Monroe Dispatch - No Struggle, No Progress

A Ouachita Parish woman says that she is feeling good and happy to be alive. Those who know her and anyone else who has been in her shoes would say the same. This particular woman said that her recent bout with COVID-19 has left her with a renewed sense of faith, knowing that it was the hand of God that kept her. She said that one of the things that kept her content during her confinement, was the joy that singing spiritual songs brought to her. She was in a hospital for about six weeks, and she said that all she could think about was, “getting out” and returning home. That became a reality just recently when she was discharged and now, she is at home, reflecting on life. She said with a smile that when she was jokingly asked if she wanted to go home, how fast did she want to leave, she replied, “as fast as a rabbit can run”. The woman was sure that she didn’t have the virus when she went to the hospital, as she firmly believes that she contracted the virus while at the hospital. She said that her overall physical health “had been fine”, but, she said that she “left it all” up to Jesus. She is someone who talks freely about her faith, as she said that it was her faith that brought her through some troubling times.

She remembers the time when she worked for one of the northeast region parish school board as the first black receptionist in the office. That was during the early 70s when school integration was not fully accepted in many areas of the South. That was the time when she knew that her faith in God would be what she needed to overcome whatever obstacles was placed in her way. She worked many years for that parish school board, and is happily retired. She also knows that having COVID-19, tested her faith further than those school board years. She said that she sang so often that those who attended to her in the hospital, would pay her compliments. She was a little somber when she spoke of several people dying while she was hospitalized. Now she is home, recovering quite nicely, and just happy to be around her loved ones. But she is more than willing to tell anyone, that when they are going through their darkest hour, just hold to your faith and put your trust in one name—the name of JESUS. Life is good.