Fearing Nothing, Facing Everything

Though we may not realize it, life’s limitations can sometimes inspire us to strive for heights we may not have reached otherwise. And it is an important lesson for children and teens who are navigating the journey of learning, because the truth is: some of the most successful people in the world have overcome tremendous obstacles in order to reach their goals.

I know for certain that my life path and the journey traveled led to where I am standing today.

In my teenage years, my challenges and struggles were such an experience. Just at 16 years of age, I became a single mom.

Giving birth to my handsome son taught me the responsibilities of being a mother, first beginning with my choices and the consequences behind those choices.

Next, there was fear. The fear of my mom not knowing I was pregnant. I was scared to tell my mom that I was about five months pregnant. She found out when my older sister and I had a disagreement over a blouse on a Saturday afternoon.

In anger, she shouted, saying, “That’s why I’m telling mom—you’re about to have a baby.”

We were all preparing to go shopping for school clothes when my mom instantly overheard the shout, and shortly after, she was dropping me off at the health department to visit Mrs. Jackie.

Yes indeed, my mom found out it was true. She was furious. It was the scariest day of my life.

Well, this is how the steps of my journey began. I was forced to find a job to take care of my biggest responsibility—my son.

Just at age 16, I faced the challenges of school, work, and most importantly, parenting.

Support was very lacking.

I had to let my son live with his paternal grandparents during the weekdays, Monday through Friday, while I finished high school.

His grandparents lived outside the city limits, which only allowed me to keep my son and spend quality time with him on the weekends because I had no babysitter.

My mom, who had to maintain the home herself as a single mom, worked two full-time jobs.

She inspired me to finish high school. During my pregnancy, there was a maternity ward at the school for teenage girls, which was a blessing.

Was God trying to show me something?

Was He showing me that He had me covered, even as a child myself?

At the time, I couldn’t see clearly. I had to take more steps along my life’s path to understand why this was happening to me.

While working at a local restaurant at the tender age of 16, with little support, my son had to live away from me for an entire year so that I could finish high school and graduate.

During my senior year of high school, I met a young man who was very polite and pleasant.

He and I became good friends. During the duration of our friendship, I found the support that truly empowered me to stay persistent.

He desired to join the U.S. Navy, so he traveled overseas, and once he was settled, he came back to Tennessee to marry me at age 18.

We traveled to Rota, Spain, to begin living a victorious life together as a family.

He was the best man for my son and me, and he changed our lives forever.

I was so excited, and I began to see the brighter side of my situation at the tender age of 18.

I began to see that my pain was leading to my purpose.

That’s when I discovered my passion for modeling in Rota, Spain.

As our marriage progressed, we welcomed a beautiful baby girl into our family.

During my leisure time, I participated in fashion shows on the military base.

It felt good to know that love and happiness found me after the choices I made. I understood that being a single parent wasn’t easy, and the responsibilities were overwhelming at times.

By then, a decade had passed, and the family and I relocated back to the USA . As I began to seek my own career,  I took a temporary assignment at a local hospital,  the beginning of my Healthcare journey.

I found my calling in helping– being willing to serve and provide care for others. 

Putting my hard work into healthcare has allowed me to receive many rewards, achievements and recognitions,  I would have never dreamed of.

Not bad for a young teenager who gave birth to a baby boy at the tender age of 16.

I was baptized at an early age, however, I really didn't find my faith with Christ until January 1999 when I repented and was baptized all over.  Then, I began to truly surrender my life to Christ. 

Now I am thinking big, dreaming big, and speaking positive words into my life every single morning.

The dream of modeling never turned into a nightmare. The excitement of being a part of the Miss Eternity Mentorship Program is truly a blessing.

Deep down, I stayed rooted in the belief that I would become a model and soar to the highest heights. Now, at the age of 62, I am living that dream.

I have appeared in many fashion shows and magazines. Yes, I have received many “no’s,” but to me, no means the next opportunity.

I did not allow fear to overcome me, because fear to me means face everything and rise.

Indeed, I am rising, and I will not stop until I reach the top. I am determined.

My heart is full of grace as I step into this pageant with a giant leap of faith.

From a teenage mom to a woman walking boldly on purpose. I stand before you as living evidence that faith transforms struggles into strength.