Shavonda Blatch / Miah’Treasure

LivingOFF A MANGO TREE!

Living off a mango tree, in an old abandon house, scared and alone. The Miami Dade Homeless Trust rescued me. I was 7 months pregnant and on my 7th blessings. A couple months later, I entered Agape Family Ministries where I gave birth to a 7lb, 7oz healthy baby girl. We stayed there for seven months. Then we moved to the Lotus House Women’s Shelter.

But our most memorable Christmas was after we stayed in the shelter for two years. We transitioned into Better Way of Miami where God blessed me with a five-bedroom home! Where I could reunite with my other children. It was our first Christmas out of the shelter that was incredibly special to me, to be with all 7 blessings.

I kept trusting God, because He kept showing up through the number 7. The number 7 shows up 700 times in the Bible and of course, God created the World in six days and on the 7th day He rested! A few months later, my oldest daughter gave birth to my first granddaughter on 7-17-17 weighing 7lbs 7oz!

As for this Christmas, I plan to enjoy every moment with my baby, teaching her the true meaning of Christmas, embracing heartfelt moments. However, one of my family’s traditions that I will miss this Christmas is waking up early to watch my children open their gifts.

I would love to make my own plans this year to put “JOY” back in Christmas, but my plans may not be GOD’s will. So, I think I’ll start off first seeking the Kingdom of God, which will put the “JOY” in our Christmas. Scripture says in; Proverbs 19:21, “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it’s the LORD’S purpose that will prevail.”

This Christmas I am most thankful for having a home to share with my children.

To mothers and daughters, don’t take life for granted. Use your time wisely to pursue your highest potential and true purpose. This is the time to live a “Purpose Driven Life”.

BY SHAVONDA BLATCH AND DAUGHTER, MIAH’TREASURE

BY DEBRA TYLER AND MOTHER MARGRETT RUSSELL

My most memorable Christmas was a few years ago when I was sitting in my mother’s kitchen helping her to prepare Christmas dinner. My cooking skills were not up to date, however, my mother trusted me to watch the pies while she took a break. I was so excited to be in charge of watching those sweet potato pies bake. I felt like a young woman learning how to bake. I enjoyed that time because it was just me and my mother; we shared a beautiful morning, as I was being funny, and making her laugh! I love to make her laugh!

Christmas will be different this year for us. We will practice safety measure, as I visit my family for a small gathering. I will miss us eating together as a family, having bible trivia, taking some pictures, and telling stories about when we were younger.

Despite COVID-19, I plan to give thanks and spread love and joy wherever I find myself this Christmas. I am most thankful for life, my family, and my friends.

I want to encourage mothers and daughters to trust God, because this too will pass. God is “ABLE” to do all things but “FAIL.” Be Blessed.