RED LEAVES PUBLICATION - MS AWARENESS MONTH by Red Leaves Publication

Table of Contents 2

Message from the Editor

4 March Cover Boost: Angel Freeman 6

The Mission & Vision Statement of the MS Foundation

7 Jehovah-Rapha – Lord Who Heals 7 8

MS Facts

My MS Story – Frances D. Bryant

14 My MS Story – Christina Nelson 25

The Strength of A Woman

26 Interview for The Sampson Independent 28

National Women’s History Month

Message From The Editor

Elder DEE Beatty

While working, living, taking care of family, eating, drinking and being merry, something happened that was unforeseen. In the year 2003, I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis also known as M.S. I had symptoms of pain in my legs and numbness from the waist down; all the way down to my toes. I was slowing down when I would have to walk any distance. Nobody knew what was going on with me. Even my employers were baffled, my family confused and I was engrossed with shock and despair. What in heaven’s name was going on? As time progressed, I was eventually referred to a neurologist that specialized in Multiple Sclerosis. They sat down with me and had a long talk about everything that was taking place. I didn’t want to claim that possibility. Because my sister was diagnosed a couple of years prior, I knew a little about this implausible disease. According to the MRI that was ordered, it showed white matter on my brain and neck area. This white matter was consistent with the lesions of Multiple Sclerosis. This was not what I wanted to hear. I knew something was wrong, but this was a complete bombshell. An estimated 2,500,000 people around the world have MS. There are four types of MS; relapsingremitting, secondary progressive, progressive, and progressive relapsing. I have Relapsing-Remitting MS. Relapsing-remitting MS is defined by inflammatory attacks on myelin (the layers of insulating membranes surrounding nerve fibers in the central nervous system (CNS)), as well as the nerve fibers themselves MS. During these inflammatory attacks, activated immune cells cause small, localized areas of damage which produce the symptoms of MS. I have Relapsing –Remitting, (But it doesn’t have me!). Yes I went through times of chaotic and disordered fear. A woman of God yes, but I was still worried about this new chapter in my life. It took me a minute to learn and accept that MS is a lifetime disease. I also learned that the symptoms may come and go, but at first pandemonium did set in for just a little while. What really tooted my noodle was during one of my first doctor’s appointments with the neurological specialist. When the doctor finally came in the room, she looked me over with a fine-tooth comb and came to realization that I was a walking miracle. She said out her own mouth simultaneously looking at my MRI, “I don’t know how you made it across the parking lot!” I will never forget those words and the look on her face and the shock in her voice. The next statements really helped me to get my spiritual groove back as she said, “You must know someone upstairs!” Yes indeed I know someone upstairs, Jehovah-Rapha, my Healer. When you know God for yourself and you know Him perfectly in certain areas of your life, you can develop and grow your relationship with Him. This can make you a more effective witness to others about certain things. I can truly witness in the area of healing because I

know Him as a healer. I never thought that I would know Him this way. The scripture says, “It was good that I was afflicted”, so that might learn your statues”. OK David, I get it. As I stated earlier, this MS that I have is indeed a lifetime and incurable disease, but by His stripes I am still healed. I may have the scars, the symptoms, and the continual positive MRI’s, but I am healed in the name of Jesus. I have grabbed hold of that very thing and I will never let go! Life can dish out painful stings, one after another, but I promise you, if you put your hands in God’s hands, He is our living hope through them all. Although you didn’t ask for any trials and tribulations, any struggles, any unfavorable issues, just believe me when I tell you, God is able in the midst of them all. Don’t try to understand it or explain it, but accept it. Then deliberately or as my Co-Pastor says, “intentionally” trust God. God tells us, with intent, that His grace is sufficient. He matched and replaced the hurt of my diagnosis, plus the loss of my sister with His grace. God spoke to me to let me know that “With any trial that you go through, I am already harmonizing it with My Grace and Mercy. Sufferings come in many forms and degrees, but His grace is always there to carry us beyond them all. Storms come, but hang on!

