Praise and Poverty

By Gloria D. Fondren

Inspired by her grandmothers praise, at a young age, Gloria Fondren became exceedingly motivated. Amidst poverty, the path she chose to follow as a child enabled her to face obstacles, challenges, and various life trials with confidence. Gloria Fondrens optimistic attitude was conveyed in persistence and endurance which ultimately gave her hope and courage to overcome.

This book tells the story of Gloria Fondrens childhood. Embedded in deep rooted emotions are humor, joy, sadness, and pain as vividly described in each chapter of this book. Candidly written, Gloria Fondrens childhood is inspiring, insightful, and heartwarming.

This exciting new book:

. Shows the powerful impact ones upbringing can have on the ability either to persevere and overcome trials and obstacles with victory or give up with defeat

. Examines the mindset of readers invoking deep thoughts on what a person may be holding on to as opposed to letting go of in regards to childhood experiences

. Challenges parents, grandparents, and caregivers, as role models, to earnestly consider how they would like to be remembered based on the impact they have had on their childrens lives

. Provides noteworthy insight into principles, morals, responsibility, and work ethics developed as a result of praise

. Offers hope, motivation, courage, and a sense of self-belief for young readers, thereby, developing the attitude that, if I believe and put my mind to it, I can do it

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: May 28, 2013
• ISBN: 9781481754262

Gloria D. Fondren

Gloria D. Fondren, PH.D., is a graduate of Walden University with a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. She holds a Masters’ Degree in Professional Counseling. Dr. Fondren is founder and CEO of Viewpoints for Change, Inc., a non-profit organization and owner of Psychological Services C.A.F. for children, adults, and families. Currently, Dr. Fondren has a private practice in San Antonio, Texas. She is also author of Praise and Poverty.

Book preview

© 2013 GLORIA D. FONDREN, PH.D. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 5/23/2013

ISBN: 978-1-4817-5425-5 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4817-5427-9 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4817-5426-2 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2013908825

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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Acknowledgements

Preface

Introduction

PART ONE

Our Home

PART TWO

Survival

A Time To Kill

Tobacco And Snuff Dual

PART THREE

My First Christmas

PART FOUR

Weekends

Saturdays

Church Sundays

Revival

PART FIVE

School

PART SIX

Going Overseas

PART SEVEN

Back To The States

The Escape

PART EIGHT

My Three Week Notice

PART NINE

Essence Of Praise And Poverty

PART TEN

A Salute To My Grandmother

About The Author

I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound; everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry; both to abound and to suffer need.

I know what it is like to be in need and I know what it is like to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

Philippians 4:12 KJV, NIV

DEDICATION

This book is dedicated to my grandmother.

She had a very significant and powerful impact on my life.

She always encouraged me to do my best and take pride in what I do.

Memories of my grandmother are forever positive, joyful, and loving.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

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Warm love and thanks to my five children, Eman, Eric, Ebony, Elvage (J.R.), Troy and my four grandchildren. Over the years they have been a powerful source of strength for me replenishing my energy and refreshing my spirit. I am very proud of each of them.

Tender love and thanks to my sister, Barbara. She has always been there for me. I am forever grateful for her gracious wisdom and support.

Sincere thanks to my brother-in-law, Bill, for his kindness

Love and gratitude to my mother and grandmother

Love and precious memories of my brother

Readers, I am pleased to share this book with you

Thanks and Glory to God.

PREFACE

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Poverty can be manifested in various forms ranging from poor living conditions to poor self-concept. Thus, when faced with adversity, conflict, obstacles, and various life trials resulting from poverty, one can initially choose to respond either as a victim or victor. Responses thereafter are impacted by behaviors learned during childhood.

Parents serve as role models for children. At an early age children begin to imitate behaviors learned from parents in either a healthy or unhealthy manner. Likewise, behaviors may influence the ability, or lack thereof, to effectively deal with life challenges throughout adolescence and adulthood.

Once a person reaches adulthood, it is up to him or her to take ownership and become accountable for their own behaviors and choices. Undoubtedly, challenges and pressures faced during adulthood forces an individual to behave in ways that demonstrate mature healthy adaptation or engage in unhealthy, maladaptive behaviors. Dealing with those challenges and pressures may be further influenced by what the person has taken from childhood and is still holding on to as an adult. Placing blame on parents based on memories of poor living conditions, parent’s negative verbal put downs, or favoritism shown by parents among siblings are examples of what the person may be holding on to. Other unresolved issues from the past may also be branded in a person’s mind.

In any event, a person’s mindset when dealing with adversity, conflict, and challenges that life surely brings, is invariably influenced by memories of the past, particularly childhood. Those memories may be positive, negative or a combination of both. Henceforth, early childhood memories expand into adolescence, young adulthood, middle age, and old age.

In essence, regardless of one’s attitude about poverty, the role and example of parents, grandparents, and other caregivers is crucial to children’s upbringing. The lessons learned and wisdom acquired from parents can prove valuable and priceless tools to be cherished and deeply embedded as seeds of hope in a child’s mind, heart, and soul for a lifetime.

INTRODUCTION

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It was May 17, 1950 when Peter cried out loud yelling and screaming, It hurts! It hurts! Peter was giving birth to a baby. Dick was the father of the baby. The midwife stood there doing her job of pulling the baby out of Peter’s womb. The midwife said to Peter, Yeah it’s good going in but hell coming out, huh? Now stop that hollering and push! Standing outside the house through the thin plywood walls, we heard Peter groaning. It sounded like she was pushing but her yelling and screaming was louder. We, the children, kept hearing the screaming and we came running inside wondering what was actually going on. After all, that was the first time we had witnessed childbirth. But, by the time we got to the door, the midwife told us to get out of grown folks business. We stepped back and peeped around the corner of the back room. Peter kept yelling. I wondered how much it hurt. Then, we heard a real loud groan and a baby crying. It was Junior, the baby. He was born. At that time we could not see him. Yet, we heard him crying very loud. We stood motionless and startled. The midwife looked around at us and said, I told yall to git outdoors and play and git outta grown folks business. But we sneaked back peeking around the corner amazed at all the blood and the long cord connecting the baby to Peter. I remember mama gave the midwife my blouse and lots of rags to clean up the blood and wipe off the baby. I thought, Oh no, that’s my only nice blouse. But, I did not dare say anything. I was still mad about it though. Cousins Claudia and Ester laughed at me.

By now you are probably wondering how could Peter be having Dick’s baby, right? Yes, you got it! Peter was the mother and Dick was the dad. Peter was her nickname and Dick’s birth name was Dwayne. Peter’s birth name was Minnie D. Jones. Mama, my grandmother, told us that she later gave Peter the name, Minnie DeBlonde DeBillygoat Jones. Mama also told us that she had a daughter who died shortly after childbirth and her name was Leah Leah Queen Victoria Ed Robinson Leah. Yes! That is 7 names for one person. I guess mama liked to give her children long names.

PART ONE

OUR HOME

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