I was born. They were in heaven. My twin brothers came to me and kissed me. My angel took me back to my mother, Lettie. We both were brought back to life.
African Americans have played a definitive role in shaping the American traditions, economics, culture and beliefs. It is becoming increasingly clear that thousands of black Americans have added much much to the growth and development of our country. Despite the persecutions and cruelty perpetrated on blacks over the years, records show that they have accomplished much and have overcome incredible hardships with very little to sustain them but their determination , courage and faith. Of those African Americans not mentioned and remain anonymous, we set out to acknowledge and honor them.
This narrative is about the death of a mother with four young daughters—two of them teenagers—and three sons in the navy. One daughter was in college at Delaware State University and was betrayed by a special college friend, which caused a dramatic breakup between the two. With tears in her eyes and a saddened broken heart, the older sister, Marian, sacrificed everything back home, including leaving her two younger sisters, to complete her education in Atlanta, Georgia. With the help of the Holy Spirit and a newfound relationship, which became her husband, Marian began to heal and become whole again. Toward the later years of her life, she revisits her earlier years of difficulties and hardships and ponders how far she and her family have come. She realizes that the most important side of life is that God will be there with us always. Just pray!
IT HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED that African Americans have been and are still being subjected to marginalized and harsh treatment today in America. We came to the Americas a million years ago and helped build this wilderness country. It is incumbent upon us as a nation to come to grips with the humanness of all people and treat each other with respect and love, acknowledging each other’s skills, talents and achievements. We are a strong nation of people. Let’s not allow the weak, racial prejudicial side of us to rule us. We can only move forward if we have a collective truthful and faithful heart. There is something inherent in all of us that should not be stifled or extinguished. We are all put on earth for a specific purpose. All generations should be given an opportunity to be what we can be as our Creator ordained it.
This book is about the relationship between a mother-in-law and daughter-in -law, who became proxy mother and daughter. They were able to communicate across the miles and became very committed to each other. They became confidants and shared many incidents and situations from child-birth to Lucy’s Legacy. Bert knew that he had a very loving mother and wanted her to nurture his bride. His mother did so.
The history of people must be told to their children. Each child who is born into a family has an oral and written history, which we should present to our children and not hide it under a bushel. This book is a sequel to Cultural Gumbo, Our Roots, Our Stories and A Diary of Lettie’s Daughter. I have used my family members to tell the stories because I can trace their footsteps through oral and documented tradition and history.
There is no subject in the world more stereotypical than slavery of African Americans. This book is about four families: my mother and father’s families and my husband’s mother and father’s families, dating back to the era before slaves were brought out of Africa. Historically, our families evolved on a continuous basis and have proven to have been strong, resilient people, whose hopes and dreams were not easily squelched. We have researched the backgrounds of these relatives who were a part of the Atlantic slave trade because I want my children and grandchildren as well as the world to know who their ancestors were. I want them to know under what circumstances they came to America and finally became citizens with voting rights, educational and financial privileges, marital rights, and freedom. I want to clear up the misrepresentation and confusion of facts about slavery and the black man’s worth. Slaves over the last two thousand years have become a misnomer to our young people’s minds, and there is little knowledge of this period. Many civilizations and nations have been involved in slavery during the course of history. Contemporary records and archival documents were sought in an effort to reach greater heights of authenticity, enhance ancestral reality, and relate the facts to younger generations.
Mama Fannie was found in a sugarcane field in central Louisiana by slave women who came out to work one early fall morning in 1853. She was about two and a half years old with no shoes or coat on. She was very tiny, white, and beautiful. Her fourteen-year-old pregnant slave mother arrived on a ship in New Orleans and was sold immediately to a plantation owner in Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana. Martha attempted to save her child from the hurt and shame she was experiencing by leaving her in the field for a surrogate mother to raise. Mama Fannie grew up to be a Christian woman of character, raised her many biracial children in a loving manner, and was allowed to marry three of the fathers of her many children and became the root of her family—the Griffins.
