I have to admit that the last three weeks have been a whirlwind of information overload. We have heard updates from our President, our Governor, and our County Mayor. Through all of the news stations, online journalists, and newspapers, our social media has been bombarded with news of people getting sick with the COVID-19, people dying, businesses laying employees off, food and other supplies unavailable on the shelves, and families forced into working from home and homeschooling their children. But through it all when I sit out on my back porch the silence is deafening. I have been praying daily several times a day for our nation and our leaders. I have also prayed for my family’s protection from this invisible but deadly virus.
I feel God’s peace in my life. I go to bed at peace, I work during the day and I am at peace, I wake up and I am at peace. But I have to ask myself why is there silence? Has God forgotten about His children? Are we being punished as a global nation? As I read through scriptures and devotions and pray, it occurred to me that the reason there is silence is that for many years there was noise. The hustle and bustle of driving to work on overcrowded interstates, rushing to go here and there, parties at bars and venues, hate crimes, protests for different causes, bullying in schools and the workplace, as well as an increase in divorce rates, and abortions.
With the closing of non-essential businesses and a shelter-in order of everyone in their homes, the earth has been silenced. I see people walking and running outside for exercise, families playing on their front and back porches as well as riding their bicycles. There has been a silence of the news talking about crimes, protests, and all the news that causes stress to many because the focus has shifted to the virus. But again, I ask myself, why now? What is God trying to do with our global nation?
Yesterday I sent out messages on Facebook on our support pages for Empowering Women and Girls, our neonatal intensive care unit support page, and several texts to friends to just do a well check. I felt the need to connect with them to see how they were doing and what I can do to help them during this difficult time. Many responses were general to say that they were doing as well as can be expected given the circumstances; but some were sad because their jobs laid them off, while others were scared or angry because their employers were making them work without any protection of wearing a mask not knowing who they can be exposed to. I thought about it and responded with words of encouragement. But as I thought further, I sent information to some on work at home jobs and to others, I encouraged them to take this time to do something for themselves that they wanted to do; whether to go back to school or something as simple as rearranging closets, answering emails, and organizing their business marketing and websites.
As I continued about my day yesterday, I still felt a pull in my heart that there was something I was not grasping during this time. I prayed before bed and asked God to show me what is the lesson that we are all supposed to learn here? It wasn’t until midnight that it came to me and immediately I got up to write this blog that you are reading today. This is all about a Silent Night, a Holy Night, and John 3:16; ” For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. ” I know you may be asking what does that have to do with this pandemic. We are “one nation under God; indivisible with liberty and justice for all.” When you look up the meaning of indivisible, it means unable to be divided. Our nation and our families have been divided for quite some time. Our worship to Him has been diminished because something always distracts us from our time spent with Him. Our family life has suffered for many because we are focused on working all the time (myself included). This is not a post about pointing fingers and shaming anyone as the phrase says when you point at someone remember there are three fingers pointing right back at you.
When God sent His Son to die on the cross for us, He sent Him to save us, forgive our sins, and to worship Him. As a nation we did okay for a few years, but then the inevitable started and we lost our focus along the way. This last year we have seen hate among races and preferences, bullying, suicide, mental health problems including depression, murders, employers overworking employees not leaving enough time for them to spend with their families, and fearful if they do not keep up that they will lose their jobs. I am not saying that God came down from the Heavens last night and said all this to me, I am saying that when I prayed last night and asked God why this is happening, this is what I felt in my heart. Since we as a nation will not or cannot stop and change our circumstances either by choice or not, He gave us a way to stop and have a Silent Night/A Holy Night. What does that mean? Well, there is not one person in the entire world that is not affected in some way by this pandemic. Either we know someone that has it, we have it, our job is affected, or we are home on shelter in. Everyone has been touched by this. Now that God has our undivided attention, it is time for that Silent Night/Holy Night. Spend time with God, ask Him to forgive your sins (no one is perfect so we are all sinners so no saying that you do good and help the world, therefore, you are free of sin!), spend time talking with your family, playing outside with the kids on the porch or backyard, talk to your neighbors through the social distancing, by phone or the fence. This is the time for a Silent Night/Holy Night.
During these difficult days to come as we shelter in, “Keep the Faith” do not worry or stress for The Lord will provide. Allow His perfect peace to dwell in your hearts.
Remember Psalm 127:1-2
Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain. 2 In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat— for he grants sleep to[a] those he loves.
