Friday Freestyle: Go, Becky, Go!

Happy Friday, Y’all!

I can’t believe I’m about to say this, but this week went by so fast—it really did! Around this time last year, my first week at Rust just seemed to drag on and on, but this go-round was totally different. I guess time really does fly when you’re keeping busy.

So, as you’ve probably guessed by the title, today is Friday Freestyle (or Freestyle Friday, whichever you prefer). My Freestyle Friday blogs have admittedly been few and far between, but for those of you who are not familiar with them, allow me to explain: In this particular blog post, I pick a main topic and feature it on Friday blogs only. In today’s blog, I’m featuring my Southern Cali homegirl Becky Morgan. In case I didn’t mention it beforehand—and I apologize if I didn’t—this is a big weekend for Becky. As you know, she is attending Chamberlain University in West Covina, California, where she will be working on her Bachelor’s Degree in Education and Child Psychology.

I only have three words to say about that: GO, BECKY, GO!!!

I sure wish I could be back in Southern Cali, just to help Becky move into her new dorm. I know she’s very excited about being a college freshman, and I would love to give her some pointers on what to expect; matter of fact, I will call her this evening and give her some suggestions, perhaps even some things that I learned in my freshman year.

Also, as it relates to Becky, it was exactly one year ago that she was discharged from the hospital after having suffered a mysterious illness. She said that her hospitalization stemmed from having collapsed on stage in the middle of what was to be her last performance. She was bedridden for a little over a month, and on the day she woke up, she could hear the doctors and nurses speaking doom over her, and she was so scared that she asked for The Lord to spare her. Well, seemingly the next day, Becky had regained her strength and her voice, and of course she was so grateful to God for restoring her that it was all she could do to keep from shedding tears of joy.

Becky, I want you to know how proud I am of you, Girl! You are truly a living miracle, and on a personal note, I am glad that you are part of my family. I also want you to know that I continue to brag about you constantly to my fellow Rustites. Just remember this: If you ever need assistance or suggestions on what to do in your college freshman year, you can always call on me; if you can’t reach me, then you know that you can call on your other cousins. In the meantime, I do wish you a very successful freshman year at Chamberlain University, and God Bless.

With that being said, I shall holla at y’all tomorrow.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Countless Sunday Celebrations, Tho!

And a Happy Wonderful Sunday to All Y’all!

Judging by that greeting, you’d think that I had a bad day—hahahaha! Yes, I am aware that was a very bad joke, but what the heck—I’m in a great mood today!

I just got back home from a day full of celebration… at “chuch,” that is. I went to my church this morning, and my pastor preached a great sermon from Psalm 150, entitled “You Just Betta Praise Him Anyway!” Pastor Clark’s sermon was geared mainly towards all the youth of the church (those at or around my age); he basically said that no matter what we do, we must first of all recognize that Jesus Christ is who He says He is, and once we do that, we should just start praising Him for everything. The more you praise Him, the more He will bless you, and it’s not all about “that ol’ worldly stuff.” That stuff is okay, but God’s always got something better. I also like the ending of Pastor Clark’s sermon when he said: “You’ll never fully appreciate the beauty of a horse if you continue to badmouth that old lazy mule.” He must’ve had a convo with my Gramma Jewel once upon a time, because she’s been using that very quote since I’ve been in the world. But anyway, there is so much truth behind that statement. Let’s put it this way: I still wish to be a teacher, and lately the little ones at church have been flocking to me like geese. And check this out, y’all: This morning, I was asked to teach the Cradle Roll class on account of the original teacher was running late. I don’t know how I managed to do it, but I taught those little kiddies about the three Hebrew boys. After Sunday School ended, I asked the class to tell me one thing that they learned, and all fifteen of ‘em told me something different.

I only have four words to describe that experience: Nobody But You, Lord!

Afterwards, I headed over to Gramma Jewel’s church for their Youth & Young Adult program, and it was really nice. Becky read an original piece that she had written, based on the scripture about the woman at the well whom Jesus met. Becky basically said that she understood the woman’s plight on account of she, too, was looking for love in all the wrong places. But one day, a sweet little silver-haired lady told her about a man who would love her just as she was, and ever since that day, she has come come too far to turn around.

All in all, it was a beautiful day filled with nothing but appreciation for what The Lord hath done on this day. Oh, and I also need to mention that Pastor & Mrs. Rich asked to take a picture with me on account of they consider me “the biggest celebrity to ever grace First Baptist Church of Culver City.” I was very careful not to get a case of that Dolph Ziggleritis, but I couldn’t help it. I did tell Pastor & Mrs. Rich that I am by no means a celebrity, but I did appreciate the compliment.

