"As A Coach Blondie L. Clayton Is The Best For First Time Authors" States Sue Hodkinson, Author of May I Have This Dance?

In my heart, I knew I was going to write a book. I knew there was a lot that needed to be said in that book. How I was to proceed, was uncertain. I said I would begin at the beginning and so I took it upon myself to search out a friend who was in the printing business, mainly business cards, stationary.

Upon inquiry, he knew of his friend who was a publisher and that is how I came to meet Blondie L. Clayton of Changing Lives Publishing. I remember sitting on the side of my bed with transcript in hand. It was hard for me to make that connection. I knew my work was good; however, I was so unsure of myself as an author.

It took me months to achieve what I had written. The context of the book stood on its own., but I was the one who needed that helping hand! I went to their website and researched as much as I could. I wanted a publisher who was close in the vicinity. As a Christian author, I prayed and felt I would make the call.

So, I sent one chapter through e-mail to Changing Lives Publishing excited that I had made that first move. The following day, she returned my e-mail asking for more. She was a very positive, upbeat person and I was so happy to hear back from her. I sent remaining chapters and she gave me rave reviews!

I was overjoyed at her response and my good fortune. This good fortune did not stop there. Blondie was always available and seemed to grasp certain elements in my character that needed to be dealt with as a professional and author. She was wonderful.

I began to reach out to her for assistance and she reached back. Professionally, her time was not her own, she was one busy woman doing what she does best!

She is a coach. One to whom you can really look up to for leadership. She began teaching and training me. Preparing me for what was ahead! I began to imitate her strength. It was important for me to listen and to watch her as a professional trainer. Her heart is with all that she is to those to whom she endeavors to create success!

As a coach, she began teaching me how to speak in public. Showing me just how to stand, how to move during my speeches, how to smile and make eye contact with the audience.

I bought a tape recorder and began practicing in my home and at work. I began reading aloud excerpts from my book and vocalizing each chapter to bring it into a certain perspective when reaching out to touch my audience.

She used a web-cam to help me gain my confidence and uplift my self-esteem in front of the camera. She was so warm and caring and helpful to show me that I was all that I could be and more! The professional task at hand was to not only believe it in my head, but also in my heart!

We began making public appearances and speaking engagements and I began to perform for others. I used the techniques she provided and noticed I was maturing, developing just as she promised!

There were times Blondie seemed to be strict with me. It was her way of bringing me out of my comfort zone preparing me for what was just ahead! Success! A brighter tomorrow with faith to believe that all things are possible to those who really will step out in hard work and work it… work it…. and work it some more.

As a person, publisher, life coach, Blondie L. Clayton, stands out among the crowd! She is skilled to read past the words on the page to see the artist’s heart and first impression.

This is so necessary in published works today! She has an eye for language art and how to impart its works.

She knows discipline, the rules, what is necessary when mistakes are being made. Blondie would motivate my participation to encourage me to step out and start doing things on my own! Blondie always talked to me. Her words gave me that extra boost that weighed me in. I was able to listen and she in turn listened to me! We were a TEAM !

I say that with all heart felt emotion! She led me by example and what an example she gave me! I had no problem following her guidance. She did not allow me to lose face when insecurities in my character were shown. She simply did what she does best, work it …work it… and work it some more!

It is my opinion as a professional writer, speaker, and upcoming author, that Blondie L. Clayton sets the pace, conquers the dividing wall and in the end will ultimately pull it all together!
Because that’s what Blondie does best,and that’s the way its done!

Sue L. Hodkinson:Writer, Speaker, Author: “May I Have This Dance?” “Blooming In The Desert Life Development Series” “His Labor of Love, Behold I Stand At The Door”
www.comebelovedcome.com

Free marketing audio at coachblondie.print2publish.com

What Does Your World Look Like?

Today I looked around my world and there was so much wonder to behold. I beheld seeds that I planted in little cups from a Sapodilla fruit a friend gave me and there were little green shoots popping out of the dirt.

