Dear Breaking Bread Family,
It’s been a long time since I broke bread with all of you. I sometimes feel ashamed that in my time of weakness I kept to myself, rather than turning to God’s Word and my role as servant to help strengthen me. As you see, like I keep saying, I’m a plain ole’ human just like everyone else—and definitely a work in progress!
So let me catch you up. But let me prepare you now, this is going to be a lengthy post. That’s what happens when you haven’t spoken to someone in a long time. We have a lot to talk about. So let’s do this…
What’s The Reason For My Absence?
I’m about to be transparent. How else can one testify about God’s blessings and healings if we aren’t transparent?
For the past two months I’ve been struggling with a lot. I had surgery (that went very well) and thanks to my sister, I had great care while recovering at home. But then 10 days later I took a 5-hour plane and two-hour car trip, and on the eleventh day I was hospitalized with pulmonary embolism. Houston we have a problem!
Hooked up to all sorts of machines I stayed in deep prayer while in the hospital. I had only stayed in the hospital twice in my life, when I was born and again in 2011, so I was initially scared about being alone with all of these tubes and wires attached to me. I eventually found the peace within and became settled. Some may think or even say that it was a dumb idea to make the trip, but even that experience was a blessing. I will explain why shortly.
God Working For & Through My Family
It was difficult to break the news to my mom and sister. I was thousands of miles away and they had to trust me that I would be okay. I could hear the fear in their voices when I explained what happened and what the doctors were saying to me. I reassured my mom and sister that I was mentally and spiritually grounded, that I knew Who’s child I was and that I would make the best out of this situation and out of my stay.
My amazing paternal aunt, Debbie, lifted me up in prayer and was the first and constant voice that I heard when I woke up in the hospital. She was by my side at 7:15am and my biggest advocate when dealing with the doctors.
God worked through my aunt to help me in more ways than I know.
My mom, sister, and aunt filled me with so much positive energy and I was determined to remain positive and uplifted during and after my hospital stay. I did exactly that. I kept the hospital staff laughing and smiling, which kept me laughing and smiling.
Spending time with my paternal grandmother gave me a triple dose of spiritual armor. Whenever I want to hear the unwavering voice of faith and belief, I can call my grandmother. There is no question in her mind who God is and what He can and does do. She is a genuine soldier of Christ. I pray to reach her level of understanding and commitment during my lifetime.
When I returned to my home in Atlanta (a few days before Christmas) my sister immediately resumed and assumed her role as my caretaker. God worked through her in amazing ways. She cooked, cleaned, and kept me laughing and smiling at times when I wanted to cry. When she was at work she would call to check on me and make sure I was doing my part towards healing. She would make sure I wasn’t over doing it trying to be Wonder Woman!
My mother, in another state, taking care of her mother, kept me positive and inspired each day with scriptures and affirmations. Her voice is so reassuring, soothing and strong. I love that woman so very much!
Christmas Day Blessings
Mom flew to my home for Christmas. It felt so awesome being surrounded by family, by love.
We cooked an amazing Christmas dinner. I made a Puerto Rican pork shoulder, macaroni and cheese, and yams. My mom and sister made several yummy side dishes, and my sister’s boyfriend made chocolate chip cookies. We had fun during our gift exchange and had a few laughs as I got to play DJ, taking music requests, for everything from Christmas-themed songs to Hip Hop.
No matter what, I wasn’t going to let anything or anyone overshadow the spirit of Christmas, and nothing and no one did. Christmas is my mom’s favorite holiday, and the Foreman girls were determined to celebrate it with love and joy. We did exactly that!
Post-Christmas Whammy
A few days after Christmas I was hit with strept throat, and as much as I like to talk, this was a major inconvenience to say the least. Even in the pain and discomfort I was laughing at the times I was forced to be silent. So no talking simply meant more reflection. Okay got it!
My husband helped share some of the load by getting my meds and homeopathic items, and would bring me my Jimmy Dean Breakfast Bowls for the few days I was isolated to one part of the house (so I wouldn’t spread my yuckies). He would also check on me throughout the day to make sure I was comfortable and had everything that I needed. I’m grateful for his care.
God’s Hand in My Career
How in the world can I be going through all of this while trying to build and grow my two businesses?
God gave me the strength to conduct business calls and work from my laptop, all while sitting in bed or in a nearby chair. I was able to draft contracts, negotiate and close deals, strategically plan my companies first quarter, and wrap up 2015 not as I planned–but on a good note.
God made it all possible.
Just like He made it possible to go through all of this in between semesters when I normally would be teaching. The ONE semester in two years that I DON’T teach a class, how moving is that?!? God made that possible.
I recovered enough just in time for the start of the semester for one college. Two days after I finished my strept throat meds I welcomed my students to their Intro to Management class. The other college where I teach will resume classes next month, which gives me time to pace myself and get stronger. God made and makes this possible.
Other Personal Matters God Said Don’t Worry About
I’ve been hit with some other personal whammies over the past two months, and even a few days ago—but I KNOW the power of God. I KNOW that if God can bring me to it then He can bring me through it. This too shall pass and God will protect me each step that I take. I’m going to “ride” with Him because He’s never left my side, He’s never made a promise He didn’t keep, He never let me down, and He’s never stopped “riding” with me. God’s love and commitment to me has NEVER wavered, so I must reciprocate!
My Gratitude
Each day I get better, stronger, and more grateful. My recent experiences have been a blessing. I know it’s odd to hear and read, but it’s true. I’m God’s creation–flawed–but His and perfect in His sight. God has shown me so much about myself and about others over the past few weeks, and I’m grateful for what He has revealed. When life and people hit you upside your head, turn to God—He ALWAYS has the answers and directions!
I’m also grateful for the seeds that He planted in me these past two months. He’s given me a vision for my present and future. He’s shown me some amazing things that are in store for me, as long as I do my part and put in the work—faith with action! God has a plan and purpose for me. I’m not concerned with what anyone else is doing. I’m not competing with anyone else. I’m not envious of anyone. I’m too focused on what God has in store for me—my purpose.
I run a business management and support firm, and a tech company. I teach business management at two colleges. Business, management and technology are the lanes that I’m in, nothing else. I’m more than satisfied with this! I’m removing myself from places and instances where I’m drifting in a lane not assigned to me.
God is molding me and my life as He envisions it—directing my path—and I’m going to try very hard to resist the urge to grab that steering wheel and point the “car” in a different direction. I want to live on purpose as God’s humble and loyal servant.
My Message to YOU!
Where in this conversation with you have you heard me complaining, worrying, crying out, and expressing doubt in my ability to heal and recover? I’m not just focused on getting better than I am now. I’m focused on being better than I’ve ever been, and I know that it’s only possible with and through God.
So my message to all of you is this, no matter what you’re going through—if you truly believe in God and His power, then trust Him to keep His word and trust Him to never lead you astray—and then take that trust and follow Him!
No weapon formed against you will prosper as long as you stand firmly in your convictions as a child of God. Don’t ever give up your fight as God’s soldier!
Announcement Coming Soon
I have an important announcement that I will be making in a few weeks. A gift from God that I want to share with the world. I’m determined to be faithful to our Father and obedient to His commands and direction. So stay tuned for details!
Love your sister in Christ,
Natasha
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Breaking Bread With Natasha 