“I need prayer.” “Please pray for me.” That might sound like a simple statement but what is behind the statement is so critical. It shows our dependence on God. We understand that we need God to work and that is done through prayer. This also shows an understanding that we need others to pray for us. We need prayer during such times as through the time of tests, waiting for results, procedures and then surgery ask others to pray as well. When I was in the hospital for blood clots, I knew that I needed as many people praying as possible. I knew that this situation required prayer. For some people and some situations, it might be difficult to ask for prayer; but muster up

enough of your faith to ask others of faith go to battle. I would encourage you to have a few friends that you can share with and know that they will be praying. Blessings,

Elder DEE

Look on the bright side After being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2014, I’ve had my share of good and bad days. It completely rocked my world knowing I was diagnosed with an incurable disabling disease. I felt like I had been through enough in life and this was just way too much to have to deal with. It didn’t seem fair and I kept saying I didn’t ask for this. Months after I realized in order for me to get out the slump I was in, I had to do what I know and that’s pray. I was fortunate to have people in my circle who encouraged me as well, and that with added prayer is what got me out that slump. Though I was having severe debilitating headaches, body aches, and numbness I began to thank God that it wasn’t as bad it could’ve been. I thought about how I was blessed to finally know what had been going on with me all these years. I thought about how God covered me when I would have relapses and didn’t even know I was having them because I wasn’t aware I had MS. This changed perception enabled me to now be able to mentor newly diagnosed individuals as well as educate and bring awareness to this disease. Someone reading this now maybe facing an “I didn’t ask for this” situation and it seem unbearable. Let me encourage you to look on the bright side. It could be a lot worse; in-fact someone else went through your same situation or similar and didn’t make it without a nervous breakdown, or severe depression. But to Him that is able to keep us from falling!

The Mission and Vision of the MS Foundation The Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, also known as MS Focus, is a nonprofit organization focused on providing free services that address the critical needs of people with MS and their families; helping them maintain the best quality of life. The symptoms of MS are unpredictable and may increase in severity over time. This presents physical, emotional, and financial challenges families must face. MS Focus is here to provide the support, education, and assistance needed to adapt to these challenging circumstances. Our primary focus is on providing individuals with MS the help they need to maintain their health, wellbeing, to continue to be productive and independent, and to keep a roof over their heads and a safe environment in their home. They also provide empathy, resourcefulness, and conscientious care.

MS FACTS

Jehovah-Rapha The origin of Jehovah Rapha can be traced back to two Hebrew words, which in combination can mean “God who heals.” “Jehovah,” which is derived from the Hebrew word Havah can be translated as “to be,” “to exist,” or “to become known.” The Hebraic translation of Rapha (râpâ) means “to restore” or “to heal.” Jehovah-Rapha is also recognized as Yahweh-Rapha. God first revealed Himself as Jehovah-Rapha to the Israelites after their exodus out of Egypt. After three days of wandering in the Desert of Shur, the Israelites were in desperate need of water. The discovered a river, however the waters were unfit to drink. As a reflection of the quality of the water and their emotional disposition, the Israelites named the river Mahra (bitter). God divinely cleansed the waters by instructing Moses to throw a piece of wood into the water, thereby making it drinkable. Following this miracle, God declared Himself as Jehovah Rapha to His people by proclaiming, “If you listen carefully to the LORD your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD, who heals you.” (Exodus 15:26)

My MS Story Frances D. Bryant

Allowing others to take care of me has been challenging. I do realize it is okay to be honest and to say I am not okay. I am having a bad day. I am so blessed to have an amazing family that love me and are supportive. They pitch in when needed or willing to learn about Multiple Sclerosis by attending informative meetings or doing walks with me. Outside of my family, it was important for me to be part of a community that understood what I was experiencing. I have met wonderful people who have MS, doctors, nurses, and other professionals. This network is amazing. We are able to support each other and learn from one another. It feels like we are connected; not just by an illness. I encourage others who have MS to stay positive and find people that will uplift you when you are down.

Multiple Sclerosis looks different for everyone. It is such a strange disease. It shows up at the wrong moments. Multiple Sclerosis interrupted my life when I was thirty-four, unannounced and without warning. I was at the peak of my career. I was a wife, mother, teacher, and a caregiver to my mother. I was busy and had no time to be sick! I never thought in my wildest dreams that people would have to care for me. My life was flipped upside down and I did not know what to do. While in the hospital, I was presented with a walker. I started crying – the real ugly cry. I was too young to have to use a walker. I thought walkers were for old people. I did not want a walker. I wanted to drive, run with my children, go to work, and go home. I think I would have gone into a heavy depression if it were not for my physical therapist. He said generally the people that do the best are people who stay positive. I dried my tears and got up.

