Remembering our Grandmother. Bessie (née Morton) Johnson 1908-1932

Today Marks the 93rd Anniversary of the death of our Grandmother, Bessie (née Morton) Rominger Turrentine Johnson

Bessie (1908 – June 17, 1932) was the daughter of Novele Morton Rominger (1896–1924) and Ed Rominger (1870–1945). She was one of six children and part of a generation shaped by both hardship and hope.

Her siblings were:

• Edna (1912–1999)

• Fred (1914–1987)

• Mary Jane (1916–1993)

• Clinton (1920–1973)

• A sibling who died in childbirth in 1922

• Dora (1924–1950)

Bessie married Roosevelt Turrentine on March 27, 1929, in Halifax, Virginia, and they had one daughter, Lucille “Lucy” (1927–2004). She later married Troy Johnson on June 19, 1930, in Danville, Virginia, and they had one daughter, Ella Louise Thompson (née Johnson, 1928–2003).

Ella was just five years old when Bessie passed away in 1932. Losing her mother at such a young age left a lasting wound that she carried throughout her life. The absence of Bessie’s presence—her guidance, protection, and love—was deeply felt and often reflected in the way Ella spoke of her mother’s memory. Even without many stories passed down, the grief that followed Bessie’s passing speaks volumes about the love and importance she held in her family’s heart.

Bessie’s legacy continues through her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, who carry forward the memory of her life and lineage.

Remembering Our Mother on the 97th Anniversary of her Birthday - Ms. Otelia's Corner

Today, we celebrate what would have been the 97th birthday of our beloved mother, born in 1928 in a little town called Shakerag in North Carolina. Her early life was shaped by loss and resilience. After her mother, Bessie Johnson, passed away in 1935, she was lovingly raised by her aunts, uncles, and grandfather. From them, she learned strength, kindness, and the value of community — lessons that stayed with her throughout her life.

On May 5, 1953, she married our father, Ren, and together they began building a life grounded in love and perseverance. Their time together was cut short when our father passed in 1968, leaving her to raise their seven children on her own. But even in the face of unimaginable hardship, she never wavered.

Her strength wasn’t flashy — it was quiet, steady, and deep. Despite financial struggles, our home was filled with what mattered most. My mother’s resourcefulness ensured we never felt we were lacking. She had that rare gift of “making a way out of no way,” and she taught us, by example, how to do the same.

She leaned on her faith, often turning to Psalm 91 — the Psalm of Protection. Its promises offered her real strength and direction, and to this day, its words echo in my heart during difficult times.

Her ability to manage limited resources was nothing short of miraculous. She could turn the simplest ingredients into delicious meals that filled our home with warmth. With her sewing machine, she turned bits of fabric into beautiful outfits and made us feel like the richest children in the world.

But her love didn’t stop at our family. Our home was open — a safe place for anyone in need. Whether it was a neighbor, a friend, or a relative passing through, she welcomed them with grace and compassion. She didn’t just raise her children — she nurtured a community.

Reflecting on her life, my heart swells with pride and humility. She never asked for recognition. Her reward was in our laughter, our safety, our futures. The values she lived by — strength, faith, generosity, and dignity — are still with us. They show up in the way we carry ourselves, in the way we love, and in the way we endure.

Although she passed in 2003, her legacy continues to inspire us. She showed us that even in the hardest moments, love and faith can turn struggle into strength, and lack into abundance.

Happy Birthday, Momma.
We love you.
We miss you.
And we carry you with us — always.

 

When The Chaos of Life Meets the Consistency of God - Ms. Otelia's Corner

Life doesn’t always wait for us to catch up. It rushes in — unannounced and unfiltered — bringing both joy and hardship in the same breath. One moment you’re laughing, the next you’re overwhelmed. Plans fall through. People disappoint. Sickness knocks. Grief lingers. And just when you think you’ve made it through one thing, here comes something else. Life keeps lifeing.

But even in all that mess — God keeps Goding.

That may not be proper grammar, but it’s the realest truth I know.

Because while life shifts, God stays.
While life confuses, God clarifies.
While life drains, God restores.

I’ve had days where I questioned everything — where the weight felt too heavy and the answers were too few. But somewhere in the silence, God reminded me He hadn’t moved. His presence isn’t based on how well life is going. He is still God in the storm, in the waiting room, in the unpaid bill, in the heartbreak, in the healing, in the comeback.

God’s consistency shows up in ways we don’t always expect:

• A timely phone call

• A Scripture that hits different

• A stranger’s kindness

• Peace that makes no sense

We may not always feel Him, but He’s still there — still faithful, still good, still holding it all together when we feel like we’re falling apart.

So if life is chaos right now, don’t lose heart.
You’re not walking through it alone.
The world may be shifting, but the God who holds the world isn’t.

He was God yesterday.
He’s still God today.
And He will be God tomorrow.

Embracing 2024: A Lesson from Lot's Wife - Ms. Otelia's Corner

As we stand at the threshold of 2024, leaving behind the memories and challenges of 2023, let's draw inspiration from an ancient tale that resonates with our modern journey. The story of Lot's wife, as told in Genesis, and its echo in Luke 17:31-32, it offers a profound metaphor for embracing change and looking ahead with hope and determination.

In the biblical narrative, Lot's wife becomes a pillar of salt because she looks back at the burning city of Sodom, despite being given divine instructions not to. This story is often interpreted as a warning against the perils of clinging to the past or ignoring guidance that urges us forward.

In Luke 17, Jesus references this story, emphasizing the importance of readiness for change and the danger of longing for what we've left behind. His words are a timeless reminder of the need for decisiveness when facing life's pivotal moments.