In this verse what the author was trying to say is that God blesses us while we sleep probably just like He gave Solomon the desires of his heart while he slept. King Solomon could have asked God for riches and power but instead, He asked God for wisdom on how to lead his people and he, therefore, became one of the wisest men because he asked for wisdom instead of riches. So like Solomon let our daily prayer be, Lord please give me wisdom on how to be a good servant to You, how to lead my family during this pandemic, and do what is in Your will. The second prayer is, Lord please give me faith like Noah, because when things look grim and without hope, I want to have a faith that surpasses all doubt despite what I hear, read, and see. And lastly, as women our prayer should be, Lord during these difficult times when we think our beauty is affected because we cannot get our hair and nails done at the salon, or workout at the gym, etc, give us a heart like the Proverbs 31 woman. Help us to rest on the verse in Proverbs 31:30 ” Charm is deception and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” Follow Galatians 6:9, ” Let us not become weary in doing good.”
I know that I may not have the popular vote today for blogs and some may choose to unfollow my posts, but that is okay, I am not here for the popular vote, I am here to just say what I felt in my heart. If this blog has blessed you let me and others know by sharing and commenting on it. I greatly appreciate the time you have taken to read this post.
Last year as I finished my pageant in West Virginia as Mrs. Southern States International, I said to my husband this poster-size picture that was given to me will be a gift for my dad because he always called me his little princess. I felt like Cinderella in this gown and I knew that he would be proud of the accomplishments that I had made.
We came home that week from the pageant in West Virginia ( Mrs. International) and visited with my dad. I said to him when I get back from our family beach vacation, I have a special gift for you. Marcus, my son and I went to the beach for a much-needed vacation and time off to rest after a busy 2 weeks of traveling for the pageant and work. We came back from the beach on 8/3/19. I had plans to go and see my dad that day, but our little one had a stomach bug and was not feeling well so I called my mom and said I will be by tomorrow. On 8/4/19, my mom called me frantically that 911 was at the house because Dad had stopped breathing. My heart sank. My mom said that all week long my dad kept asking when I was coming home. On 8/3/19 he was excited because he knew that I was coming home. My poor dad held out I guess as long as he could. He must have known that he was not feeling well and did not share it with anyone. He passed away on 8/4/19. After that, I lost my interest in pageantry and many other things. I still had to fulfill my title for Mrs. Southern States International but in my heart, I was hurting because my biggest cheerleader was gone.
As the weeks went by I started looking at pictures of my Dad from when he was growing up and from the army where he served. It occurred to me that I was going to honor my dad and represent his birthplace of Puerto Rico. I lived there for about two years as a baby. I wanted to connect with a large system that would allow me the ability to represent Puerto Rico and that was the Ms. World Pageant System. But I had to interview first in order to be accepted as a contestant due to the number of women that want to be a part of a large system. When I interviewed with the director Nancy, I was not sure what would happen, but I gave it my best shot. Yes! I was accepted to represent Puerto Rico!! I was so happy.
In doing my research, according to the March of Dimes, in Puerto Rico, the preterm birth rate is 11.9% a report card grade of F which is higher than the national average of 10% grade letter C. In one city called Caguas which is about 20 miles from San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico, the premature birth rate is 15.8%. “Dr. Antonio Ortiz University Pediatric Hospital in San Juan is the only one in the country that offers level-four services to local patients and across the rest of the Caribbean islands. In addition, the hospital provides surgery and neurosurgery services, as well as intensive care for premature patients with a delicate clinical panel. “
As Ms. Puerto Rico World, my goal is to reach the Hispanic Community and provide support to parents of premature babies not only in Puerto Rico but right here in central Florida and any other location in need. In Florida, the premature birth rate amongst the Hispanic community is 9.1%. The overall premature birth rate in Florida is 10.3%. So when you ask me why I am passionate about supporting parents of premature babies and teaching preventative healthcare to avoid premature birth it is no surprise that the response is, look at the statistics and that will tell you the story.
If you are a business, parent of a premature baby, pregnant with a baby, thinking of getting pregnant, or a healthcare professional, take a moment to read about me Rosie Moore Ms. Puerto Rico World and let’s unite to educate and support families to avoid premature birth. If premature birth is unavoidable, let’s support these families through The Gift of Life Charity www.thegiftoflife27.org.
Author Rosie Moore has recently signed with Pen It! Publications, LLC to publish several of her books. Most recently we have released A Story of Faith.
Rosie Moore is an author of children and adult books. Her career paths have led her through being a master wedding and event planner, travel agent, nurse, mother, and founder of the non-profit organization called The Gift of Life. There’s nothing more inspiring than a story that touches the heart and grants insight into deeper truths. She presents her collection of impactful works in addition to A Story of Faith, a book where Rosie shares her struggles, triumphs, and takeaways about infertility and having a child born premature. Her lessons for children can be seen in the children’s books she has authored. These stories help children find comfort and confidence of fear, loneliness, and self-doubt. A percentage of the proceeds from all of Rosie Moore’s books go to support The Gift of Life, an organization that supports and empowers the parents and families of premature infants.
