GENERAL INTEREST | Norma L. Brumbaugh

A Happy Little Sugar Pumpkin

As told by the Little Sugar Pumpkin. In his own words. . .

I’m a tiny little sugar pumpkin. It was awfully boring sitting in that store bin, but I have to say, there wasn’t much I could do about it. I kept complaining to the other pumpkins, “Oh my goodness, isn’t anybody going to pick me? Tomorrow is Halloween!” Sigh. We were running out of time. Sigh.

Would you believe it? Right then and there a nice lady with long white hair came over to my bin. Oh boy!!! I tried to get her attention,”Over here. Look at me! Yoo-hoo, I’m over here!” She was looking at all the other little sugar pumpkins. Holding them up and looking at their shapes from all angles. And then she reached down and lifted me up, twisting me this way and that way. “Hmmm,” she said, as I tried to be my orangiest best for her.

“My, my, you’re a nice little pumpkin. I think you’re perfect,” and that’s how I got to go home with her.

First, she washed me and dried me off. Next, she cut me a top and then cleaned out my insides. The lady told me she was going to make me into a personality. My face began to take shape once she finished my triangle eyes. She whispered to me, “You need to have a smile.” It took a bit of time and hurt a little bit but soon I looked real cool. She lit a white taper candle and dripped some wax inside of me and pressed a stub of candle into the warm wax. “Now, let’s see how you look.” She put on my top and then re-lit the candle. This time we both smiled; she at me and me at her.

“But we’re not done yet. You’ll see why I wanted a pumpkin shaped nicely on both sides.” The lady began to carve again. Soon I had a cross-shape on the back side of me. “Now, for a heart,” she said, “The cross wouldn’t be finished without a heart of love. The Father gave his son for all of us because of his great love. That’s why you have a cross. The candle is like the light of God shining out from within you, my sweet little pumpkin. I want everyone to know that Jesus gives us light and love. Everyone who looks at you will notice your cross.”

I felt all snugly inside after she said that to me. So that’s how I got a cross on my backside.

We went to church that night. She talked about me with the children at their Awana club. They liked it when she lit my candle. I glowed brightly for them. The children ooo’d and aaah’d. They liked me! As they looked at my cross, she told them that Jesus loved them and how the light of God’s love shines in us. I liked that, because it’s true. Jesus does love them, every single one of them.

“This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.” That’s what I like to sing when nobody is looking. This is my little light and it shines the cross of Jesus to everyone who walks up to my owner’s door. She wants them to know about Jesus. Tonight is Halloween and I’m sooo looking forward to it. The kids will be pirates, ghosts, and witches, and I will get to shine my light for them. How cool is that!

“Trick or Treat, smell my feet. Give me something good to eat!” Oops, I’m not supposed to say that! You have a nice Halloween, okay?

A Story You’ve Not Heard Before

PAIN: TALK 1: my testimony 65 minutes

Some family and friends have expressed an interest in hearing my full story. This is your chance. This recording, from ten years ago, was my first time ever going public with the happenings that had hurt me. I have told my story a few other times but enough time has passed that it isn’t quite the same.

PAIN: Talk 1, my testimony

I requested permission to share my story from my adult children, my siblings, and my ex-husband. They have gone out of their comfort zone and have graciously consented to support me and the message of life that my words seek to convey: The message that God is light, that his light enters dark places, heals deep hurts, and mends wounded lives. I appreciate their willingness to be vulnerable. We are a private family that prefers to be in the background and not be noticed, so this is a gift to me, and you. I know they are trusting God to use my words for his glory, which is my wish as well.

When I first told my story in church back in 2007, I owed it to my church family who had loved me through it all, and allowed me to heal while still serving in our assembly; and I owed it to God because I knew he could use my past experiences to help others struggling with similar issues. It could be a resource to them.

Life’s struggles can be isolating but that is not the last word. God is a God of second chances. I praise him for his goodness and faithfulness, healing and love, hope and kindness. To God be the glory, great things he has done.

You may want to read last week’s post before listening to Talk 1. I’d recommend it as an introduction to this week’s post. You will find it here: “I Felt like Damaged Goods.”

The Recording

Sorry the quality of this recording has some background noise. A man in my church recorded it with a little hand held recorder placed on the podium. I’m thankful he recorded it for me. Minutes before I spoke, he asked me if I was nervous. I responded with a yes. Then he encouraged me with these words, “You’ll do fine.” It felt like a father’s blessing (and he’s the quietest man in the church).

Two of my family were present, my mother and my oldest son. I knew it would be hard for them, and it was. It took courage on my son’s part. His pain was visible. I appreciated him being there, knowing it would be difficult for him. He knew it too, but he came anyway. Thank you, Josh. I love you.

I am glad the recording came out clear enough that I can share it with you. If I retold the story today, I don’t think it would portray the same emotion.

To my family members, my church family and those mentioned in the testimony, I appreciate you. You have always been a source of encouragement to me. My story, our story, is a source of encouragement and blessing to others.

And to Randy, thank you for supporting me in this endeavor. This means more than you will ever know. In your own words “If it can help someone then I’m okay with it.” I’m glad God helped you and me to establish grace between us after all the struggle we went through.

And to my children, this is a big one for you. Thank you for trusting me and supporting me in this. I know it is not easy for you, either, and you may feel exposed. We are still working through some of this and probably always will. I dearly love you.

Again, thank you to my parents and siblings for letting me talk about our private devastations, losses we will always grieve and regret. God has carried us through, and still carries us through. We are grateful for this. I love you more and more as the years pass.

Lastly, thanks to God, who never wastes anything and makes something new and beautiful from the shards of broken pieces in our lives. Beauty from ashes. Your love has transformed me. I love you more than my words can adequately express.