Even though the concept of a black soldier actually being allowed to be a real soldier and go into combat his accomplishments are still often ignored. His/her achievements are still overlooked unless he dies in combat or accomplishes something extremely unusual. The black soldier still suffers adversity and animosity both in wars and in his private life. Our documents are erased or viciously omitted. Yet African American soldiers continually dare to dream of a better life as they fight for justice and equality at home and abroad.
African American Women wish to tell their valuable authentic stories even when they are not perfect They leave their legacy of life as they helped to shape the American history, tradition, culture, economics and ideals. They have added much more and played a definitive role in shaping the growth and development of our nation. Their awe- inspiring achievements and accomplishments with intelligence, dignity and love have overcome incredible hardships and have had very little to sustained them but their faith, determination and courage. Many times they have set the standards for outstanding amazing stories of their own lives and enhanced the lives of others.
OUR CREATOR IS BESIDE US ALWAYS AND WE ARE NEVER ALONE. WE CAN WALK AND BELIEVE IN SOMEONE OTHER THAN MANKIND. IT IS PROMISING TO SEE YOUNG PEOPLE, OUR GRANDCHILDREN, DIRECTING OTHER PEOPLE AND DEVELOPING A SENSE OF HUMILITY AND DISCERNMENT WITH A GIVING SPIRIT. THERE IS SOMETHING INHERENT IN ALL OF US THAT SHOULD NEVER BE EXTINGUISHED. THE GENERATIONS TO COME SHOULD BE GIVEN AN OPPORTUNITY TO BE WHAT THEY CAN BE, AS WE ARE ALL PUT ON EARTH FOR A SPECIFIC PURPOSE. WE LOOK AT WHAT IS HAPPENING AND SEE SIGNS OF CIRCUMSTANCES THAT ARE YET TO COME. THIS IS THE BEST OF TIMES AND THE WORSE OF TIMES, WRITTEN BY CHARLES DICKENS. YET THERE IS A PRESENCE OF LIGHT THAT CAN ONLY BE GIVEN BY THE ONE WHO CREATED ALL THAT WE ARE AND HAVE.
ABOUT THE BOOK: Our nation has taken great pains to cover up the history of the Black man, Africans, and the significance of Melanin in humans. Even our White forefathers politically ran this country from before the Declaration of Independence to this very day – the twenty-first century. When Thomas Jefferson constructed the Declaration of Independence, other persons such as John Adams and Benjamin Franklin made several changes. Ben Franklin even denoted in his writings “the no more Africans should be brought from Africa because Whites were already out numbered in this country. “All men created equal” included only White people, since African slaves were brought to this country - America - only for the labor the slaves could produce as well as their knowledge, talents and expertise in building this nation. All people are given air to breathe as a gift from God and must value themselves and all others. It appears that we will struggle for justice and equality for a lifetime and let a moral voice be heard for generations to come. “Black Lives Matter” and “All Lives Matter” are a starting point. There are many changes coming, no situation is perfect, but with our faith and willingness to accept each other’s talents as gifts from our Creator, we will prevail as a “whole nation”. God has his finger print on us, He’s not pleased with us, but He has the power and love to rebrand us in His own image.
This narrative is about the death of a mother with four young daughters—two of them teenagers—and three sons in the navy. One daughter was in college at Delaware State University and was betrayed by a special college friend, which caused a dramatic breakup between the two. With tears in her eyes and a saddened broken heart, the older sister, Marian, sacrificed everything back home, including leaving her two younger sisters, to complete her education in Atlanta, Georgia. With the help of the Holy Spirit and a newfound relationship, which became her husband, Marian began to heal and become whole again. Toward the later years of her life, she revisits her earlier years of difficulties and hardships and ponders how far she and her family have come. She realizes that the most important side of life is that God will be there with us always. Just pray!