WOW!

I planted them with high expectations but understanding that it was a risk I would take. I placed two seeds in the soil per cup and so far only one in three cups has come up. Imagine that: same soil, same conditions (both kept incubated in a plastic see through bag, yet only one was ready to fulfill its purpose.

When it is your time, it is your time and nothing can hold you back or stop you from purpose.
Even if you are fortunate enough to have everything going for you, if its not your time, then if you don’t wither, falter and drop out, keep plugging away at it, you will make something happen.

It’s not the other seeds time yet; it may need to incubate a little longer. That’s okay. If the conditions remain the same, something will happen.

I have no way of knowing if it will happen but I keep the conditions constant, give it a chance, I feel confident there will be a harvest.

How long will I wait is up to me. That is my choice. What I have learned about growing from seed, that every seed is different. There are some seeds that incubate and grow quickly and others don’t.

It’s just like our lives. We don’t know what our day will bring-- even though we make plans-- do we? There is always the possibility that your plans will be interrupted by something unforeseen.

As I stand here staring, one out of the three is standing up, looking bullish, while the other two appear to be weak; one is even bent over.

Unlike my Sapodilla seedlings, our weaknesses can be built upon; we can conquer our shortcomings; we can empower ourselves but my little Sapodilla seedlings will need to make it right where they are and if they don’t, they will die before they have a chance to live.

You don’t have to die. . . LIVE!


Why is Blondie Clayton so HAPPY? More at www.heisamazing.blogspot.com or get your FREE! Tell your story guide at www.print2publish.com

Once a Lesbian Always a Lesbian - Preacher's Secret Life

(Frank and Blondie Clayton Interview Kamia White on Blog Talk Radio)

Host: At what point in your life did you decide this was the way to go?
KW: I’d realized an attraction to women around age 16; however I did act upon until about age 23.

Host: How did you get into your first relationship?
KW: A Church friendship.

Host: What was your role?
KW: A. Dominant first relationship, others Fem.

Host: A relationship with a Lesbian and a relationship with a man; what is the different?
KW: There is an emotional attachment.

Host: Why did you choose to have a relationship with a woman rather than a man?
KW: I was attracted to men and was engaged to a man. It wasn't until later that I experienced a relationship with a female.

Host: What do you think happened in your life that caused you to go this way?
KW: Homosexuality is a Spirit. The enemy creates situations to seduce us in order to get us to conform to his will for our lives. I was attacked because of the “call of God" on my life.

Host: How did your family react to your coming out?
KW: My Parents were hurt, but they never cease to love and pray for my deliverance.

Host: Were you in church?
KW: Yes, I had given my life to God and was a licensed preacher.

Host: Tell us about some of the challenges you had in this lifestyle?
KW: I had the challenges of conviction and embarrassment.

Host: Did you have any guilt concerning your decision?
KW: Yes, because I really did love the Lord, but my flesh was out of control.

Host: How long were you in this lifestyle?
KW: It was four (4) years outside of church; I was “processed out” over the next three (3) years while active in the church.

Host: Is it easier for two women to hide this type of relationship than two men?
KW: No

Host: What made the light come on?
KW: It was when everything crashed in my life.

Host: At the time the light came on, what were your challenges to making the change, or decision to give it up?
KW: I felt that I loved the person; therefore, my pride hindered me from surrendering properly.

Host: How were you received in the church arena?
KW: Not well.

Host: There are some people who say they are born this way; what do you say?
KW: God does not tempt us with sin, but we are open because of the sin of Adam.

Host: What did you learn from your journey that can help others struggling?
KW: You must decide to serve God with all your heart, and not be deceived by the enemy's devices.

Host: Did you get married? Do you have children?
KW: No, but I desire to have both. My past experience has not hindered my present status.

Host: What are some do's and don’ts of those trying to come out, or have made the first steps?
KW: One should accept Christ, and remove themselves from anything within reason, that’s associated with the lifestyle.

Host: If a parent has a child they are concerned maybe in this lifestyle or leaning in that
Direction, what would you say to them?
KW: I would advise them to love the child; and Resist the plan of the enemy through prayer and the Word of God.

Host: At what point in a relationship should a woman tell her future husband?
KW: A woman should tell her future husband at the very beginning of their relationship.

Host: What would you say to someone who is involved in this lifestyle?
KW: I would tell them that God loves them and he has a plan for them. I would also share my personal testimony.

Host: How would this present a problem in intimacy with a husband?
KW: A woman not delivered from damaging relationships will have problems being intimate on a consistent basis.

Host: What is life like for you now?
KW: I’m happy doing the will of God. Although I still suffer with trust issues coming from others in church, I’ve learn to keep going because those were decisions I made, although I'm forgiven. I'm also ridiculed due to the fact that I’m not afraid to minister; giving hope to other homosexuals.

Host: You have a radio show, both locally and on the net. Give us that information.
KW: Radio broadcast at 93.9 fm on the local radio dial; broadcasted online: www.wjfp.com.

Host: Tells us about the book you are writing.
KW: This book is being written to encourage people in the church not to settle for the gifts and talents but, move to a place of wholeness.

Host: Any final closing remarks?
KW: There is hope, and healing for all people. We must accept what’s been done on the cross and allow God to raise us up from our graves.

If you would like to hear more, click into the live interview at www.blogtalkradio.com/changinglives.

Interview of Sue Hodkinson, Author of "May I Have This Dance?"

By Blondie L. Clayton, Realization Strategist, Author and Publishing Coach



BC: Briefly, tell us about your Christian walk:
What drew you to the Lord? And how long you have been serving him; in what capacity, if any?

Sue: As a young girl I was always curious about God. I attended church and began to realize the simplicity of the gospel of Jesus.I was satisfied with
having salvation. In the year 2000, I heard and felt clearly,the voice and
touch of God pulling on my heart.

There were certain requirements that needed to be met in my life and God was
interested in meeting those issues concerning me. He wanted to bring me into
his arms of fellowship.There was a longing in my heart to become close to God.
I desired and needed answers. I began at that moment to reach out
to God for that understanding.

BC: How long have you been writing and how did it start?

Sue: I guess I officially began writing in that same year.
I heard the call to “Come Up Hither.” It was such a clear call, so I decided to
document the experience as the knowledge was being entrusted into my care.

BC: Why did you write this book?

Sue: Clearly, a relationship with God has nothing formed on the outside of man. This is a work taking place on the INSIDE where the heart of the matter is clearly expressed.

“May I Have This Dance” is an instrument, when sincerely approached with
purity of heart, will engage you to connect with God in a way you have never
before believed possible.

BC: Your title: “May I Have This Dance?”
How does this title speak to your message?

Sue: “May I Have This Dance” is most unique because it is the only one of its kind. The message is very clear and precise. Will you allow God to lead and direct your life? The title of this book graciously asks the child to allow him entrance to lead and guide in a world fast losing all hope
in despondency and ruin.

BC: What is this book about?

Sue: “May I Have This Dance?” is about saying “yes” to God. It’s about abandoning yourself to him. God wants to lead his child toward a depth of intimacy and relationship that would seem unapproachable. This depth of intimacy is inspired by God.

The heart is prepared by God to receive this act of diplomacy. The “way” is clearly marked by the Hand of God alone. He is calling His Beloved back to their first love. He wants us to pursue His face.

BC: What role does scriptures from the Song of Solomon play in this writing?

Sue: The Song of Solomon is a book distinctly fragranced with “affection.” God used this book to embrace my heart to experience the passion of His love for me. His song of divine grace enabled me to experience intimacy with him by his very own invitation and commitment. There could be no other book to honor intimacy as well as the Song of Solomon.

How great is this reward!

BC: Your book is not about the Song of Solomon?

Sue: I used “quotes” from this book at the beginning of each chapter to enhance the progression of each experience. God comes to bring us to that higher place, to embrace this passion upon our heart. We worship Him in a more intimate setting. Solomon wrote this book representing the holy affections existing between God and His chosen people It is love worshipped at its finest hour.

BC: In your book you talk about divine intimacy. What is that?

Sue: Divine intimacy is a spiritual marriage that courts the sharing in God’s invisible qualities, his eternal power and divine nature. We are truly made to be married to Him. This union is permanent and portrays an everlasting expression of love and understanding with God that remains an inward progression bringing divine satisfaction.

BC: You mean there is another level beyond salvation experience that we are missing out on? Tell us about that.

Sue: Yes, there is a deep and lasting union with God. A relationship that creates a divine awareness and a closeness that only takes place when we abandon ourselves to Him. It is an intimacy that depends upon the condition of each heart. We can only progress forward with Him as we allow our hearts to be stimulated and awakened to by the Spirit of God.

BC: How did you discover Divine Intimacy as a part of your Christian walk?

Sue: I discovered divine intimacy IS the Christian walk. Without relationship, without closeness, without passion for God, you have NO walk. God must become your all, sharing daily in your activities and decisions.

Embrace Him. He is the reward.

And when you truly find Him, the heart will KNOW it. This is everlasting union and knowledge of HIM will create an atmosphere within your soul that none can compare!

BC: Share three scriptures in the Bible that informs us of God’s desire to be intimate with us.

Sue: Let us refer to creation in Genesis 3:8 and the purpose of creation. God created man for His own pleasure. Man brought God happiness and enjoyment. God came to Adam in the cool o the day for intimate close relationship with Him.

Secondly, Exodus 33:12 brings Moses into play and his relationship with God. Moses influenced was influenced by God to come to Him. Moses heard and came, thus building a relationship with God. otice this relationship had to be established.

Moses wanted to experience God on a higher level and asked God to SEE His presence. God spoke to Moses and told Him He would cause His goodness to pass in front of Moses, but that Moses could not see God’s face, for to do so one would surely die!

God placed Moses near a rock to stand. He instructed Moses that when His glory passed by, he would put Moses in the cleft of the rock and cover him with His hand. There was intimate relationship. God allowed Moses to be the weaker vessel, yet God honored Moses in his request.

Moses heart cry was: “If I have found favor in your eyes, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you! And lastly, there is Enoch. Enoch walked with God 300 years. Enoch pleased God. Enoch was a recipient of God’s love and God was filled with joy over Enoch and commended him. As a result,Enoch did not experience death. God just took Enoch away where he could not be found.


BC: What stands in the way of getting in this place of intimacy?

Sue: There are always mixed emotions when you are not sure of what you should expect when reaching out to the unknown things apart from your own natural behavior. We hesitate to abandon ourselves to participate in the realm of the unknown.

Fear creates apprehension and alarm. We become uneasy and nervous, leaving ourselves always at a distance with God. Unbelief will also stifle our dance creating doubt and reservation.

BC: How will your book help a person seeking to get into that place of intimacy with God?

Sue: The book inspires a chapter by chapter progression as the Spirit of God knocks upon the door of each child’s heart. It is a spiritual road map which plays a significant part in revealing the movement by which the dance unfolds.

Wisdom calls a special gathering and season of time. An impression of his unconditional love begins to influence us, as we embrace God’s rhythm, creating within our spirit, understanding.

The end results, escorts the child into the banquet hall, establishing his growth, a new level of knowledge, applied with fellowship so divine and deeply orchestrated, that the friendship is transformed into a divine union so completely absolute.

BC: When the reader is finished reading your book, what message do you want them to walk away with?

Sue: Spending time with God is our privilege. We honor God when we come to him with our love, our needs and our purpose. Having a relationship with Him is NOT difficult, if we will remember to make that choice and then follow through with a sincere heart.

He is our reward! We can sit in His lap, kiss His cheek and change His slippers, all in one act of faith. It really does depend on us! I choose to BELIEVE all things are possible through Him.

I hope you will to!

BC: What is required of us to get into that place of intimacy with God?

Sue: By faith, we come to God desiring change. We come to Him with expectation of a journey into the unknown. First and foremost we must make that commitment to trust Him. Trusting is having confidence in His abilities to work everything out according to His will for us.

Secondly, we must make that time and space to be with Him. It doesn’t matter, come what may, we strive to honor our place with Him. And lastly, I believe we must focus on the outcome of accomplishment.

It is progressive. Learn to keep your head up and your eyes focused on the dance! He will begin to direct your steps along the way!

BC: What happens there in that place; what can one expect?

Sue: As you sit before Him, you will begin to reach out with your heart. Father will be there to draw you close. His gaze will be upon you! Not to fear!

You are familiar. You will learn to discover how to worship Him. There is a knowing an agreement between you and a conclusion to establish. There is a contract,an aim and an objective for accomplishing your goals.

He is nourishment, care and attention. He will bring emotions and your ability to experience their sensations. All favorable combinations for the advancement of your soul.

BC: How do we pursue this intimacy with God? Where does it start?

Sue: Once again we respond to his request. “May I Have This Dance?” indeed! We step out in our faith to BELIEVE. He will in turn answer our heart and we will dance to the tune being played by His orchestra of notes and melodies.

Our heart will naturally begin to move to the beat of His command! After all, He is holding us close. He is leading , directing, moving and performing just for us. As we listen, we will hear His voice!

There is more yet to come!

More about Sue and by Sue at www.comebelovedcome.com

Finding Joy and Fulfillment After Sexual Abuse - Peggy Carter Interviews Author Blondie L. Clayton

Peggy Ann Carter is a Motivational Speaker, Author, Illuminator Life Coach, and Host of Issues From the Heart, at www.GalaxieIntertv.com, and a regular guest on several radio shows

Peggy: There is a myth that all children who have been sexually abused are “damaged goods” and that the damage is for life.

In fact,experts say that with guidance and support a child who has experienced sexual abuse can certainly recover and go on to live a happy and successful life with loving relationships.

Blondie L. Clayton is an example that sexual abuse does not have to hold you captive for the rest of your life, that there is joy and fulfillment after sexual abuse.

Clayton is aRealization Strategist™ and author of four books, a freelance writer, publishing coach, host of the Author’s Spotlight at www.positivechangeradio.com and www.webtv45.com.

Life changed for Blondie L. Clayton when she wrote her life story and published her first book There In The Midst the Mysterious Exposed (formerly The Touch of the Master’s Hand A Journey Into Stolen Innocence).

Welcome. . . Blondie Clayton
Your life has changed. What was life like for Blondie Clayton before this change?

Blondie: Dark, lonely, fearful, angry, hateful, unforgiving.The secret of my past haunted me. My caregivers didn’t want to talk about what happened.I was left to feel insignificant, disregarded.I lived a secret, sexually immoral life that made me ashamed of who I was.

Peggy: How did you get to this point in your life?

Blondie: Before I was 12 years old I was the victim of incest, raped by one of my teachers and molested by my mother’s boyfriend. I kept quiet. It was locked up on the inside. I was confused in many ways.

I remember making a decision laying with my grandfather to survive. He started molesting me before my parents separated. After they split, they left my younger siblings and I in that grandfather and grandmother’s care.

I was an emotional time bomb waiting to explode but there was this voice that kept me from yielding to the anger, hatred and revengeful mind that wanted to kill.

Peggy: What started you on the journey to writing?

Blondie: At 14 I realized my thoughts were a problem, I didn’t think good things about myself or people.I was attempting to hold too much in my mind which was affecting my mind.I thought I was losing my mind.

But for this voice that I would hear from time to time which seemed to be guiding my life. It knew me and spoke with such authority I couldn’t ignore its existence.It was “the voice” that guided me into writing my thoughts, feelings and challenges on paper.

I started doing this in my youth.As I look back now, it was like placing it on an altar before God.

Peggy: How has writing aided you in improving the quality of your life?

Blondie: I have struggled with not letting things go.I would clutter my mind with self-defeating talk and destructive talk, fears, etc.

God gave me this tool as a method earlier on in my life to clear my mind.It continues to be a very powerful tool for me to this day.

Peggy: Your writing and your relationships with God, what is the connection?

Blondie: Having been the victim of incest, abuse, rape,I did not trust adults. I shut up. I would not express myself in any situation, except through writing. I learned to pen my prayer request and my troubles;it gave me a peace,and raised my confidence.

God used this format to talk to me, to show me sometimes the error of my ways and how to move beyond my fears and challenges.

Peggy: What is your life like today?

Blondie: I had been in denial about what had happened. I was confused as to what was sexual abuse. Surely, my grandfather and other relatives couldn’t be labeled as such. That was too shameful to think about so I refused.

One day I was watching Oprah Winfrey and she had someone on her show that had experienced the same thing as I. My eyes came open. Right after then, I began to seek this God I had heard so much about and it was that encounter that changed the course of my life forever.

Every thing I ever believed about myself was corrected; the bitterness was no longer a part of my life; my heart had changed; the anger was gone; the hatred was a thing of the past. All in an instant.

Peggy: You mean you were able to forgive those who had purposed to destroy you?

Blondie: Yes, I was. And I became free.

Peggy: Were you religious? Did you believe in God? Were you going to Church?

Blondie: I wish I could say I was religious, or that I went to church, or that my belief in God was intact. I can’t. This event convinced me that there is more to my life than what I can see with my physical eye.

God convinced me of who He is and made me a believer. I can’t take credit for it.But after such a miraculous encounter I wanted to know more. That started my journey.

Peggy: What would you say to someone who was right where you were?

Blondie: If you have tried everything else and you have gotten no relief—maybe you are searching in all the wrong places for what is right there in your hands already. It’s not about whether you believe, or have faith because God’s love and what he can do is not based upon us fixing ourselves or deciding when and how we are going to receive that love.

He sent his son to do it even in the state we are. I turned to Him as a last result, didn’t think he would hear me, or care but He did. He was waiting on me to stop trying to handle what I didn’t create. I ran away from God and from any religious zealots that crossed my path. Denied his existence.

Got involved with other religions until that day, my hour of redemption. I believe a day comes for all of us when we recognize that our life’s experiences can be used for the salvation of others.

Peggy: Who should write? And Why?

Blondie: If you are stuck in your life, maybe your story needs to be told. I was stuck in every area of my life. No matter what ideas came to me I would implement some, ignore the rest.It seemed like a struggle I couldn’t win.I kept asking myself: Why can’t I get beyond whatever this is?

After I wrote my story, nothing has been the same. When I faced certain truths before God,He changed my life through those truths.Did I want to tell the story? No!And none of my family members wanted that story to be told but it wasn’t about what I wanted, or they wanted,God had His purpose and the story was to be told.

What I didn’t know was that God wanted to liberate other family members.I had a choice. I could have been disobedient but I knew in my heart of hearts God had a bigger plan beyond my pain and sorrows.I yielded to his plan and, boy, am I glad I did.I saw miracle after miracle of deliverance and restoration in my personal family.

Just think, some of those people would have died with their secret sins had I not been willing to be the sacrifice, take their persecution and let God do his thing.God may want you to write your story. It may not be to publish it in a book, as I did,It may be for your deliverance, your restoration, your peace and His purpose.

Peggy: If someone wanted to write their story, what would you recommend?

Blondie: Get yourself a note book, or a loose leaf binder and fill it with lined paper.Start writing. If it is your life story, go back to your childhood, write what you remember.

Don’t worry if you only remember fragments, that is okay.You can fill that in later. Get it down on paper.If you need more help, you can sign up for my free weekly audio Café at www.telecafepublishing.com, where we answer questions on writing, publishing and marketing.

Peggy: How can the viewers get in touch with you?

Blondie: Send an Email to me at blondie48@bellsouth.net

Breast Cancer: It Gets Tough But The Sun Will Shine Again

(The Cathee Connor Story)

The Challenges . . .

Life, however, was not always one of smooth sailing. Cathee has had quite an uphill battle with many different challenges. In 1971, two months into her freshman year in college, during Homecoming, she found her good friend, and former high school classmate, murdered in their dormitory.

Cathee had to be treated for shock and then make a decision whether to stay at Howard or to return home. She later dedicated and performed a dance in memory of her friend.

In 1972 Cathee got hit with the news of her mother’s diagnosis with breast cancer. The pressure was too great: at one point Cathee tried to permanently end her mental and emotional pain with pills (but God said “no”—not yet. I have work for you to do).

Three months before graduation, in 1975, Cathee had another close call with death from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning. Her heart and breathing had stopped and she had to be resuscitated.

Putting all that behind her, she went on to graduate summa cum laude (highest honors) with her class of 1975. Right after graduation, she was accepted into a graduate fellowship program in the Department of Exercise Physiology at the University of Maryland at College Park.

Her first major career opportunity came in 1977 when she was hired by Xerox Corporation, in Leesburg, Virginia, as a fitness specialist. Within two and a half years, she was promoted to Health Management Program Administrator.

Cathee took her first cruise in 1981 aboard the Carnival Cruise Lines, which turned out to be a real “love boat” experience when she met her future husband, Dannie Connor.

However, in 1983, just when she was about to embark upon this new phase of her life—two months before the wedding—her life was shattered when she was informed of her father’s sudden death from a heart attack.

With the help of her family, friends, and her strong faith, she was able to move on and marry her “special sailor”.

By 1984 Cathee had moved from Virginia to Florida to build a life with her new husband and to begin a job as Assistant Administrator in health promotion at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami.

Faced with yet another crisis—the cancer that her mother had fought for 12 years finally took her life. Again, with God on her side, and the support of her husband, family and friends, she was able to move forward.

Pregnant with their first child in 1987, her joy and excitement turned into deep pain and sorrow in February 1988 when baby boy Dannie, Jr. was stillborn. Cathee asked herself, “Why me? Haven’t I endured enough?”

After months of grief counseling, the pain she had been suppressing for so long finally erupted. Cathee collapsed in the middle of the street, screaming and crying to the point of just emptiness.

At that point Cathee realized she needed help, and later joined a support group for persons who have lost children and began her slow road back to recovery.

The Big One. . .

It was in 1989, one year after her son’s death, when a routine examination to confirm whether she could work on getting pregnant again, revealed a malignant lump in her left breast.

Reeling through a roller coaster of emotions, Cathee finally came to acceptance and decided to have her breast removed by a mastectomy. The day after her surgery, as she laid in bed reflecting on her life, wondering how she was going to put the pieces back together;her husband Dannie came in—and with great difficulty-- broke the news that her sister Ronnie had been in a near fatal car accident in New York.

This pushed Cathee over the edge: numbness set in; there seemed to be nothing left inside to fight anymore. It was in that moment that Cathee lost the will to live.
After endless tears and overwhelmed by the traumatic events of her life, Cathee realized she needed to turn it over to a higher power.

As she cried out for help, her hero came along—God—and He gave her the strength to carry on.

The Come Back . . .

Cathee under went six months of chemotherapy treatment. One month after her last treatment, she returned to doing what she loved best—dance. At the same time she became a consultant with Mary Kay Cosmetics, which became a major influence in her changed life.

An opportunity in which Cathee advanced to Director and held that spot for three years. In 1990 her involvement positioned her to perform at a Mary Kay reception in Miami, Florida.

That same year (May 1990), a year after her surgery, the big break came when Cathee performed in La Nuestro 90 at the James L. Knight Center for Univision, an international television production company.

In 1991 Cathee became a volunteer for the American Cancer Society’s Reach to Recovery Program, a one-on-one personalized support group for women with breast cancer. During that same year a second lump was found in her right breast and she had to undergo another biopsy. This time it was benign.

More Challenges . . .

Hurricane Andrew tore through South Florida in 1992, and left devastation beyond human comprehension. Cathee and her husband spent the night praying while the storm ripped apart homes on either side of them and left their home with “minor” damage.

In 1993 she and her two sisters found lumps in each of their breasts at the same time. Bunnie and Cathee’s turned out to be benign. However, her sister Ronnie’s turned out to be malignant.

For Ronnie, after having survived a traumatic auto accident six years prior, where she endured three months in a wheelchair and intensive physical therapy, this was a major new challenge to face.

Through Cathee’s challenges, she has experienced a tremendous spiritual growth and her strong faith would be necessary to carry her through the upcoming years.

The Rebirth. . . Read More at Her Web Site: www.catheesdanceoflife.com

(The Cathee Connor Story- an excerpt from her book: Psalms In The Dance of Life, prepared by Sandi Morais)

What Women Want to Tell Men. . . But Can't

“I didn’t know about all these things happened to my wife until I read her book.” My third husband did not find out about all of my past until I wrote my first book. The first husband never knew. Oh, how I wish I could tell him that on the day of our intimacy, my virginity had already been taken by a grandfather. As I page through the pages of my first book I am reminded of all the signs of something wrong in my life, that only I knew.

Much confused me about my upbringing, such as being fussed over by my grandparents. I was not the only child but I was the oldest. How my grandmother thought everything I did was cute, even though it was destructive. Like the time she bought me a pair of shoes she thought I would like and I sat there in front of her and my mother, took a knife and cut the soles off. My grandmother laughed and my mother never reprimanded me.

Some people thought I was going to grow up spoiled at the hands of that set of grandparents, especially, my grandmother. And then my parents separated and we went to live with my father’s parents. I saw my grandmother discipline my younger brother and sisters but she let me get away with stuff.

At times I wanted to lord over my siblings but somehow in my heart I knew that was wrong, just like I knew there was something wrong with my grandmother’s gifts and lack of reprimand.

What was she covering up? It is not unusual for grandparents to be overly generous with their grandchildren.
I grew up confused, trying to understand the adults and their relationship to me. And then she died, had a heart attack. . . and my world changed forever.

I was a mother before I even knew what you did to become a mother. I became a house keeper. I gave up girly stuff and my emotions became that of an adult. So pardon me if I don’t want to be anybody’s mama.
Or if I become a mama too soon in life. If I seem mature for my age, it isn’t by choice. If at times I act like a child, please forgive me, I’m having flashbacks, trying to get back there. But slowly realizing it won't come back. Innocence gone. Because two people who were supposed to instruct and guide us decided they didn’t love each other any more. . . Just didn’t know how it would impact this little girl.

Can I trust you, honey? Or will you abandon me like my daddy? Is marriage for me? It seems like people are selfish and self-centered. My parents were. If I had a choice I would have wanted them to remain together, give up their lives, commit it to raising us, but it never happens like that, does it?

The first two husbands never knew the turmoil I felt every day of my life. They probably didn’t care. I have been such a good actress. How would they know? They were cheated. You can’t give what you don’t have.
How would they know why I went into a foul place at times, moody? Sometimes jealous. Other times trying to push them away, afraid they would leave.

Stay tuned for more. . .