NSU’s School of Creative and Performing Arts hosted Music Morning, an educational and fun filled day of musical activities Saturday, March 17. The event, now in its 5th year, featured 30 NSU Music Education majors presenting classes and activities to 25 children from the parish elementary schools. The children built instruments, learned about different musical instruments, danced and sang. At the end of the morning, the children sang for their parents and family.

The Natchitoches Parish Journal would like to commend the young men and women of NSU’s Music Education program who put on the event. An observer of the classes would not know that they were students and not experienced educators. They are quality young men and women who are being well prepared by NSU. We would love to see them teaching in the parish schools upon their graduation.

 

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Paid Advertising

 

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There was not an empty seat in the house Saturday, March 17 at Frankie Ray Jackson-Natchitoches Junior High’s gym as the amped up crowd cheered their heroes and jeered the villians at Main Event Wrestling’s debut in Natchitoches. High school senior Daisy Halko started the evening with a flawless rendition of the National Anthem. Louisiana native Big Daddy Yum Yum, joined by Action Jackson headlined the event which featured a full evening of acrobatic combat, flying chairs, accommodating referees, and general mayhem as the evening built up to the final match. Even Frankie Ray Jackson Technical Center Principal Bobby Benjamin was drawn into the fray, displaying a talent that might lead to a new career after he retires from education.

The evening was about more than wrestling, however. It was a fundraiser for The Jobs for America’s Graduates Program (JAG) at the junior high and technical center. The money raised will be used for field trips and supplies for the students. The JAG program prepares its students for the workforce they will enter after graduation.

 

 

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One could find everything from paintings, to plants and bellydancers Saturday, March 17 as the 18th annual Bloomin’ on the Bricks and 15th annual Art Along the Bricks festivals got underway along Front St. Downtown Natchitoches was filled with local residents and visitors eager to start the spring season off right. Bloomin’ on the Bricks featured 21 vendors with offerings ranging from gardening supplies to expert advice from Louisiana Master Gardeners. Art Along the Bricks featured 25 vendors with a wide variety of art works, including live painting. A perennial crowd favorite returned for another year as local tribal fusion bellydance troupes Indigeaux and Benindigeaux performed for the delighted crowd.

 

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Kevin’s Gallery

Les Amis, a service organization of women in the Natchitoches area, held its annual butterfly release Saturday, March 17th at the Prudhomme-Rouquier House in memory of cancer survivors. This local tradition is a superb way to celebrate cancer survivors, encourage those still in the battle and remember those who have gone on.

The guest speaker at this year’s release was Ms. Eliza Brittain Behrdensen who spoke movingly of her battle with breast cancer. She and her family released the first of the butterflies. The butterfly is seen as a symbol of change and hope for the future. The event is more than a celebration and remembrance. This year’s release will raise over $4,000.00 for the American Cancer Society, a group dedicated to fighting this terrible disease.

The Natchitoches Parish Journal is donating it’s photography of the event. Copy protection is off any anyone may downloard any photo they wish. If you do so, please make a contribution to the American Cancer Society in lieu of payment.

 

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NATCHITOCHES PARISH:

Jennifer Lynn Sparks
June 22, 1968 – March 16, 2018
Service: Monday, march 19 at 11 am at the First Baptist Church of Robeline
Interment: Rocky Mount Cemetery in Robeline

Gerard Francis “Sonny” Thomas Jr.
January 20, 1923 – February 10, 2018
Service: Friday, March 23 at 4 pm at Merci Beaucoup Restaurant, located at 127 Church Street in Natchitoches

Edward Dewayne Hamm
December 8, 1950 – March 15, 2018
Visitation: Monday, March 19 from 5-7 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home
Service: Monday, March 19 at 7 pm in the chapel of Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home.

