Blessings & Curses

By Kim Bond

Do you believe blessings and curses exist in modern days? Blessings & Curses examines that question through multiple compelling personal narratives by over ten authors. “Oh! It Can’t Be True!” is the inspiring true story of how Wanda Burnside learned hope and patience through her circumstances. “My Dear Compass” is Sandra Hickman’s true testimony of how she entered into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. “Fear Not” by Adeline Cruz tells the moving true story of how the Lord quieted her fear and worry. “Counting Blessings” by Ta’anit Schaub shows how the line between blessing and curse can be blurred in this riveting memoir. “Immigrant Life” describes the shocking nightmare Armand Ruci endured before an incredible blessing occurred. Thanking the Vine near Where the Skunk Cabbage Grows” is Erika Girard’s well-written true story of her harrowing close call. “The Vine and the Branches” is Kaisha Girard’s insightful perspective of her twin’s close call. “Keep God in the Picture” is a heartwarming tribute to Ramelle T. Lee’s faithfilled aunt and her inspiring words that touched people around the world. “Being Courageous After an Estranged Relationship with a Parent” is Dominique Carson’s vulnerable memoir about learning to draw boundaries in unhealthy relationships. Bonus! Enjoy a fiction short story by DT Richards called, "“They Do Blessings, Don’t They?”

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kim Bond
• Release date: Mar 2, 2021
• ISBN: 9781005250225

Kim Bond

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Blessings & Curses

Edited by Kim Bond

This anthology is dedicated to our Lord.

Copyright © 2021 is held, all rights reserved, by the individual author. Printed with permission by Draw Near Publication Ministry. Visit www.drawneartochrist.com for more information.

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Table of Contents

Oh! It Can’t Be True! by Wanda J. Burnside

My Dear Compass by Sandra L. Hickman

The Day That Changed My Life by Judy K. Haught

Fear Not by Adeline Cruz

Counting Blessings by Ta'anit Schaub

Immigrant Life by Armand Ruci

Thanking the Vine near Where the Skunk Cabbage Grows by Erika Girard

The Vine and the Branches by Kaisha Girard

Keep God in the Picture by Ramelle T. Lee

Being Courageous After an Estranged Relationship with a Parent by Dominique Carson

They Do Blessings, Don’t They? by DT Richards

Oh! It Can’t Be True!

By Wanda J. Burnside

Oh! It Can’t Be True! is the inspiring true story of how Wanda Burnside learned hope and patience through her circumstances. Wanda J. Burnside is an Award-winning writer, poet, and author. She is also a playwright of 12 performed plays. Wanda is a teacher of grades K-7. She graduated from the University of Detroit in 1972 with a BS in Humanities/Education. Founder: Write the Vision Ministries and Media Productions, International. Founder and publisher: The Lamp Newsletter International with staff and offices in the USA, the UK-London and Australia. She is the author of 12 books and a contributor to over 80 publications. Wanda has received Christian certification in numerous ministries from: Detroit Bible College, William Tyndale Bible College, Charles H. Mason Bible College and other institutions. Wanda married Mr. Simmie Lee Burnside, Jr. in November 1972.

In 1968, I was miserable on my graduation day from Western High School. In the hallways friends were laughing, shouting, and taking pictures. I leaned on a wall, looking at them hugging each other in their burgundy graduation caps and gowns. I couldn’t bear it. So, I rushed into the auditorium to hide.

I felt miserable because weeks ago, several friends were accepted to colleges and universities, but I wasn’t. They called screaming about their acceptance letters and scholarships. I was hurt hearing their good news. Every time the phone rang, I prayed a college representative was calling to say I was accepted. During my senior semester, I rushed home asking Mama if I got mail.

I heard friends running and shouting in the hallways, I’ll miss you! We made it! I sat alone in the last row in the dark auditorium. I stared at the dimly lit stage with rows of chairs, a microphone stood in the middle, a table with a box atop, and a large USA flag on a tall pole. Below the stage was the band area and black glimmering piano. My brother, Rodger, was a band member.

Suddenly, the door near me opened and light shown in. In walked my friends Janice, Judy, Linda, and Agnes. We figured you were in here!Judy giggled.

Wanda, let’s take pictures… we were in the National Honors Society, the Future Teachers Class, and the Honors English Class, Linda said grabbing my hand. It’s almost graduation time!

After that, we opened the door to leave and… there stood my parents in the hallway! They were surprised. My baby sister, Regina, took pictures.

Wanda, Mama said. Don’t worry. God will work things out. She had a comforting look on her beautiful face.

My oldest child is graduating from high school, said Daddy giving me a kiss on a cheek. I’m proud of you! he said with a big smile on his dignified face.

Okay, graduates, please come this way, said the principal. It’s time to assemble in your study halls. Your counselors will give you further instructions.

We went to our various study halls. My counselor was Mrs. Bloomfield. She greeted us and tearfully gave her farewell speech. "Graduating class of 1968, I wish you the very best! I’ll miss you! Go after what’s good in life! Now, let’s go downstairs to