As we transition into 2024, let's apply these lessons. The allure of the familiar is strong, but the future holds new possibilities and opportunities for growth. Embracing change, instead of resisting it, can lead to transformative experiences.

Whether through spiritual reflection or introspection, seeking guidance on our journey is crucial. The new year is a blank canvas, and we have the power to paint a future that reflects our highest aspirations and values. It's a time for setting goals that align with our personal growth and well-being.

To make the most of 2024, consider these actionable steps:

Set Clear Goals: Define what you want to achieve in 2024. Make your goals specific, measurable, and attainable.

Stay Present: Practice mindfulness to keep your focus on the present moment. This helps in appreciating the journey and not just the destination.

Learn from the Past: Reflect on the lessons of 2023 without letting them weigh you down. Use these insights to make better choices in the new year.

The story of Lot's wife and Jesus' words in Luke 17:31-32 remind us of the importance of looking forward and embracing new paths. As we step into 2024, let's do so with optimism, purpose, and a willingness to embrace the changes that come our way.

I would love to hear your thoughts and plans for 2024. How do you intend to embrace change and move forward? Share your resolutions and strategies in the comments below.

At The Intersection of Fear and Faith: Health Challenges - Ms. Otelia's Corner

Health challenges often steer us down a path where fear and worry loom large, forming a shadow over our faith and optimism. But why are we always drawn to worst-case scenarios, and how can we keep our faith during these trials? I want to share my personal experiences with health issues, shining a light on the delicate balance between fear and faith.

The Beginning of Uncertainty

My experience with health issues started as an effort to find answers in a confusing and unclear situation. Instead of going into the specific medical details, it's enough to say that my path involved consultations with various doctors and a series of medical tests. Each part of this journey was accompanied by a mix of worry and hope, which often became so overwhelming that it led to frequent anxiety attacks.

The Emotional Rollercoaster

An essential moment in my journey was a series of medical tests. Initially, these tests offered relief and a glimmer of hope. However, the subsequent call for additional testing rekindled my anxiety and fear, as if being hurled off the cliff again into a sea of worry. This was a defining moment, one that severely tested the strength of my faith as my thoughts raced to the worst possible outcomes.

Acknowledging Weakness and Embracing Faith

Despite having a strong foundation of faith, this situation exposed me to a momentary lapse into sheer terror, distress, panic, and anxiety. It was an experience that revealed how easily fear can creep in, even among those who deeply cherish their beliefs. More importantly, it highlighted the resilience of faith – the capacity to return to a state of hope and positivity, even when fear momentarily gains the upper hand.

The Lesson in Positivity

This episode taught me a crucial lesson in the importance of maintaining a positive outlook. It taught me that while experiencing fear is natural, lingering on it can block healing and progress. Embracing faith is not about being unaffected by fear; rather, it's about choosing hope over despair in life's trials.

My ongoing journey stands as a powerful testament to the strength of faith in conquering fear. It serves as a reminder that faith is not solely about having a huge amount of strength; it's about rediscovering hope and positivity, even during moments of doubt. 

As I move forward on this journey, my focus is increasingly on cultivating a positive mindset and trusting the path that lies ahead. This shift in perspective is deeply influenced by the enduring faith of my mother, who, although no longer with us, continues to inspire me. Her legacy of strength and optimism remains a guiding force in my life.

Your insights and stories are valuable in this shared journey of navigating life's challenges. How do you maintain hope and positivity during tough times? Please share in the comments below. Together, we can draw strength and inspiration from each other's experiences.

Unforgettable Tales of Triumph: Laughing Through Life's Unexpected Spills | Ms. Otelia's Corner

Last week, as I was leisurely strolling home from the grocery store, minding my own business, fate had a surprise in store for me. BAM! I found myself taking a comically embarrassing tumble. Now, let me tell you, I'm no delicate flower—I'm a big girl—but in that glorious moment, I felt like I fell with the elegance of a ballerina in slow motion. It felt like time itself hit the pause button just for me. Luckily, no paparazzi were lurking around to capture my epic spill on their cell phones. Phew! Who wants to be in an endless loop on social media, right?

Unfortunately, my trusty brand-new eyeglasses didn't emerge unscathed. The left lens suffered a series of scratches. Thank you to Zenni Optical, for creating durable eyeglasses that can withstand life's unexpected spills. Let me tell you, if it hadn't been for those eyeglasses and some divine intervention, my face would have resembled a battlefield. While my left knee only sustained minor scratches, my right knee bore the marks of a well-worn skateboard ramp. And let's not forget those invisible scratches on my nose—tiny badges of honor that can be felt but not seen.

Thank heavens for the guardian angel who came to my rescue. Bless her little old kind heart, when I say little, she was about 100 pounds soaking wet; however, her face reflected genuine concern. She tried her best to lift me, once, twice, three times, but I had to gently break it to her, saying, "Sis, you can't lift me! Heck, I couldn't even lift myself!" As fate would have it, I tumbled in the middle of the sidewalk not too far from the curb near a parked car, setting the stage for an unforgettable scene. Imagine this: me, a big girl crawling on the ground, my right knee throbbing in agony (ironically, that's my "good" knee), slowly inching my way toward that magnificent vehicle. And what came to my aid? The side view mirror! Oh yes, I clung to that shiny, reflective savior as if my life depended on it, while my petite companion did her best once again to assist me. It was truly a sight to behold, let me assure you.

But fear not, my friends, for I survived that epic spill to share this tale and walk another day. So, here's a question for you: Have you ever taken a tumble and found the humor in it?

Remember, life may knock us down, but we always manage to bounce back! In my case, it was with the help of a dependable side-view mirror and my little guardian angel!

Keep laughing, keep walking, and embrace the unexpected adventures life throws our way!