Do you have personal goals in mind and see your present situation as a hindrance to achieving them? Are you struggling with finances, relationships and forgiveness? Faith and trust in God may be the answer to your concerns. At the completion of high school, it was my dream to attend college. Having no money, I realized that I had to do something to make my dream a reality. In this book, I share how I made a start toward achieving my first dream by getting a job and then watching numerous doors open. Learn from my personal experiences the goodness of God and how He saved me from death and opened doors, enabling a single mother to obtain a college education and provide for her son. It is my hope that the readers, particularly adolescents, will find this book useful in dealing with life's problems and issues, and realize the importance of perseverance while allowing God to work things out in their lives. As for adults, I hope they will be strengthened in their determination, focus, fortitude, understanding and forgiveness, and learn to lean on God to help them through the hard times. Virginia Romer, PhD
EXPERIENCING THE GOODNESS OF GOD
By Virginia A. RomerAuthorHouse
Copyright © 2010 Virginia A. Romer, PhD.
All right reserved.ISBN: 978-1-4520-8772-6Contents
Introduction...........................xiA Humble Beginning.....................1Opening of Doors.......................5Speared Life...........................15Forgiveness............................23Ongoing Goals..........................27Making ends met........................33Ongoing blessings......................41
Chapter One
A Humble Beginning
My God shall supply all your [our] need according to his riches in glory. Philippians 4:19
I was born in The Bahamas on the island of New Providence, to parents who had not obtained a high school education. My parents, based on the mere fact that they did not complete school and the difficulty they endured making ends meet, thought it important that their three children received a good education.
Although strong church goers, my parents were not of the same religion. My father was Anglican while my mother was a Seventh-day Adventist. Who would have thought that the marriage of persons of different faith would stand the test of time, lasting for over fifty years? Although of different faith, they respected each other's religion. However, for my two bothers and me, it meant attending church both on Saturday and Sunday. By the time we reached the age of twelve, we were allowed to make our own decision and we all believed in and followed the Seventh-day Adventist faith. A faith in which two of us continue to be strongly active.
I grew up in a home that consisted of my father, mother, paternal grandmother, two brothers and me. My grandmother was a domestic worker, my father a licensed plumber while my mother was a homemaker. With my grandmother making just forty-five dollars per week and my father sometimes not bringing in anything at the end of the week, life was difficult. However, we were blessed to have a grandmother to whom God had granted the ability to budget and somehow stretch her small wage and be the provider for the family when at times my father brought in no money. Her sacrifices and budgeting enabled her to build a roof over our heads and an apartment building for extra income. How could one achieve all of this on a merger salary which had to stretch so far?
Since money was not always available, the thought of my brother and I obtaining a "good" education founded in my mother's religion, seemed an unobtainable dream. Yet, this was the dream and desire of my mother. Despite the difficult times, my parents and grandmother operating on faith, made the sacrifice to enroll my second brother and myself in a private school - Bahamas Academy of Seventh-day Adventists, to receive an education. My eldest brother was in the United States attending school, living with my aunt and uncle. Although back in those days fees were around fifty dollars and eventually increased, by my recollection to approximately one hundred dollars per term by the time I graduated in 1979, it was a challenge for my parents to pay.
Growing up as the daughter of a plumber, I had firsthand experience in watching both contractors and homeowners take advantage of my father whom they hired to work for them. If only my father was to collect the thousands of dollars owed to him to this day, then maybe he would be able to leave something for his grandchildren when he passes. Watching the pain my family went through having to experience once again "no show" of a contractor or homeowner who promised to drop off money that was owed, led me to make a personal commitment that at no time will I ask someone to work for me unless I already had the money put aside.
Fridays were often dreaded as we were never sure whether grocery money would come in or not. It seemed to a young child that disappointment came every Friday. Despite the many Fridays when no money came, we were able to have a meal. Often, we watched my mother and grandmother invent new dishes using whatever was available. Surprisingly, their `unique meals' did not make us sick but rather provided us with a full stomach. This continuous experience allowed me to develop an appreciation for the simplest meal. I often spoke of these experiences with my son and nieces during their younger years.
Although blessings came during my childhood, thought was not given to them as coming from God but more so from my parents. After all, they were responsible for me. It is only after I became an adult and reflected on my own experiences, that in retrospect, I came to recognize the working of God in my life, during my childhood days.