Edith Pauline Eppinette Steadman
May 14, 1936 – March 16, 2018
Service: Monday, March 19 at 2 pm Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home
RAPIDES PARISH:

Larry Dean Book
July 13, 1964 – March 16, 2018
Visitation: Monday, March 19 from 5-9 pm at the John Kramer & Son Funeral Home
Service: Tuesday, March 20 at 10 am in the John Kramer & Son Funeral Home Chapel

Vincent Giuseppe Drago Sr.
July 26, 1931 – March 17, 2018
Visitation: Monday, March 19 from 4-8 pm and Tuesday, March 20 from 10 am – 1 pm at the John Kramer & Son Funeral Home
Service: Tuesday, March 20 at 1:30 pm at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church
Interment: Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Mausoleum
WINN PARISH:

Robert Joseph “Bob” Bannon
January 7, 1945 – March 17, 2018
Visitation: Monday, March 19 from 12-10:30 am at Zion Baptist Church in Georgetown
Service: Monday, March 19 at 10:30 am at Zion Baptist Church in Georgetown

Elwyn G. Springfield, Sr.
April 11, 1934 – March 17, 2018
Service: Monday, March 19 at 2 pm at the Hurricane Grove Cemetery in Sikes

 

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Election Day for the Spring municipal election is Saturday, March 24, 2018

On the ballot for Natchitoches Parish:

City of Natchitoches – 10 Mills Renewal – CC – 10 Yrs.
Mayor Village of Natchez (1 to be elected)
Aldermen Village of Natchez (3 to be elected)

 

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The Northwestern State University Alumni Association invites Demon fans to a baseball tailgate that is being planned in conjunction with the renaming of the Wellness, Recreation and Activities Center for former NSU President Dr. Randall J. Webb, which will be held March 20 at 3 pm. The tailgate will take place at Brown-Stroud Field from 4-6 p.m. prior to baseball game versus Louisiana Tech.

The cost to attend the tailgate is $15 per person and includes food and beverages, the Pack & Play with big screen TVs and lounge furniture and tailgate games. Those who attend the tailgate can get a game ticket for $5. General admission to the game is $10.

The tailgate and game conclude a day of celebration on what would have been Dr. Webb’s 75th birthday. Earlier in the day, the WRAC dedication will include a reception at 2 p.m. and dedication program at 3 p.m. at the WRAC. The dedication reception and program are free and open to the public. All friends of the Webb family are invited to attend.

Several honors for the Webb family will be included in the game, including first pitch, unveiling of honorary seats, commemorative pennants for fans. A list of Dr. Webb’s favorite songs will be played during the game.

To make reservations to attend the tailgate party, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nsu-vs-louisiana-tech-baseball-tailgate-game-tickets-44002104479 or call the NSU Alumni Center at (318) 357-4414.

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Bassoonist David Wells will perform at Northwestern State University Friday, March 23 at 7:30 p.m. in Magale Recital Hall. Admission is free and open to the public.

Wells will perform on baroque bassoon and be joined by NSU faculty Douglas Bakenhus on baroque bassoon, Dennette McDermott on baroque flute and Francis Yang on harpsichord. The program is works by Telemann, Boismortier, Jiri Čart, Fasch and Zachow.

Wells teaches bassoon and music history at the Sacramento State School of Music. He earned the degree of Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His dissertation is an expansive history and discography of the bassoon in jazz. He also holds degrees in bassoon performance from Arizona State University and Florida State University,

Wells has taught at the Festival de Música de Santa Catarina in Jaraguá do Sul, Brazil, as well as at the Sequoia and CalCap Chamber Music Workshops in Northern California. He has also given clinics for high school students in California, Wisconsin and Michigan. Wells serves as the director of operations for the Meg Quigley Vivaldi Competition and Basoon Symposium, a biennial event that features a competition for young women bassoonists from North and South America.

Wells is principal bassoonist of the Sacramento Choral Society and Orchestra and the Townsend Opera. He was formerly second bassoonist of the Tallahassee and Mobile Symphony Orchestras, and performs often with other orchestras throughout northern California.

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The City of Natchitoches will provide structured, positive activities for children during this year’s spring break.

“Fun & Fitness Camp” will be held on Monday, March 26 – Thursday, March 29 from 7:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the MLK Recreation Center located at 660 MLK Drive in Natchitoches. “Fun & Fitness Camp” is open to all youth ages 6 – 13 and will include recreation, visual and culinary art classes, a daily walking field trip, and making a healthy lunch. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. Registration is $25 per child and $20 for each additional sibling.

Participants can register online at http://www.CityofNatchitoches.MaxGalaxy.net or at the MLK Recreation Center, 660 MLK Drive.

For more information, please contact DeAndrea Sanders at (318) 214-7911 or dsanders@natchitochesla.gov.

