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My Story
I was born in a small town called Emelle Alabama; to the proud parents of Robert Earl and Cassie B. Bryant. I am the eight child of a family of ten. I accepted Christ at a young age. I have always been inspired to write, even as a kid. I would find me a place to be alone so I could write; but growing up with three sisters and six brothers it was not easy finding a quite place. My mind never stops even when I slept the stories just come to mind. I write them down as they came to me.
I am inspired by family, friends, my husband, and most of the small town (Emelle) I grew up in. The town is on the back roads of Alabama where you hear cows early in the morning; where people still grow their big gardens; the neighbors still borrow grocery items from each other. Imagine waking up where you can enjoy having a cup of coffee on your front porch watching the sun arise. When we were growing up we had to be creative and find things to do. We would go fishing a lot, walk the road to the country store just to buy Now and Later, Blow Pops, Push Up (ice cream on a stick), Coconut cookies, bubble gum, Ice cream sandwich; not all at once, but if you had one dollar it would get you all of that.
We had an old tire for a swing my dad tied it to the big tree in the yard. We love to go plum and blackberry picking. We did not like it, but we had to shell a lot of peas until your fingers would turn purple. There stood a big Black Walnut tree and Persimmon tree in the front yard. We would sit on the wood pile and bust open the Black Walnuts with a hammer. It was very hard to get the nuts out so we would spend hours just doing that and talking. I really did not like the taste of the persimmon, but I would love to crack the seed open to see if there would be a shape of spoon, fork, or knife this may sound crazy but research it for yourself.
Our house was not the greatest house. It was hot in the summer, because we did not have air conditioning; we had window fans which only would blow out hot air because it was so hot outside. In the winter just the opposite (very cold) because we had one fireplace that was in my parent’s room and two woodstove heaters one heater was in the living room that would smoke like crazy, and the other was in the back room where my sisters and I slept alone with my grandmother. So if you had to go into the kitchen in the middle of the night you would find that the dish rag was frozen and whatever you had to get you better make it quick.
I did not like grade school, because I was picked on everyday by this girl that was known to bully everyone. I told my siblings and my brother and sister had a talk with her and that did not work. She was still bully and making me so afraid of her. I know you are probably thinking why I didn’t I just tell the teacher or principle; well things would have gotten a lot worst for me. I was so glad when it was time to graduate from grade school and go to for high school. Praise the Lord!!
I attended Livingston High School in Livingston, Alabama. My freshman year I became Ms. Social butterfly and I was always in the talent and fashion shows. I wanted to try out for cheerleader, but being skinny was not popular back then. I only weighed about 97 pounds. I enjoyed my high school years. I graduated the year of 1985. I later attended Shelton State Community college for one year. Then my sister and I move to Georgia. We decided we wanted to see what else life had to offer us. I was so excited to finally be moving away from Alabama.
I knew I had to find me a church home I was not going to make it living in the big city alone. I later joined Hopewell Missionary Baptist church, Bishop William L. Sheals and I learned so much. I later started teaching discipleship class to the nine and ten year olds. That was very interesting and so much fun; I learned as I was teaching. Attending church and bible study regularly has helped me to get through a lot of hardship and challenges in life. To God I give all the glory! My work back ground is accounting. I have had some very interesting jobs over the years. I have dealt with all type of personalities and let’s just say life has taught me how to stand strong. I have learned that you cannot change people, but don’t let them change you either. I stand strong in my faith and I love keeping a positive and pleasing personality. This joy that I have the world did not give it to me, and the world cannot take it away!
I got marriage at the age 22. I was married for seven years, and my first husband was killed very tragically. I was forced to make a lot of changes in my life. I went through a depression for several months and I realized I needed to pick myself up and keep moving; after all life must go on. I prayed and fast a lot I knew that God was still in control of my life. My life took a new path and I really started writing even more than ever. I got more involved in church activities and volunteering. I knew I needed to keep busy so I would not lose my focus. Both of my parents are diseased and I lost one of my brothers a few years ago. When you lose a family member the grieving time really never ends. I accepted the deaths, but I still miss them so much.
Eight years later; after my first husband passed; I came back in contact with someone I grew up with, and we started dating and we got married. When God choose your spouse for you that is when you know that you’re in God’s favor. The most shocking news is that his mother was my midwife. God has a way of showing up and showing out!
I now still live in Georgia it is noisy, and everyone is always in a hurry. I am very happily married to LTC Wayne D. Little (retired) someone I grew up with. I am now a member of Travelers Rest Baptist Church, Pastor Arthur L. Powell. I am the director of new members class and I still volunteer at the church.
I must say that my hobbies are writing, dancing, singing, and watching movies. I love the Lord with all my heart; because I know he is always by my side. I love life and I love people. I have come from a mighty long ways. I am so grateful!!