Chapter Two
Opening of Doors
"The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one." -Mark Twain
Where there is no vision, the people perish. -Proverbs 29:18
When most adolescents are about to complete high school, they give thought to either furthering their education or entering the world of work. Indeed, it was the same for me. My mind was set on furthering my education. The school I attended, Bahamas Academy, was a strong promoter of tertiary education. To venture in such direction was quite costly in my circumstance as my parents did not have the funds. It was a dilemma staring me in the face. However, determination and faith eventually made my dream a reality.
In June 1979, with pride I graduated from Bahamas Academy with honors. Some twenty-six years later, in the month of May 2005, I walked across the stage of Pioneer Church at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan, the recipient of a PhD Degree in Curriculum and Instruction. Like many others, it had been a long journey, one with many bumps and detours. From time to time during this journey, I clearly saw the works of God and the outpouring of His blessings in my life.
After completing high school and not knowing where money would come from to further my education, I embarked upon finding employment. It did not take long for me to find a job. However due to my decision not to remain employed beyond a year, I did not take a glamorous job. A receptionist typist was the position I held at a Woodwork Shop, making seventy-five dollars per week. Determined to save, each week I deducted my tithes and offering which totaled ten dollars, and four dollars and fifty cents for a small medical insurance. The balance I placed in my savings account.
I often, at lunch time, wished I had kept enough money to purchase lunch rather than having to eat what was in my brown paper bag. Right across from my work place was a Kentucky Fried Chicken Restaurant which made the contents of my brown paper bag less appetizing. However, I constantly reminded myself of my goal and allowed it to lift my spirits. My work place was minutes away from a well known shopping area. When I wanted a change of scenery, I would take a stroll to the shops and browse knowing full well that my wallet was empty. This endless torture and self determination lasted for a year, at the end of which I had saved enough to pay for my first year and enrolled at Indian River Community College in Fort Pierce, Florida.
Words cannot describe the pride I felt purchasing my own airline ticket and having enough funds to pay my own tuition. My second brother and I both left for Florida to join my oldest brother in pursuit of further education. Things were going well, until we got the news that my eldest brother was considering moving to Atlanta with his wife. Upon hearing this, my mother made it very clear that we would not be returning to school, even though I was residing with my aunt and not my brother. Nonetheless, she stood by her decision and my brother and I had no other choice but to remain at home.
Can you imagine how depressed I was having now to remain at home and see my dream of obtaining a college education come to an end? I considered entering The College of The Bahamas, but I had not applied and was therefore unable to enroll the Fall Semester. Although all I thought about was going back to school, my father was keen that I should find a job and forget about college. I remained unemployed all of the 1981 Fall Semester but in February of the following year, my father found a job for me as a receptionist typist with a construction company.
The job was one I enjoyed, interacting with workers and clients. However, my heart was still set on going back to school. With an unyielding determination of being ready for the next Fall Semester, I submitted my application to The College of The Bahamas (COB) and commenced saving my funds. From the beginning I made my plans known to my boss and he was very supportive. My father, on the other hand, had his thoughts fixated on my continued employment and school was the last thing on his mind. Maybe it was because he did not want to have to think of finding tuition. However, never once did I plan to place my financial burden on him; yet I had no idea where the funds were coming from.
Although I had only saved tuition for one semester in September 1982, determined to go after my goal, I quit my job and enrolled at COB. The first semester was covered, yet I had no idea how I was about to pay for the Spring Semester. I was becoming anxious as registration was only a couple months away. I can recall saying out loud, "Lord where am I going to get the money for the next semester? I trust you to help me find a way." It was not long after, when once again, the Lord came through for me, opening doors.
It so happened that another student who majored in education like myself and who was now my new friend, in talking, mentioned that she was on the grant program. This was a program of which I knew nothing, and I learnt from her that the grant was available for Bahamian education majors with the stipulation that they maintain a certain grade point average. The Bahamas government, in an effort to attract more persons to the teaching profession, agreed to pay the tuition of students who majored in education while giving them a stipend twice a year to help with books and other supplies. Upon learning of this program, I found my way to the office and applied for the grant. Not only did I get it, but was also reimbursed the money I had paid for my first semester. I was suddenly rich! Indeed, God had sent my friend my way to share the information.