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A new meaning can be associated with the term “foul” at Northwestern State’s Brown-Stroud Field.

New “fowl” pole signage from the newly opened Chicken Express on South St. is the most visible part of a new corporate partnership between the chicken restaurant and NSU.

NSU associate athletics director Haley Taitano said the university and Chicken Express share the desire to promote a family-friendly environment.

“(Owners) Robert and Roy Harris expressed to me over and over that being family-oriented and embracing community values are central to what they do, which is something NSU athletics embraces whole-heartedly,” Taitano said. “We appreciate their willingness to jump right in to a new town and a new environment and invest in the university in this way.

“We’re looking forward to working with Chicken Express to enhance our game day atmosphere and provide an added value for our fans.”

Brothers Robert and Roy Harris own and operate the restaurant chain after learning the poultry industry on their father’s farm in Texas.

“We’re a family-owned business, and we started with family roots,” Robert Harris said. “We want to have a great relationship with the student body and the people.

“With all of our kids who have gone to college, we know how wonderful it is for the kids to have a place to eat that’s family-friendly.”

Added Roy, “We love the town of Natchitoches, love NSU and love everything they’ve done for us. We just wanted to give back.”

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Natchitoches Magnet eighth grader Hannah Carnline was the top speller from a field of 32 competitors in her school’s spelling bee. Ms. Carnline will go on to represent Natchitoches parish Saturday, March 17th (TODAY) at LSU-Shreveport for the Regional Scripps Spelling Bee. Hannah will be one of 20 spelling contestants from a 28 parish region who will be competing Saturday. That day’s winner will go on to the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. during the week of May 27th to June 1st.

Smart kids in our community doing smart things are a joy to see. The Natchitoches Parish Journal would like to commend Natchitoches Magnet’s Spelling Bee Sponsor Ms. Bobbye Estes-Akin and thank her for her hard work on behalf of her school and its children. We also wish Hannah Carnline every success in Saturday’s Spelling Bee.

There are smart, capable children in every school in the parish. With leadership, they will rise to any challenge. Next year, let us have more than one school in the Scripps Spelling Bee. Make it so!

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Five online programs in Northwestern State University’s Department of Criminal Justice, History and Social Sciences have been ranked among the nation’s top 10 programs for quality and affordability according to two higher education websites.

The bachelor’s in criminal justice was ranked fifth by guidetoonlineschools.com and sixth by onlineu.org. Guidetoonlineschools.com ranked the pre-law and paralegal studies program sixth while onlineu.org ranked the program ninth. The degree in history was rated ninth by guidetoonlineschools.com.

“We are pleased to have online programs that are ranked among the best in the nation for quality and affordability,” said Joe Morris, head of the Department of Criminal Justice, History and Social Sciences. “The rankings are due to the work of our department’s faculty who created the programs and continually work to enhance them. Our faculty are dedicated to student success and preparing our students for the workforce.”

The criminal justice and history program were also ranked by other websites.

Guidetoonlineschools.com ranks bachelor’s programs that offer at least 10 programs online.

Tuition rates were manually researched and reflect the lowest tuition rate available at the specified degree level. Out-of-state tuitions were used unless in-state tuition is offered to all online students. Academic strength scores were calculated using standardized average SAT and ACT exam scores with respect to the total points possible. Tuition data and academic strength scores were then entered in an internal algorithm to determine value scores and rank order.

Onlineu.org determines a base level degree requirement for each subject. This degree level requirement reflects, per subject, which degree is most important for employment within a given subject.

To be considered for these subject rankings, schools need to be regionally accredited and need to offer at least one fully online degree in a given subject for the degree level that was required, or higher. Tuition rates were manually researched and reflect the degree level requirement tuition if offered, or the next level tuition cost. Out-of-state tuitions were used unless in-state tuition is offered to all online students.

Program data including available degrees, tuition rates, and details about program coursework were collected from official school websites, reflecting data for the 2017-2018 school year. This data was collected in July of 2017. Acceptance rates, programmatic accreditation, and profit status of schools were collected from official websites of the accreditation agencies or from the National Center for Education Statistics.

For more information on Northwestern State’s Department of Criminal Justice, History and Social Sciences, go to cjhss.nsula.edu. To learn about online programs at NSU, go to nsula.edu/ensu.