Frances D. Bryant

MS was a big bully that I did not like. Why did I have MS? This was not fair! I would be lying if I told you MS did not suck – it does. Now what I do with that information is find a positive way of looking at it. With the walker, I was independent a little, I told myself. Hard work and dedication turned into the cane. A cane was not so bad. It was not bulky, and I quickly purchased cute canes. I continued to work hard in physical therapy and occupational therapy, and I was able to eliminate the cane after a couple of years. Of course, they told me to keep one available in case my balance is a little off. I threw it way in the back of my closet. I still have a hard time asking for help. I have always been accustomed to doing everything and taking care of others.

Co-Pastors Frederick V. Hayes, Jr. and Nacole M. Hayes Keep It Real Christian Center Ministries Apostle William Powell- Senior Pastor First Lady Carolyn Powell “How Great Is Our God!” Mark 16:15; 20: “And He said unto them, ‘Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature. And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the LORD working with them, and confirming the Word with signs following.” Amen! As believers, we have a responsibility to share the Gospel of God, the LORD working with us to confirm The Word through signs. Let us resolve to fulfill this charge to GO and PREACH. The LORD will work with us as we go forth in obedience.

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My MS Story

Christina Nelson I was 27 years old. I just Christina Nelson had my third child – a girl. MS came suddenly and without warning. I woke up one morning and had no feeling in my feet. It was as if I had been sitting on my feet all night and they fell asleep; only I could not wake them up. I stood up waiting for the blood to flow and the feeling to return but it did not. That was the beginning for me – the beginning of a 9 month journey. There was Blood work, MRI’s, and second opinions that led to hearing words I never expected to hear, “I’m sorry, but you have Multiple Sclerosis”. That was December 2001. I went through a roller coaster of emotions. I could tell you about the down side, the depression, the pain, the why me moments, because believe me, I have had some of those moments. Instead I want to tell you how, because of MS, I became the woman I am today and how I turned this unfortunate diagnosis into a ministry. And because of MS, I’ve met some great people on this journey, including my husband. I want to tell you how my family is my biggest support system and how I discovered that there are some amazing people out there. Since the beginning, and even now my family has been there. I’ve met some remarkable people that help me to move heavy items, to shovel snow, and take out the trash. They were and are good for it! My mom, tries to keep up with all the symptoms and what she doesn’t know, believe me, she will ask! She is always checking up on me. My three amazing, now adult children have always had my back and my 5 curious grandsons are the greatest and bring me joy! In 2018 I met Erik Nelson, He was also diagnosed with MS. He had a Facebook group called The Huddle for people also diagnosed with MS. At the time I had a Live Talk Show called I Am Healed. We connected, we fell in love, and on January 11, 2020, we got married! Here we were, two people, with the same disease living happily together and helping one another. Are there challenges? Sometimes; but we work together. We are in this together! The Huddle is now The Huddle, A Place of Healing; it’s our ministry where we teach Healing through Gods Word. We have met the best community of people here! They are our family. Our theme is, We will conquer MS with the word of God. Our foundational scripture is Psalm 107:20. He sent His word and it healed them, and delivered them from their destruction. I still have my talk show now called The Christina Nelson Show, Real People who Motivate, Inspire and Heal. I’m a Helpdesk analyst, so my mind stays sharp. Now we have each other, our families and our Huddle family. I am busier than I’ve ever been in my life and enjoying it as well.

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Linda Carter, Cousin Winston Salem, NC

Jesse Louise Coleman Cousin, New York

Derrick Fullwood, Owner & Operator

Curtis & Lawanda Bell – Thank You

Robert Harding Thank you for your Support Son! You’re my Rock!

Robert Harding (Son) Curtis & LaWanda Bell (Son-In-Law - Daughter) James & Delores Carter (Brother & Sis-In-Law) Charles Carter (Brother) Phyllis Carter Goodman (Sister) Leslie Diggs (Niece) Peggy Melvin Rhonda Edwards Demetric Joyner Christy Swinson Gloria Battle Theresa Kea Peggy Renee Goodman

The Strength of A Woman

“I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day and I believe in miracles” – Audrey Hepburn. Through the years, women from different generations and locations have proven their strength and independence. Today, women have made amazing contributions in the government, business world, the army and many more sectors. Around the globe, there have been many women in positions and power. Being strong is not just about physical abilities, but also spiritual, emotional, intellectual, and mental strength. It may be hard for some to become a strong independent wo man but with perseverance and self-confidence, we should all achieve it.

The Sampson Independent (Local Newspaper, Clinton, NC) February 16, 2021 Edition CLINTON NATIVE DONATES PUBLICATION PROCEEDS

Dorcas Beatty donation to aid MS Foundation

“After losing her, I started working with the MS Foundation to do the walk-a-thon,” Beatty went on. “It was the thing that inspired me to create this magazine.” Beatty now lives in Harrells, NC now but stated that her life is basically in Clinton. Her daughter lives in Clinton and she shops in Clinton, etc.

