Today I am going to do a ‘throw back’ to 2022, when I asked my readers to share a time when they were given something special that meant a great deal to them. This one is provided by a friend from years past. He sings beautifuIly. He takes us there when his teacher made a difference in his life.

In His Own Words

“I was a sophomore in high school and feeling very unsure of myself when she walked into the classroom. Immediately she took command of the class and demonstrated that she and only she was in charge.  It was obvious that she was accustomed to excellence. She put together some of the finest choirs and choral groups I’ve ever heard.  She also was one of the finest vocalists I have ever heard even after 45 years.  She played the piano and showed her competence. The way that she approached her directing made you want to trust her implicitly.  She was one of the first persons who ever helped me believe that I might have a talent or ability that could make a difference to somebody and affect their life in a positive way. 

“She showed me that with proper technique and hard work I could develop my ability in a way that could help me feel like I had value possibly for the first time in my life.  Mind you, it wasn’t because I had a great voice.  My voice was mediocre at best.  However, she showed me how to sustain a note and present a song in a way that could connect with the listener.  She taught me to see things in a bigger way.  A note was not just a note.  It had a shape and she taught me how to hit it with a full tone at the upper part of that note maintaining a tone and pitch that allowed me to go from note to note and sing the phrase precisely without sliding up to the note or singing under the pitch. 

“She showed me how to use crescendos and diminuendos vocally in a way that added emotion to the piece that I was singing so that it could engage the person listening on a personal level.  She taught me diction and projection and so many other things vocally, but she did so much more.  She taught me to project confidence and helped me to believe in myself in a way that I never had before.  She taught me to carry myself in a way that made others believe that I was competent even when I was feeling a little uneasy on the inside. 

“She also showed me what it meant to have a passion for something and compassion for people.  She took time with me outside of regular class time to help me become better as a vocalist, a performer and ultimately as a person.  She showed me my potential and helped me get a vision of how I could reach that potential.  She also gave me opportunities to develop my ability and encouraged me to participate in opportunities like solo ensemble festivals and summer honor music school that would help me grow in my abilities and hone my craft.  Now, more than 40 years later I still use many of the things that she instilled in me and I try to pass some of those same things on to others. At that time, most people saw her as just a high school choir teacher. 

“This week, as we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week I want to thank all you teachers out there who give a part of yourselves to your students.  Who help them see and realize their potential and then help them strive to achieve that potential.  You are a special kind of person and even when you don’t feel like you are, you are appreciated.  I wish I could have communicated to a high school choir teacher named Mrs. Wendy Ross how much she was appreciated and I hope I can communicate to every teacher who reads this that you also are very appreciated in a way that causes you to never doubt that fact.  If you are a teacher on any level to any age group, you are special and though it seems like such a small thing to say, I want to tell you thank you for all that you do.”

Virgil 5-5-22

We All Have Something To Give

Virgil says it well. In fact, he shows us via our mind’s eye what it is to demonstrate the gift of caring that reaches into another person in a meaningful way. I’ve heard Virgil sing. God has given him a unique, beautiful and penetrating voice. I loved hearing him sing for many years. In fact, some thirtyish years before I learned of this story. Teachers have a unique place by being the present person for many students. Most of us have a way we can bring the joy of personhood as a gift to someone who needs it. Let God use you, and He will. He will bring miracles in unique and unperceived ways. Trust Him to do this for you. You’ll be glad you did. You might even share your story with this group. We will be encouraged if you do.

Thank you, Virgil.

My second son was the first to tell me. His cousin was the proud father of a new baby. He sent a picture of the baby, which showed their exhaustion. His Mom, my first cousin, sent a picture a day or two later. I can’t explain the overwhelming sense of joy a new baby brings the people that are given the task of rearing the child. A person tends to forget that these days. Problems surmount the miracle of new birth but regardless there is great happiness at the appearance of one blessed babe.

A New Beginning

How do we treat a new little one? Of course you do the ordinary things like feeding, clothing, changing, burping, and making a sleepy head out of them (hopefully). Then, there are the other things that matter, like making sure they are secure, preparing clean clothes for them, getting enough clothing so they don’t run out, and making sure they have a safe environment to sleep in and awaken in. It really is quite involved when you think of how much a baby needs and how often they need it.

You Need Rest

I remember my first born. I was twenty-seven, but I’d not been around little one’s much. I had a lot to learn, but I wanted to learn it on my own. Mother was very willing to help me, but I was determined to do it myself. A friend of the family who was also a surgical nurse came down to see me and the baby. She ooed and awed, and just enjoyed seeing him. I studied carefully all his perfections. Moving the warming blanket ‘just so’ to see all his parts when she went back to work. I was amazed. He was complete. Perfect. He was sleepy and barely would wake up to feed. I loved him.

Some Adjustments

That was the beginning. We got home and I began to learn what being a mother was really about. I learned you have to take it as it comes. The diaper changes (I used cloth diapers for the most part) were endless. He ate often and my breasts became tender (nipple cream). He’d cry when I was tired (me or my mate would walk with him in our arms. He wasn’t hungry when my breasts were full (yikes). I had a lot to learn. But I loved my baby and would do whatever it took to make our home as welcoming as possible. My mother didn’t help me much and I didn’t really want her help, so it turned out okay.