There is no subject in the world more stereotypical than slavery of African Americans. This book is about four families: my mother and father’s families and my husband’s mother and father’s families, dating back to the era before slaves were brought out of Africa. Historically, our families evolved on a continuous basis and have proven to have been strong, resilient people, whose hopes and dreams were not easily squelched. We have researched the backgrounds of these relatives who were a part of the Atlantic slave trade because I want my children and grandchildren as well as the world to know who their ancestors were. I want them to know under what circumstances they came to America and finally became citizens with voting rights, educational and financial privileges, marital rights, and freedom. I want to clear up the misrepresentation and confusion of facts about slavery and the black man’s worth. Slaves over the last two thousand years have become a misnomer to our young people’s minds, and there is little knowledge of this period. Many civilizations and nations have been involved in slavery during the course of history. Contemporary records and archival documents were sought in an effort to reach greater heights of authenticity, enhance ancestral reality, and relate the facts to younger generations.
Even though the concept of a black soldier actually being allowed to be a real soldier and go into combat his accomplishments are still often ignored. His/her achievements are still overlooked unless he dies in combat or accomplishes something extremely unusual. The black soldier still suffers adversity and animosity both in wars and in his private life. Our documents are erased or viciously omitted. Yet African American soldiers continually dare to dream of a better life as they fight for justice and equality at home and abroad.
This book is about the relationship between a mother-in-law and daughter-in -law, who became proxy mother and daughter. They were able to communicate across the miles and became very committed to each other. They became confidants and shared many incidents and situations from child-birth to Lucy’s Legacy. Bert knew that he had a very loving mother and wanted her to nurture his bride. His mother did so.
“GOD IS BEGINNING TO GIVE ME A NEW SELF-IMAGE,” MEDFORD LEE TOLD ME. “OFTENTIMES, I FELT ISOLATED AND ALONE, ASHAMED OF MYSELF. I TRIED TO NORMALIZE AND FIND USEFUL RESOURCES TO HELP MYSELF AND MY FAMILY.” MEDFORD LEE FREASWATER WAS LIVING WITH FEAR OF HIS IMMEDIATE PAST AND WAS VERY ANXIOUS ABOUT THE FUTURE AS A YOUNG MAN. HE REALLY DIDN’T HAVE ANYONE TO TURN TO ABOUT HIS PROBLEMS. HE WAS A HIGH SCHOOL DROP-OUT BUT LATER, HE RETURNED TO SCHOOL. HE HAD MADE BAD CHOICES IN HIS TEEN YEARS AND NOW HE IS SEEKING DELIVERANCE. MANY SITUATIONS CALL FOR INVOLVEMENT ON DIFFERENT LEVELS: FINANCES, PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT, SIBLING ISSUES, REARING OF CHILDREN AND TEENS AS WELL AS OTHER NECESSITIES OF LIFE THAT CALL FOR HELP BEYOND THE FAMILY OR COMMUNITY LEVEL. MEDFORD LEE HAD TO MAKE A CHOICE AMONG CHOICES FOR HIS CAREER, MISSION AND HIS LIFE OR FACE THE PROPHESY THAT HIS LIFE WAS IN DIRE STRAIGHTS OF DECLINE. HIS CHOICES AND DECISIONS WERE TRIPLY IMPORTANT ESPECIALLY FOR HIMSELF AS WELL AS HIS NEW GENERATIONS. EVERY GENERATION IS A CARE-GIVER FOR THE NEXT. HE ANCSTORS ARE HIS ROCKS IN THE TIME OF TROUBLE AND IN THE GOOD TIMES.
Our nation can hardly realize the severity of the African American and Latinx people’s plight as they are marginalized and subjected to harsh treatment despite the end of slavery over a century ago. Yet we are fighters and have played a definitive role in shaping America’s economics, traditions, culture, values and beliefs. We must move forward to witness a new era even in the midst of a Coronavirus Pandemic, racial prejudicial and gender disparities and a lack of respect for humanity. I see a glimmer of hope as we barely realize that we need each other in society and we will need to utilize every strategy available to the human mind to survive together. “There will be no more gloom for those who were in distress, for the people walking in darkness have seen a great light. (Is. 9: 1-2)
There is something within us that lets us know that there is a God somewhere. I have walked and talked with many people in my lifetime who came from small humble beginnings and made a tremendous life change for themselves and their families. Some of us were born in a shack. There were no zip codes and no area codes in those days. Yet where we were born and where we lived mattered then and matters now. Sometimes life presents us with difficulties and hardships. From time to time, an individual has to look back and ponder from whence he or she has come. More importantly, no matter what happens in our lives, individually or collectively, God will be there with us always. All we have to do is heed his call and follow him.