Rosie has three children, Christopher, Kayla, Kaleb, and one fur baby, Daisy the Basset Hound. She is bilingual in Spanish and holds a translator certification through Berlitz. She has worked for many years in the healthcare and legal field, where her compassion and love of people originated. Her hobbies include reading, writing, dancing, spending time with her kids, and her husband. Most recently Rosie Moore was crowned Mrs. Windermere and hopes to use the platform to raise awareness about The Gift of Life.
A Story of Faith: Sometimes you ask yourself, “Why do I go through the challenges that I go through,” and later on you find out that it is to glorify the Lord. But I tell you, at the time the challenge and trial is taking place, it is not the best time in one’s life. It often feels like the end of the world and like there is nowhere to turn. The emotions that one feels are personal and often it feels like the Lord has abandoned us. But, it is in those tough times, that the Lord is closest to us. He is guiding us and molding us into the Christian woman or man that He wants us to be. Rosie Moore devotes her time to the Lord and shares with you this inspirational book: A Story of Faith. It is her hope that it helps you along the way in your walk with God.
If you have any questions or require additional information in order to print this press release, it would be our pleasure to assist you. You may email Debi Stanton, President of Pen It! Publications, LLC at penitpublications@yahoo.com for more information.
It’s been a year since my twin girls were born, and as strangers ask me their age, I hesitate. Do I tell them their real age or adjusted age? Depending on my mood, I often will say, “they are one, but they were born at 28 weeks.”
That’s usually met with, “little miracles!” or “they look healthy now.”
Now? That word always bothers me, though I understand where the stranger is coming from, but the term now, takes on a different meaning and feel. My girls were born in late October at 28 weeks, and one NICU nurse told me, that probably would be home by Christmas. While another NICU nurse told me that they’d be home probably by their due date. Yet another nurse said, maybe spring.
As Thanksgiving came and went, and as Christmas approached, I knew they wouldn’t be home and as I begrudgingly put up a small Christmas tree and felt a twinge of sadness at every happy family going Christmas shopping, I told myself that I was lucky that my girls were ok. I’d witnessed enough so far with other NICU babies, that I felt that even though I wouldn’t have them this Christmas, at least I still had them.
The NICU nurses had a crafty staff, with ornament making, footprint items, Santa hat photos of the girls. As we got ready for the long day we’d be at the NICU, I was mentally preparing myself not to make this a somber moment, next year, I told myself, would be different.
We arrived at the NICU to sleeping babies, but we had quite the list of to-do’s — bathe the twins, feed them, and kangaroo care. We decided to have our Christmas meal at the hospital, and as we were given free hard as a rock Christmas cookies, I told myself, next year, this will be different.
It never really occurred to me, that besides my somber attitude that was hidden by a smile, that the NICU nurses had to do this every year. My next year would be different, but their next year would be the same – dealing with concerned parents and watching over preemies.
While you’re in the NICU with your baby(ies) it’s easy to have tunnel vision. It’s easy to not pay attention to the world outside and though your focus is your babies health, you have to remember that there are other things, bigger things happening around you.
So, this Christmas my girls are now one, crawling and trying to stand on wobbly legs, I feel blessed at their growth and continually impressed by them. They struggled into this world and now they fight to catch up. The new normal – was a phase that I used a lot when I would see the girls in the NICU, our new normal is constantly changing. My life is busy, chaotic, and sometimes frustrating, but when it comes to Christmas, I always take a moment to think of the NICU nurses. To remind myself, there are bigger things happening, there are people who are in my shoes from last year.
At Christmas time, it’s a great time to take a step away from yourself and look at the world around you. You don’t need to give money or presents, but simply by giving your time or lending an ear to someone, helps you take a step back and reevaluate your current situation. I’ll never forget the kindness and patience of the NICU nurses and as Christmas approaches I strive to be uplifting to someone who may be stuck in their own tunnel vision or struggling silently.
Guest Blogger Jen Labriola/Graphic artist for The Gift of Life
Follow author Rosie Moore https://www.facebook.com/author27/
When you are positive you maintain great health. When you are negative, it causes parts of your brain to feel stress therefore causing heart problems which can lead to major health problems. This Christmas season with all the hustle ad bustle of shopping, parties, shows, and family gatherings, be positive and generous with family but also with strangers as you never know when you could be entertaining an angel. Volunteer somewhere to help others for a cause that you support or would like to support. Volunteering can be at a nursing home, hospice, school, hospital, pet shelter, Ronald McDonald House or with The Gift of Life an organization that supports premature babies and their parents through care packages, knitted hats and bears and emotional support. Studies have been done that if you volunteer you can live a longer healthier life. See a study in the Huffington Post http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/23/volunteering-happiness-depression-live-longer_n_3804274.html
Follow author Rosie Moore https://www.facebook.com/author27/