Since Then

That was forty-one years ago. I had five more pregnancies with one of the pregnancies not making it. I loved being a mom. It was my favorite role of all the roles I’ve participated in. Our lives were not easy. But there was always the love, caring, and grace in my walk regardless. I failed at times. We didn’t have enough money most of the time. But I did the best I could with what I had. I’m not speaking for my husband. We divorced in (1980- ) 2001. My husband wanted out since Josh was eleven months, which meant there wasn’t much to hold us together that was strong and viable. But I thrust myself forward for as long as we could keep it together. I am thankful we lasted as long as we did. I hope my children understand my heart. It beats for them.

My Thinking

Love your kids. Love doesn’t mean you have to give your kids a lot of things, but it does mean you take the time to meet their needs. Kids have many needs. We do not have the capacity to meet all their needs, but we do have the capacity to show them that we care. Those of us who are believers, also have the capacity to guide our children away from that which is evil and toward that which is good and of God. In my personal story, I don’t know if I made the right choices. But I do know that I gave it my best shot. Now that my children are grown up, it has become obvious that they have a positive portion of the goodness of God. They are willing to help others. They give when there is a need. They are careful in how they spend their money. They care about me, and that’s saying a bunch. Though it’s been hard, they don’t complain (much, that is). I am thankful for each one, and their mates, and their children.

And You?

Those who really know me and those who know me via my blog or facebook, know that I believe everyone can get it right. We can’t get everything right, for problems follow us all. That’s part of the human condition. However, don’t let that stop you from doing what you know to be true. Let’s say it’s not a family condition but say the case of the Covid vaccers or nonvaccers. People are unforgiving. You’re either one or the other. The two sides tend to hate each other. (In my family we have both) Is it worth getting all worked up over, which side you’re on? I don’t think so. Now, I know we think we’re right, which ever side you’re on. But, really? We must do what we understand, and both sides have tons to say. Which brings us back to the topic I’ve lead with…the baby situation. Babies are a blessing from God, A. R.E.A.L. B.L.E.S.S.I.N.G. F.R.O.M. G.O.D. Be thankful for each one, every single last one. I’m so happy for my newborn grandnephew. He’s a righteous blessing. God is so very good.

Blessings to all,

Norma

Personal Narrative

The Norma Brumbaugh Story: Installment 1

Written back in 2007:  I have only shared this writing once and that was with my Pastor. I wrote this lengthy narrative while contemplating whether to go public with my personal story for my church family. I wrote more than I would say when I did speak, but I decided to go the whole nine yards in the writing of my story.

I intend to share parts of my story here and there on my blog. I’ve not decided  exactly how much I will share with my readers. For the most part, it will be offered in its original state. I am choosing to not edit this writing (and that’s hard not to do!).

This is my story.  It is not a flashy or wild story though it has been eventful and not particularly average.  I am not much of a heroine.  I have never been overly brave or stout-hearted.  Actually, I have always been self-conscious and timid.  Although I have various strengths, they have been inhibited by my lack of self-confidence and self-esteem.

Some of what I will share with you is a reflection of the internal pounding on my self-worth, which happened as I failed to come to terms with what was destroying me.  However, even in this there were parts of me which could not be destroyed such as my faith in God and my tender gentle heart.

If I had known the hill I would have to climb to get to where I am now, I’m not sure what I would have done.  Yet God in His grace has sustained me through the journey and now here I am in front of you ready to praise Him for the opportunity.  That is why this is all so surprising.  Who would have known?  One reason that may contribute to why the outcome has been as such is that God knew my qualities and my heart. He knew where this story would end up.  And He knew His purpose could be fulfilled through my obedience and surrender.

All of my life I have been one to contemplate what I see and hear while also noticing behaviors and trends of human interactions.  One of the gifts God has given me is an ability to perceive and then evaluate what I observe.  Maybe that is why He chose to use me for the touch of His hand.  What I do know is this; He has been with me through the dark times of fear and rejection.

What amazes me as I begin this process of the telling of it, is that the delivery of the message transcends any discomfort I will experience.   The message is not my message at all, for it is not my own. I am just one person that God has prepared so that He may bring some hope and promise to the wounded, lost, and discouraged lambs in His flock.

Five years ago I offered a vow to God that I am now keeping as I tell you my story.   I made the vow during a pivotal juncture in my life.  At the time I had lost the only security I had in my life even though it wasn’t much to begin with.  I was discouraged, empty-handed.  For years I had put much self-effort into two areas of my life that in the end came up short, didn’t deliver the goods.  I was done, completely spent.  Decidedly, I knew that the rest of my days would be lived for God.

God could do what He wanted to do with me. He could teach me whatever He wanted to teach me.  I was open.   I sought Him and asked for healing and renewal.  I promised to use anything that I learned in the process for Him and His glory so that what I would learn could help other co-sufferers in the family of Christian believers.  I meant that prayer.

In my heart I believe the time is ripe for me to begin opening the secrets of my life to others who are in need of the words I will share. To say it is easy for me to do this would be incorrect.  To say I like sharing my personal story would not be true as well.  But what is true in this situation, is that God has revealed Himself to me in enough ways that I no longer just talk about who He is and what He offers, instead I actually have come close enough to Him to where He has become my closest and dearest friend.

God is my Abba, my Father.  He is my Dayspring.  He is my purpose.  He is my healer.  He is my reason.  It is my belief that the hard experiences I have absorbed were allowed for this very moment.  Nothing is wasted if we allow God to use it for His glory.  He reaches down to the vilest of offenders and isn’t appalled, but rather, is direct and speaks words of truth and love.  “My grace is sufficient for you,” He says to each one.  My response is, “I’m forever grateful for the cross,” as the song says it so well.

Please leave a comment if you enjoyed this post. I would love to know what part you identify with in the reading of it. God bless you. Norma