Have there been times when it seems nothing good is coming your way at all and then a number of good things come simultaneously? Well, it happened to me. One evening when I was working on school assignments, I received an unexpected phone call. Surprisingly, it was my former boss from the construction company calling to find out the schedule for my classes. He was offering me part-time work with hourly pay. Additionally, he was prepared to send the company car to collect me at the appropriate time. Not only was my school fees covered, but now I would be able to make and save additional monies. The Lord was indeed looking out for me. What had I done to deserve it? To this day, I cannot really say except I stayed focus with my church commitments, paying my tithes and offering and singing in the choir. I had not forgotten God during my educational journey.
For three years, I remained on the grant and held my part-time job. I maintained my grades and completed my studies in May 1985 with an Associate Degree and Teaching Certificate. That was only the beginning. With sufficient funds saved, I was able to begin classes toward my Bachelors at the College of Saint Benedict, St. Cloud Minnesota which offered an extension program in the Bahamas. There was no stopping me from going after my dream. I started the program a few months later in the summer of 1985.
Upon my graduating from COB, I was hired as a Language Arts teacher with the public school system. I finally had a steady income. This was important to me since I knew the cost of classes toward the Bachelor would be quite costly. Having a full work load and then having to attend classes in the evenings were challenging. However, I was comforted by the words "The Lord will never put on you more than you can bear". Although at times I felt frustrated, tired and ready to give up, I never did and in May 1989 I was able to brave the cold Minnesota temperature and matched for my degree with a pride that I cannot explain.
The cost of education looms over many and hinders them from accomplishing their personal goals. You would think that after getting my first degree I would be satisfied and focused on my career. Well, that was not to be. I still had in mind to go for yet another degree — my Masters. It would seem that the Lord was taking each step with me as once again He stepped in and sent His blessings my way.
I am so fortunate to belong to a religion that has colleges and universities worldwide and believes in educating while helping individuals to meet Christ or to develop a closer relationship with Him. The hand of the Lord was once again at work when He led the administration of Andrews University to have the foresight and vision to offer Christian education beyond the main campus, offering an extension program. As a result, a Masters Program in Education was brought to the Caribbean, and with a reduction in fees. This provided me with the opportunity to pursue my Masters in Education, specializing in Administration and Supervision. For four summers, instead of enjoying my vacation, I left the Bahamas with many other teachers and headed to Jamaica for classes. As a result, many Bahamians and Caribbean nationals were able to qualify themselves and do so for a cost within reach.
Having worked all year, the average teacher would be tired and in dire need of a vacation. To even think about enrolling in classes was ludicrous. Nonetheless, I took the plunge and ventured into my studies, emotionally drained and somewhat physically exhausted, but determined to go after my personal goal. Long hours of grueling classes, marathon chapters to be read for the next day, and being prepared for daily quizzes, not to mention none stop assignments, often caused the thought of giving up and making good use of a much needed vacation to cross my mind periodically. However, it was not to be for each time the thought came my way, the Lord would have someone to come into my life with the right thing to say. The devotions shared daily before the start of each class, did so much to keep me going. There is no doubt that it was the working of the Lord allowing just what I needed to hear, to be said.
Despite the many times I thought about quitting, I never did. The will power and strength came from the Lord. He provided me with the inner strength that I needed from time to time to keep going. Thanks to Him I persevered and made it through four summer sessions and a full semester, reaching the end. In May of 1994, I traveled to Michigan and marched with hundreds of others for the degree I always wanted.
As a teacher I have always maintained good relations with my students. As a result, I was often approached by them with personal situations seeking my advice. For some reason they were not comfortable with speaking to the Guidance Counselors of the school, so I became the next best thing. Not wanting to violate confidentiality, yet needing to give proper advice, I would often present hypothetical situations to the counselor seeking the best way to handle the situations. Due to the fact that so many students would share their problems, I decided to obtain proper training.
Having read earlier how I often thought about quitting my studies, the last thing you would have expected was to hear that instead of taking a break, I enrolled the following summer in another Masters Program in the hopes of eventually obtaining a doctorate in psychology. Andrews University had offered yet another extension program, this time in Trinidad. Two other Bahamians and I boarded the flight that took us to Trinidad to commence studies. Having done my first masters in Administration and Supervision, I had completed no courses that could be transferred towards a PhD in psychology. Knowing that I would have many courses to study, I decided to sign up to complete as many courses as I could, taking advantage of the reduced price. At that time courses on the main campus were more than four hundred dollars per credit. Where would I find such funds?
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Excerpted from EXPERIENCING THE GOODNESS OF GODby Virginia A. Romer Copyright © 2010 by Virginia A. Romer, PhD.. Excerpted by permission of AuthorHouse. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
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