IN FULL BLOOM: Give Me Flowers So That I Can Live

By Arnell Evans LCDC CART

To immerse readers in the profound impact of heartfelt words and the affirmations shared by loved ones, allowing them to truly experience the trans-formative power within these expressions.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Balboa Press
• Release date: Jan 26, 2024
• ISBN: 9798765249109

Arnell Evans LCDC CART

Arnell Evans-McNeil is a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor, Certified Anger Resolution Therapist, influential Speaker and Prayer Leader. She has dedicated her career to supporting women, families, and adolescents grappling with substance use disorders and co-dependency issues. Her expertise and commitment have earned her a feature in the documentary "Generation Found," where she shines as a co-creator. Her personal life is as rich and fulfilling as her professional one. She shares her life in Houston with her beloved husband Bert, surrounded by a loving family that includes five adult children, four grandchildren, and a cherished great-grandchild. Her trailblazing journey is also marked by her role as the first African American employee to hold an office as a Director at the 911 Emergency Network in Texas. With a tenure of 28 years, she broke barriers as the second African American and female to ascend to the esteemed positions of President (2008-2009) and Vice President (2007-2008) of the State of Texas Emergency (911) Number Association. Arnell's story is not just one of personal triumphs but also a testament to her unwavering dedication to her community and her pioneering spirit in the face of adversity.

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In Full Bloom

Give Me Flowers So That I Can Live

Arnell Evans, LCDC, CART

Copyright © 2024 Arnell Evans, LCDC, CART.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

Balboa Press

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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.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

Adobe Stock images depicting people are used with their permission and for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Adobe Stock.

ISBN: 979-8-7652-4911-6 (sc)

ISBN: 979-8-7652-4910-9 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2024901215

Balboa Press rev. date: 01/26/2024

Scripture quotations marked AMP are from The Amplified Bible, Old Testament copyright © 1965, 1987 by the Zondervan Corporation. The Amplified Bible, New Testament copyright © 1954, 1958, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotation marked (NKJV) is taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Scripture quotations marked (GNT) are from the Good News Translation in Today’s English Version- Second Edition Copyright © 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.

Scriptures marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

DEDICATION

To my husband, Edward Bert Evans, III, my soulmate, who walks this journey with me, to LaKeisha Renee Cricket our angel, to whom this book could not have been written; to our children and grandchildren who are living proof of this book; In Full Bloom

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

A very special thanks to my spiritual sister/friend and Author, Frenetta Tate, to my BFF and Author, Sally Green, whose editorial touch is evident on every page in this book.

CONTENTS

The Flower Garden

Foreword

Introduction

This book weaves the art of giving flowers with the power of spoken word and affirmation, illuminating a path from despair to empowerment. Drawing from biblical references and the creative potential of language, this journey is a testament to the blossoming that occurs when we infuse our lives with the beauty of giving.

Chapter 1: The Power of the Spoken Word and the Gift of Flowers – Adolescent Years

Step into the realm of words and blossoms, discovering their profound impact. This chapter uncovers the significance of the spoken word through biblical context and the concept of creation. Just as spoken words shape reality, so do the petals of flowers unfold into life’s vibrant tapestry, inspiring us to embrace transformation.

Chapter 2: Portrait of Resilience: The Early Years

Meet Arnell Evans, a beacon of strength. Delve into her past, tracing her upbringing, education, and the threads of her career in counseling and recovery. Her mission to uplift inner-city adolescents and families forms the backdrop of her life’s work. Here, the art of giving flowers takes root as a symbol of compassion and connection.

Chapter 3: From Darkness to Light: Overcoming Adversity

Navigate Arnell’s struggles—identity crises, family dynamics, and her battle with despair. The loss of a child becomes a pivotal moment that propels her towards spiritual growth. As flowers break through the soil towards the sun, so does Arnell’s journey ascend from darkness to the radiant light of faith and empowerment.

Chapter 4: Cultivating Belief, Nurturing Vision

Trace Arnell’s transformation as she shifts from I can’t to I can. This chapter delves into her evolving beliefs, shaping her vision for change. The art of giving flowers weaves its way through her desire to support underserved youth and families, blooming as a symbol of hope and renewal.

Chapter 5: Overcoming Obstacles and Sowing Seeds of Change

Witness Arnell’s triumphs amidst adversity, echoing the resilience of flowers that flourish even in challenging conditions. Just as flowers overcome barriers to bloom, Arnell’s determination paves the way for lasting impact.

Chapter 6: Embracing New Beginnings: Retirement and Legacy

Experience Arnell’s transition into retirement, marking the close of one chapter and the dawn of another. Reflection becomes a guiding light as she contemplates her life’s journey. Here, the art of giving flowers takes on a new dimension, symbolizing the wisdom and experiences she shares with others.

Chapter 7: Empowerment in Full Bloom: Impacting Lives

Delve into Arnell’s initiatives, including the Alternative Peer Group and Recovery High School. Collaboration with communities and luminaries amplifies her message of empowerment. The art of giving flowers blooms as a representation of her transformative effect on inner-city adolescents, as they too flourish against the odds.

The Flower Garden

These pages echo Arnell’s journey from desolation to empowerment. The art of giving flowers stands as a testament to the beauty that arises from compassion and connection. You are invited to embrace the power of transformation, weaving the art of giving flowers into their own lives and creating their own flower Garden of love and appreciation. The journey’s lessons inspire the awakening of their own inner gardens, blooming with resilience, empowerment, hope and the enduring beauty of giving.

About the Author

THE FLOWER GARDEN

These pages echo Arnell’s journey from desolation to empowerment. The art of giving flowers stands as a testament to the beauty that arises from compassion and connection. You are invited to embrace the power of transformation, weaving the art of giving flowers into their own lives and creating their own flower Garden of love and appreciation. The journey’s lessons inspire the awakening of their own inner gardens, blooming with resilience, empowerment, hope and the enduring beauty of giving.

Inspirational Prayer:

Heavenly Father you are the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last

You are