By Brenda Vega Davis bvega@clintonnc.com

Clinton native Dorcas Beatty, creator and editor of Red Leaves Publication, is sending all of her March proceeds to the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation. She created her publication in January of 2020. “It is a publication designed or created for women of all cultures to encourage them and to uplift their spirit,” Beatty commented. “As women sometimes go through so much – we get downhearted about the issues of life whether it’s our children, our marriages, finances and health. “I designed this publication to uplift the spirit of women.” The publication is printed every month. It is similar to a newsletter, according to Beatty, but it is a little more advanced. Beatty has women of faith send her articles every month. Some women she knows very well, some not so much. “They have something to say and something to share with women as they’re going through so much,” Beatty said of the women who write for her publication. “That’s why it was established and that’s what it’s all about.” Beatty usually does a walk-a-thon for the MS Foundation since 2013. But because of the pandemic, she has not been able to host the event due to safety concerns. March is Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month. “I thought I would donate whatever funds I get for the MS Foundation,” Beatty explained. “I’m selling ads to those who wish to buy one as well. I’m selling these ads to Churches, people, businesses, and entrepreneurs. And if you would like to buy an ad, you can purchase one. The proceeds of these ads will also go to the MS Foundation because it’s part of the fundraiser.” Beatty was inspired to create a benefit for MS because she herself has MS. She is a Clinton native who was diagnosed in 2003. She stated that she was minding her own business and then she started having symptoms such as she could hardly walk. She had numbness in her lower extremities and pain. “I have MS but it doesn’t have me,” Beatty stated. “What inspired me is that I continuously try to help the MS Foundation because they’ve really helped me. Beatty explained that she had a sister who also had MS. She died from complications from MS in 2010.

The MS Foundation does things like giving out a cold vest to people who get hot flashes from MS, they give out desktop computers, laptops, anything to better someone’s life that has MS. They want to uplift the frame of mind of those suffering from this illness, according to Beatty. The Clinton native has been retired since 2003 because when the symptoms came, they came on pretty strong. “It can be depressing and overwhelming but I would tell anyone with this disease to hang in there because a better day is ahead,” “Listen to the doctors. Some of the things they tell you or some of the things they give you are not perfect but if you can just hang in there. Keep a smile on your face and keep your head up. Find something to do to help keep you going. Every day is not sunshine and every day is not perfect, but for those who have faith in God, He is able to keep us from falling.” Beatty noted that MS can be debilitating, depressing and painful and there is no cure. “Multiple sclerosis is an unpredictable disease of the central nervous system that disrupts the flow of information within the brain, and between the brain and body,” the National Multiple sclerosis Society defined. Beatty has 12 lesions on her brain and one on her spine. She noted that because of those lesions called white matter, she has issues with walking, remembering, thinking, and left sided weakness and pain. MS is the breakdown of myelin from the central nervous system that causes debilitation in areas of the body, Beatty explained. MS destroys myelin. If anyone wants to purchase a publication, they can email Mrs. Beatty at dorcasbeatt@gmail.com or call 910-385-2056 for more information. Interviewed and written by: Brenda Vega Davis can be reached at 910-592-8137 ext. 2588. (Best Carrot Cake Ever)

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Dorcas (DEE) Beatty, Founder and Editor dorcasbeatty@gmail.com (910) 385-2056 Inbox Messenger

MARCH IS WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH: The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum join in commemorating and encouraging the study, observance and celebration of the vital role of women in American history.

About Women's History Month: Women’s History Month had its origins as a national celebration in 1981 when Congress passed Pub. L. 97-28 which authorized and requested the President to proclaim the week beginning March 7, 1982 as “Women’s History Week.” Throughout the next five years, Congress continued to pass joint resolutions designating a week in March as “Women’s History Week.” In 1987 after being petitioned by the National Women’s History Project, Congress passed Pub. L. 100-9 which designated the month of March 1987 as “Women’s History Month.” Between 1988 and 1994, Congress passed additional resolutions requesting and authorizing the President to proclaim March of each year as Women’s History Month. Since 1995, presidents have issued a series of annual proclamations designating the month of March as “Women’s History Month.” These proclamations celebrate the contributions women have made to the United States and recognize the specific achievements women have made over the course of American history in a variety of fields.

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