Monday, November 4, 2013
Today, it hit me that it’s been a year since I answered the call to Jamaica and began discovering its wonders. On Sunday, I woke up feeling stuck, unsure of where to go or what to do. I missed hearing my pastor’s voice; God always used her words to feed my spirit. I tried calling her, but there was no answer. Sometimes, God ensures there’s no easy comfort to return to, pushing us out of our comfort zones. Even my friend Lisa was unavailable, busy with her project.
So there I was, on Sunday morning, needing to hear a word from God. Should I travel across town or go to the nearby church? Then it came to me: check YouTube. That’s when I found T.D. Jake’s sermon titled “The Calling.” It blew me away. He explained how each step of our lives is guided by God to fulfill His purpose and calling. It was a powerful reminder that God can speak to us in many ways.
The Calling: A Timeline Leading to My Journey in Jamaica
1. 1990 – The Club Calling: God called me out of the club. I remember it clearly, like yesterday. I was enjoying myself, drinking a wine cooler, when suddenly everything felt strange. I questioned whether it was the smoke or the wine cooler. I went to the bathroom, saw the same people, and wondered, “What am I doing here?” That night, I couldn’t stop crying. I told my friend Deon I felt unwell and waited in the car. I haven’t been to a club or had a wine cooler since.
2. 1995 – The Calling to North Carolina: After five years as a salon owner, I no longer felt at home in East Orange, NJ. Sometimes, I’d drive 30 minutes to New Brunswick, NJ, to do laundry. Then, I felt pulled to North Carolina. Everyone thought I was crazy for leaving my business and clients, especially Tracy, because of our relationship. I moved to NC, knowing only three people: John Raye, Rosie Smith, and Tony. John and Rosie remain my mentors to this day.
3. 1997 – Becoming a Cosmetology Educator: While in Greensboro, NC, I was called to become a cosmetology educator with Dudley Products. Those were good times. Even today, former students tell me how much I impacted their lives. The knowledge I gained from Joe Dudley and John Raye, and the books they introduced me to, uplifted my mental state. The exposure from attending events was priceless.
4. 1999 – Word of Life PCC: Under Bishop Marian Hickman’s teaching, the Word of God ministered to my soul. The Holy Ghost took hold of me, and my healing process began. I learned I am marvelously and wonderfully made, which healed the hurts from past relationships. God taught me to depend on Him while raising three kids alone. My faith was tested and strengthened through the Bishop’s teachings.
5. 2000 – Homelessness and Service: I lost my house and became homeless, though my kids didn’t know. We stayed at Ms. Evelyn’s house. During this time, God led me to serve at a soup kitchen. I learned from Karen, a homeless woman, about the different types of homeless people and how to show them love. After Karen disappeared, Bishop started a feeding ministry for the homeless, which I ran. I also served in various church ministries, from ushering to street ministry.
6. 2004 – New Home and Gardening: After three months at Ms. Evelyn’s, God led me to a new home on Peterson Ave, NC. With only one month’s rent, He gave me a favor with the landlord. At this house, I developed a love for gardening. God often guided me to the library, where I’d find books on gardening. I learned to grow plants from seeds and became skilled at reviving dying plants.
7. 2012 – 2013 – The Calling to Jamaica: Something within me stirred. My son Dennis encouraged me to live freely. My 50th birthday was a turning point, marking half a century of life. I made a card to myself, embracing the journey with the Lord. Before my brother Barry’s death, I felt a pull towards orphanages. After his passing, I began collecting children’s clothing to bring to Jamaica.
Discovering Joy in Service
Here I am in Montego Bay, Jamaica, at the Robins Nest Children’s Home. I love being here and working with the kids. Yet, sometimes, I question why I’m here. While working in the garden, I realized God was preparing me. Learning to grow crops was for this moment, bringing beauty where it’s needed.
Through a connection in Kingston, I learned about Rev. Judy Ann Fisher, who does similar work. Her Urban Gardening project teaches sustainable horticulture techniques. I hope to meet her and start networking.
If this blog blessed you, watch T.D. Jakes’ “The Calling” on YouTube. May it bless you as it did me.
By Sharon Kerr