OVERCOMING REJECTION

"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9

Every morning, I take 10-15 mins to read my devotion.  This morning was amazing...God spoke to me. He encouraged me to share my story and with you I will do!  

My family and close friends know that I tried time after time to get into an MBA Program.  Despite my untiring efforts, I was left with numerous rejection letters, a broken spirit, and an empty checkbook.  To this day, I hate standardized test. In my opinion, that is no way to measure ones intellectual ability....but that's an just MY opinion.
After weeks of nearly severe depression, I picked myself up and began the job hunt.  I remember sitting in my room, crying and praying to God.  In that very moment, I fully surrendered to Him.  I asked that He show me the path that He wanted me to take....and wherever that may be, I promised to go.  My dad quickly reminded me to "be careful what you pray for because you just might get it". I knew my prayer could result in me traveling to third world counties, spreading the gospel...and I was okay with that.  Keep in mind, I was beyond ready to get out of my [then] current position.
One day after work I began surfing through jobs at Mississippi State.  My dream has always been to work at a University.  I came across an opportunity that caught my attention.  I quickly sent an email, made a few calls, and applied for the position.  A few weeks passed before I heard anything (of course I was dying inside) and then one day I received a phone call for an on campus interview.  To make a long story short, I conquered my fear and made that presentation my..........doormat.  I traveled back to Jackson with a feeling of contentment.  I knew that I had done my best, so whatever the outcome, I would have to accept it.  Within a week I received a phone call (while on my way to another interview  haha see how good God is).  I was extended the offer to serve as the Recruitment, Retention, and Program Specialist for the Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion (new name) at Mississippi State University. WOW!!! Little ole me?? Working directly under the president of MSU?? My prayers were answered....but there is more.  Remember my letters of rejection? Well, I am now enrolled in graduate school.  In a few short years I will have my Master of Science in Counseling & Educational Psychology with an emphasis in Student Affairs.  Did I mention I pay ZERO dollars for my education? Since I am an employee of the University, my tuition is paid! THANK.YOU.GOD.

You see, my rejection was painful.  But God showed me that with patience and faith, anything is possible.  Some may not consider this a "testimony"...but it is for me. I know what God has done for me and I am forever grateful.

"Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house.  Test me in this, says the Lord Almighty, and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it." 

Malachi 3:10

With LOVE,
NaToya Rae xo

Why?

Last night I was watching a show called American Greed...not sure why I'm into all the scandalous stuff but that's not important.  This episode was about Dr. Mark Weinberger; Ear, Nose, & Throat Specialist.  To make a long story short, Mr. Weinberger (how dare I call him Dr.) led several patients to believe they needed surgery for their allergy problems.  After taking an x-ray, he would show them a picture of some random person that REALLY needed surgery....how crazy is that?!  He would even put them under anesthesia and "perform" surgery; doing nothing but harm to their invisible problem.  As a result, several families sued for negligence, and he was indicted on multiple counts of insurance fraud.  However, one lady's story touched my heart.  She went on a routine visit and he insisted that she undergo surgery to "fix" her sinus problems.  After doing so, she consulted with another doctor for a second opinion.  The 2nd doctor found that she was in stage 4 of throat cancer.  How did Weinberger not catch this?? Because he had no regard for human life! Disgusting! Sadly, the lady died within a few short weeks.  This was just a brief synopsis of all that went on in Mr. Weinberger's practice, but it results in so many questions. Not just about his wrongdoing, but the wrongdoing of many others. Why are we so greedy? Is 1mil/year not enough? I'm sure it's more than enough, but what do I know?

I've been asking myself a lot of questions lately.  Questions that I'll likely never get answers to.  Why are people so greedy? Why are people so mean? Why are they envious and jealous? Why do they steal and kill? Why do they manipulate people? Why do they scheme? Why do they treat humans beings as less than? Why? Why? Why?

To me, it's simple. Have fun. Be nice to people...nobody likes a mean person. Hold doors for others. LAUGH. SMILE. Return phone calls. Reply to emails. Say please and thank you...and mean it.  Thank God each day. Say what you mean and mean what you say.  Do what you love. Forgive others.  Most importantly, be honest.  Don't be afraid to ask for help.  READ.  Be humble.  R-E-S-P-E-C-T others. Appreciate the small things.

Please excuse my rant this am.  Perhaps there are some things I will never understand.

2012-2013

Well, it's a new year...but I'm still the same lil ole me. I suppose it's been a while since I've given you an update on my life. I think I say that every time I blog, but that's irrelevant.  So, in order to do a little catching up I need to do a quick flashback to 2012.

In ::insert month here:: of 2012 I traveled to New Orleans for a Cathy Harris Diversity & Inclusion Training. If you are in Higher Ed and interested in enhancing diversity & inclusion at your University, I encourage you to attend this training. It was a 3 day, 8-5 training, but every minute was well worth the price.  What's being in Nola without roaming the streets, right? Every where I go, I really try to learn something new. From this experience, I learned to be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.

In October of 2012, my big sister became Mrs. Burse. What a wonderful wedding it was! If you know us, you know we are always down for a good time.  Some days I hear certain songs and still think of the fun we had at the reception.  Nakeitra was absolutely stunning, as you can imagine.  I hope her wedding day, and each day leading to, was everything she every dreamed of.

The bride, mom, myself, and baby brother on sister's big day! Do I have a lovely family or what?

Photobooth fun!

Sometime shortly after, we celebrated mama and my aunt Rosilin's 40& 50 birthday bash. They wanted a masquerade ball and that's exactly what they got! If I didn't know any better I would think they were 21!

In November, I traveled to Vegas for a convention. It so just happen to be election week! These pictures do no justice. It was so pleasant to see such diversity on such an amazing night.People where cheering loudly up and down the strip...such an incredible experience to share with others.

Just another beautiful view I wanted to share

A week after Vegas, I quickly washed, packed, and boarding my next plane to Denver for yet another conference.  Talkin' about weather changes?! Whew! Vegas was very very nice and I nearly froze to death in Denver. Needless to say, this little lady came down with a cold...but nothing NyQuil couldn't fix. I was well enough to finish out the conference and end with a fun day of shopping! Being in Denver all alone (well from MSU) was quite a challenge. I am blessed to be able to experience such an event, but there were literally thousands of administrations, faculty, staff in Higher Ed. Every time I stepped out of my room I saw another face....talk about anxiety!

One morning before the opening session...I was SO nervous.

Now, of course we had to finish 2012 with a bang. Joey and the Noxubee Tigers won the 4A State Championship. This was such a historical moment for the school and I am glad I was able to be apart of the celebration.  The team went 16-0...perfect season! I think that's kind of a big deal.

As soon as I got out of my boot, he was put in one. What a couple!

This year we decided to spend Christmas with my sister and her husband. They recently purchased a house, so they hosted this year.  After days of shopping, eating, and just enjoying our break, we decided to go ice skating.  This was such a fun outing for us all.

Birthdays were also celebrated in December.  Joey's sister, Deana, celebrated her birthday with a gathering at Dave's Dark Horse. Always a great place for pizza might I add. Happy Birthday Deana!

And what better way to bring in the new year.  2012 was wonderful to me and I pray I will be able to say the same at the end of 2013. I know there will be challenges, I know there will be celebrations...and I'm okay with that. I am ready to take on the challenges and rejoice in times of celebration. But most importantly, I am always ready to give God the praise. For I am ONLY here by His grace and mercy. Happy New Year!