Well, that’s gonna just about do it for me today. Oh, did y’all know that this is the last day of the month of June? That means tomorrow’s blog will begin on a new day, and on a new month… and y’all can best believe that it’s gonna be a sho’ nuff gooden—hahahaha!

And saving the best for last: Happy 70^th Birthday to Mr. Hal William Arthur. Celebrate it in style, Sir—God Bless, and love ya lots!

Okay, I’ll holla at y’all on July 1—tomorrow, that is. Holla!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Becky Morgan, Today Is Your Day!

Hi, Everyone!

Today is a very special day for one Rebecca Ann Morgan. In a couple of hours—around 2pm, to be exact—she will have finally earned her high school diploma. I spoke to her earlier this morning, and believe when I tell y’all: She’s super-duper overly excited, and rightfully so! After all, this is her time, this is her moment… this is her day!

I may have mentioned this once or twice (or a thousand times), but it’s always worth repeating: Becky is truly a Cinderella story come to life. In the short time that I’ve known her, I’ve seen the change in her demeanor and her personality; she’s a lot more confident than she once was. Gramma Jewel told me that it used to be once upon a time that Becky would just give a shy smile and not say any more than three words, but the more time she spent around us, her true character started to come out. Such was the case at our slumber party this past Christmas, when she took initiative and coordinated the whole thing. And my goodness—the girl can dance like it’s goin’ outta style! She caught on real quick when we taught her the Wobble and the Cupid Shuffle.

I want to reiterate something that I said six months ago: I applaud, admire, appreciate, and respect Becky that much more because she don’t look like what she’s been through. She is my hero because she never gave up, and now she serves as a living testimony of what will happen when you become aware that God has a plan for her life.

And to think, it took Gramma Jewel to help Becky discover her true worth—and for the record: Not only did Becky discover her worth, but she also took it to whole nutha level. She’s looking forward to becoming an elementary school teacher and/or a counselor, but she has yet to choose which Southern Cali college to attend: Chamberlain University in West Covina, or Goss University in Torrance. Whichever one she chooses, she will make the Education Division proud.

Wel, lemme go ahead and get ready for my girl’s graduation, but before I do, I just gotta say one more thing: BECKY MORGAN, YOU JUST GO, GIRL!!!

Take care, y’all!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Rebecca Ann Morgan

Hi, Everyone!

So, today’s blog is dedicated to a woman whom I’ve gotten to know in only a short amount of time—a woman whom my family all but adopted while I’ve been away at Rust. Of course, I’m talking about Rebecca Ann Morgan.

Rebecca compared her life to the lyrics in a song originally sung by New Birth and later sung by Lisa Fischer: “She’s faced the hardest times you could imagine; many times, her eyes fought back tears.” She grew up in a single parent home with an abusive mother that constantly blamed her for everything. The only beacon of light in Rebecca’s dismal world were her Aunt Lucille, until she unexpectedly and tragically passed away in 2004. Obviously heartbroken and confused, Rebecca found herself in a state of depression and dropped out of high school, just six months before she was set to graduate.

Instead of turning to drugs and alcohol, Rebecca chose to work as a stripper as a means to escape her pain. She recounts that she danced under the name Temptation, and was quick to point out that she was “a damn good stripper,” having been voted as one of the top three favorites in the club. However, on the evening of July 6, 2012, while in the middle of a performance, Rebecca collapsed on stage and was rushed to the hospital. It took a little over a month for her to recover from her sudden illness, but when she did, she decided to quit stripping and take a different route—thus, she started fellowshipping at First Baptist Church of Culver City.

Two months later, on November 4, 2012, she joined First Baptist Church and was instantly adopted by Gramma Jewel. Now, Rebecca has a new lease on life. She is working on completing her high school diploma at Culver City Adult School, and she is also looking forward to attending college. She wants to be a teacher or a guidance counselor—heck, maybe even both.

I applaud, admire, appreciate, and respect Rebecca that much more because she don’t look like what she’s been through. Some may question Rebecca’s past decisions, but I recognize that she did what she had to do in order to survive—and through it all, she is a survivor. She is also aware that God has a plan for her life. And to think, the catalyst in all of this was dear sweet Gramma Jewel.

God Bless you, Rebecca Ann Morgan—and keep reaching for the stars! I love you, Girlie!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha