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STANDING IN THE GAP
A Woman Of Excellence

Standing in the gap for her 8 beautiful children and grandmother to twenty of the most joyful and jolly rugrats is our matriarch, Angela R. Tunsill.

My siblings and I are close in age, but this never seemed to be a challenge for our mom. We all felt and still know that we are all equally loved. Growing up, mom made sure we were well dressed and feed ‘really’ good. Our home was filled with laughter, it was an environment where we were able to talk about anything.

As a twenty-eight-year-old, married mother of three; I am proud to say I still seek my mother’s approval, as well as advice.  My mom has been the example and set a standard which I implement as I fashion my own family.

Our mother has had her fair share of challenges. Dark days where she lost hope, wanted to give up and frequently asked, “Why me?” Strangely enough, these seasons of her life, motivated and strengthened her. 

Our mom always said, “When you all grow up, I want you all to be better than me.”  She knew we saw her struggles, the abuse and trying to make ends meet with little to nothing.  I know what she meant, as I find myself struggling from time to time, having a family of my own, while assisting the upbringing of my nieces and nephew.

This year has been a frustrating and exasperating one  for her.  Two of her children, who went astray are now incarcerated. In addition, all in the same year;  three different grandchildren passed away.  But in the midst of her tears,  her  questioning why, what did she do to deserve this, where did she go wrong, she remains the backbone for our family.

The trauma and the loss of a loved one has the ability to break  anyone, but not my mom. When you look at her,  she doesn’t   look like what she is going through. She continues  to stand  with her head held high and a smile on her face.

My mom means the world to me, and if I could give her the world, I would. She deserves it all and so much more.  Angela R. Tunsill,  you are a Woman Of Excellence, I love you mom!

For most of us as adolescence we were told about puberty, menstruation and pregnancy; but not about menopause.  It’s humorous that it took us almost 12 years to get to puberty and only 12 consecutive months to confirm that we are menopausal.

Menopause is the time when a woman’s menstrual period ends. Menopause is considered complete when a woman has been without her period for one year. Menopause can occur any time between ages 40 and 60. On average, it occurs at age 51.

By the year 2030, it is expected that there will be 1.2 billion women who are 50 years of age or older. That means there will be a large amount of females embarking on their journey through menopause.

With these statistics, regardless if one is peri (the time in a woman’s life shortly before menopause), meno (the ceasing of menstruation) or post(the time after which a woman has experienced twelve (12) consecutive months without a period); it is in our best interest to connect with as many sister-friends as we can.

I suffered in silence for a long time because Menopause in the past has not been a subject matter that is generally spoken about. But in the last 10 years or so it is coming to the forefront and we will continue to pause and share so that women realize that in this season of their lives they are not alone!

It may not seem like it in the midst of the hot flash or night sweat but there is light at the end of the tunnel for Menopause is a season of preparation for the latter part of our lives!

My story is shared in Pausing With God A Journey Through Menopause. Available in English and Spanish, get your copy today on Amazon.com

Education + Enrichment = Encouragement

It is something to lose someone any time of year, but I say a special prayer for those who have lost a loved one during or around the holiday season(s).

The other day, we were jolted by the news of another childhood friend had passed away. Though we hadn’t kept in touch, it was ironic that a few weeks ago, out of the blue, she sent me a very encouraging message on social media. We conversed, and both probably thought to ourselves, we have to do better with staying in touch. But life interrupted and any chance of that is now gone.

The holidays are supposed to be a time of celebration, a time spent with family and friends, but for many it is a time of great sadness. But this year, I am encouraged to be intentional. I am pausing to make those phone calls that I kept putting off. I purchased and mailed holiday greeting cards like we used to do back in the day. I will continue the traditions and recipes that were passed down from one generation to another. But most of all, I’d ask you to join me in not just doing the same old’, same ole – add and/or create a new tradition, one that this current and future generations can look back on…not so much to remember the grief, but the celebration of the life that was lived!

From our family to yours – Happy Thanksgiving!

I will assume there are several women out there who are like me who prefer a female OB/GYN.  My reason though it is humorous now, was not funny at first.  My story began, years ago when I was a KIDS Church leader. It was time for my annual check-up and so off to the doctors I went.  After completing the check-in ritual, I was shown to the examination room where put on the designer gown and patiently waited for my doctor to come in.

A few minutes later, a male doctor pops in and stares at me like he knows me.  I have this weird feeling inside my gut.  “Do you work at this hospital, you look familiar?” he asked.  “No”, I quickly responded and lowered my head.

I knew my regular doctor was pregnant, but her due date wasn’t for a couple of months.   I nervously asked where my doctor was. ‘Due to her condition’, he replied, ‘she had been transferred to another unit.’  I paused for a moment and then decided to go ahead with the checkup.  Following the exam, we had a brief consultation, I left the hospital and never gave this encounter a second thought.

The following Wednesday night in KIDS Church,  service was just about to wrap up and some of the parents arrived early to pick up their children.

You will never guess who shows up?  Yep, Dr. Who (I never did get his name).  I felt like I was about to faint.  I whispered to one of the teachers to cover for me as I ran to the back of the room to hide.  Talk about one of my most embarrassing moments.  From then on I made a note to self – make sure my doctor has checked in before I do! 

If you’d like to share an embarrassing moments, email submission to PausingWithGod@gmail.com   Your submission gives us permission to post and is material to use for marketing.  

Menopause Let’s Talk About It!

Years ago, when I began experiencing several symptoms of menopause I was afraid to talk to anyone for fear that they would think I lost my mind. But the opposite was true, it wasn’t until I began sharing …that I realized I am not alone.
Continue reading “Don’t Suffer In Silence!” →