African Americans have played a definitive role in shaping the American traditions, economics, culture and beliefs. It is becoming increasingly clear that thousands of black Americans have added much much to the growth and development of our country. Despite the persecutions and cruelty perpetrated on blacks over the years, records show that they have accomplished much and have overcome incredible hardships with very little to sustain them but their determination , courage and faith. Of those African Americans not mentioned and remain anonymous, we set out to acknowledge and honor them.
In the beginning, God made man. Man was created by God. Then woman was made from a rib of man’s body. God did not want man to be alone He ordained a relationship called marriage. Marriage is forever and in right relationship with the love of God. Marriage is not meant to be easy, but with the persistence and stamina and the grace of God, marriage is a lasting and enduring accomplishment. Many couples take their vows and covenant serious as a covenant to God and man. This book is a testimony from those couples who vowed to love and cherish each other for the rest of their lives. This is a model for future generations to live in love and harmony with each other.
Three persons, Mary Drucilla, Leslie Peter and Eleanor S have shared their life’s stories to edify and help others who are battling serious problems in their own lives. It is amazing how persons can come from tremendous hurts and pain and seek humanitarian solutions for themselves and others. I have chosen to write their stories because many of the mysteries of life can be the most rewarding experiences as they grow and mature. We as individuals, families and friends need each other The unravelling of the drama that effects our complex lives is rendered only through the grace of God. Progress and movement in history occur through the powers of God’s understanding and empathy which can help the unbearable become a bit more bearable.
There are millions of innocent children of the world who deserve love, respect, concern and loyalty. Jesus said many times, “ Suffer the little children to come to me and do not bother them.” Innocent children are untrained, undisciplined and lacking in capacity or experience. Many children suffer today like never before. They need helping navigating their way through the system of life while protecting and respecting themselves. Real life does not teach great lessons in times of ease and prosperity, joy and comfort. Children’s greatest character- building and faith-strengthening lessons mostly come during times of difficulties and suffering. From the time we are born until our death, God doesn’t waste anything – not even our heartaches and trials. Many innocent children are blessed with the empowerment of faith, education and experience of joy they deserve. This is god-sent and shows God’s love of human life. He said “I will show you a most excellent way : LOVE. What we do for others, defines who we are.
Some of the mysteries of life can be the most rewarding experiences of ones life. The story about my birth and death is begging to be told. It is a story that should not be hidden. I remember the day of my birth and death, which occurred at the same moment. It is amazing how much an individual experiences, learns, remembers, and comprehends as an infant or small child. It is even more amazing what one actualizes and perceives about oneself when we become old. The day I was born, I died. My angel came to me. She knew I needed her. My angel told me that I had twin brothers who had died the year before I was born. They were in heaven. My twin brothers came to me and kissed me. My angel took me back to my mother, Lettie. We both were brought back to life.
African American Women wish to tell their valuable authentic stories even when they are not perfect They leave their legacy of life as they helped to shape the American history, tradition, culture, economics and ideals. They have added much more and played a definitive role in shaping the growth and development of our nation. Their awe- inspiring achievements and accomplishments with intelligence, dignity and love have overcome incredible hardships and have had very little to sustained them but their faith, determination and courage. Many times they have set the standards for outstanding amazing stories of their own lives and enhanced the lives of others.
Fighting for justice in America is a struggle for a lifetime. It is not just a struggle for a moment, a day, a month, a year. A moral voice must be heard for the quest for equality and must be relevant to an entire new generation of Americans - Black, White, Asians, Latinos and Native Americans. There is no such thing as perfection for all situations because the challenges are too great. Many unforeseen things are coming, but with the Creator's help, we will prevail, we will not fail. Our Creator has given us air to breathe, love, and substance to live by and our very existence is a gift. Our talents are based on our faith and willingness to let God's power work in us. We must made a concerted effort to value each other as we all have the Creator's finger print on us. We are a community, a nation, America!
Children are miracles and mysteries. Before they are born, they are often given a first and last name, and relationships between parents and other family members are established. A value system is clearly reflected in the life of the child. The child must remember his/her roots and never turn his/her back on core values and principles affirmed by the teachings of Christ. The child must learn to be multifaceted and a multitasker. The qualifications of an individual are more important than the color of his/her skin. Never overlook giving back to the community; this feat enhances and enriches values in a human being.
IT HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED that African Americans have been and are still being subjected to marginalized and harsh treatment today in America. We came to the Americas a million years ago and helped build this wilderness country. It is incumbent upon us as a nation to come to grips with the humanness of all people and treat each other with respect and love, acknowledging each other’s skills, talents and achievements. We are a strong nation of people. Let’s not allow the weak, racial prejudicial side of us to rule us. We can only move forward if we have a collective truthful and faithful heart. There is something inherent in all of us that should not be stifled or extinguished. We are all put on earth for a specific purpose. All generations should be given an opportunity to be what we can be as our Creator ordained it.
The history of people must be told to their children. Each child who is born into a family has an oral and written history, which we should present to our children and not hide it under a bushel. This book is a sequel to Cultural Gumbo, Our Roots, Our Stories and A Diary of Lettie’s Daughter. I have used my family members to tell the stories because I can trace their footsteps through oral and documented tradition and history.
OUR CREATOR IS BESIDE US ALWAYS AND WE ARE NEVER ALONE. WE CAN WALK AND BELIEVE IN SOMEONE OTHER THAN MANKIND. IT IS PROMISING TO SEE YOUNG PEOPLE, OUR GRANDCHILDREN, DIRECTING OTHER PEOPLE AND DEVELOPING A SENSE OF HUMILITY AND DISCERNMENT WITH A GIVING SPIRIT. THERE IS SOMETHING INHERENT IN ALL OF US THAT SHOULD NEVER BE EXTINGUISHED. THE GENERATIONS TO COME SHOULD BE GIVEN AN OPPORTUNITY TO BE WHAT THEY CAN BE, AS WE ARE ALL PUT ON EARTH FOR A SPECIFIC PURPOSE. WE LOOK AT WHAT IS HAPPENING AND SEE SIGNS OF CIRCUMSTANCES THAT ARE YET TO COME. THIS IS THE BEST OF TIMES AND THE WORSE OF TIMES, WRITTEN BY CHARLES DICKENS. YET THERE IS A PRESENCE OF LIGHT THAT CAN ONLY BE GIVEN BY THE ONE WHO CREATED ALL THAT WE ARE AND HAVE.
I t’s a humbling thing to write about persons who have greatly impacted your life. I am reminded that we cannot live alone without the influence of an individual (s) or a higher deity to affect our lives. There has always been someone who came before us and influenced us in a way that greatly mattered to us. They came with equal talents and gifts (of the Spirit) that guided us along the way. We must take heart and humbly seek guidance of our Creator. He will send a mentor or hero to help us whenever we are experiencing frustration or exhaustion. Our Savior God calls us to endure the pain and hurts as well as the successes. He will keep his promise to work in and through us. We must follow Him with exacting diligence to uphold our responsibility to be generous with a faithfulness, justice and a joyful heart.
Our lives will be pulled from the ashes many times, and those times will bring good purposes in our lives. Individualism and independence are at the heart of being American. There will always be many ambition- driven challenges, many events you will not foresee. You will handle some well and some badly. For there is no adequate preparation for all of life’s situations and relationships. There is no such thing as perfection when it comes to relationships that exist between people, especially the relationships between a man and woman. It is possible to have a good relationship with persons in your life, once you first have that relationship with yourself. But with the Creator’s help, you will prevail, you will not fail. We must open doors wide to let others in to learn and to mature. Our Creator will fix our hearts to become involved in reaching and bringing a lost world to Him.
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