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BOM is a silver sponsor of the Main Event Pro Wrestling Show tomorrow, March 17 at 6 pm at Natchitoches Junior High School. This company is working with JAG (Jobs for America’s Graduates) in Natchitoches Parish to produce a live wrestling event that will give the youth a positing and entertaining show and promote anti-bullying message in the Natchitoches community.

Pictured from left are Stephen Van Sickle, Byron Wilcott (Main Event Pro Wrestling Event Coordinator), Tara McKenney, and Brooke Latham.

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MLK Head Start and NSU Head Start participated in their annual Literacy Night event on March 8. The focus of the event was Early Literacy, a training designed to show parents how to effectively participate in read aloud activities at home.

Reading aloud is the single most important activity parents can do to prepare their child for reading and learning. Recent research shows that by age 3 the gap is showing up in early brain development between children whose parents read to them and those who do not.

 

Head start Secretary Lauren Raymond and Head Start Director Chriscella Metoyer distributed prizes to the students. The event was free to the public, and each child received free books and new pajama sets donated from the Pajama Company in New York City. Parents received door prizes. Sausage gumbo and other refreshments were provided by the Head Start nutrition staff.

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John Wynn, Fire Chief for the City Of Natchitoches.

 

The mission of the Natchitoches Fire Department is to protect and serve the community by providing, professional, caring, and safe services, which protect life and property through fire prevention, suppression, rescue and other specialized programs.

The Fire Department’s daily operations revolve around mitigating many emergencies from fire emergencies to emergency medical calls, hazardous materials responses, and any other incident where we may render aid or be of assistance. Last year the NFD responded to 2,196 total calls. We are at 450 in the middle of March.

We have a total of 45 members at our Fire Department which include 14 members between three shifts, and three administrative positions. We have three frontline fire engines, one reserve fire engine, one rescue truck, an aerial apparatus, and other specialized equipment to mitigate many types of emergencies. We keep this equipment in three stations:

Second Street
Martin Luther King
East Fifth

We also have a Training Facility at the Trade School on the Bypass.

As everyone knows we have a 10 MILL Public Safety Hazard Tax RENEWAL coming up on March 24, with early voting ending tomorrow, March 17, at 6 p.m.

It is with this 10 mill renewal that we fund:

Salary and Benefits for 13 Firefighters positions
Training
Tools and Equipment
Purchase of Fire Apparatus
Inspections and Certifications for fire apparatus and equipment
Upkeep of buildings and grounds
Capital improvements
Uniforms
Fire, Rescue and EMS services
The Natchitoches Christmas Festival and many other events attract visitors to our community that we care for. We have Northwestern State University, A regional medical facility, three nursing homes, many apartment complexes and major industry that we serve and protect.

The NFD not only responds to emergencies but conducts inspections and makes pre-fire plans for all the businesses within the city limits of Natchitoches. We test our fire hose and flow fire hydrants per NFPA and PIAL requirements.

We respond to non-emergency calls as well as emergencies. This may include firehouse tours and classes, visits to schools, our smoke detector program in cooperation with the State Fire Marshal’s Office, or even just stopping to assist stranded motorists. We have a Fire Safety Trailer that we set up at events to teach children and adults about fire safety and bad weather along with some fire and smoke behavior. We teach proper use of fire extinguishers, and host CPR and first aid classes.

It’s critical that the Natchitoches Fire Department have the resources to maintain its current level of service and I’m asking you to help us by voting in favor of our Ten mill Public Safety Hazard Tax Renewal.

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

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NATCHITOCHES PARISH:

Gerard Francis “Sonny” Thomas Jr.
January 20, 1923 – February 10, 2018
Service: Friday, March 23 at 4 pm at Merci Beaucoup Restaurant, located at 127 Church Street in Natchitoches

Edward Dewayne Hamm
December 8, 1950 – March 15, 2018
Visitation: Monday, March 19 from 5-7 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home
Service: Monday, March 19 at 7 pm in the chapel of Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home.

Edith Pauline Eppinette Steadman
May 14, 1936 – March 16, 2018
Visitation: Sunday, March 18 from 6-9 pm at Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home
Service: Monday, March 19 at 2 pm Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home

Ludie Viola Bolton Sparks
July 5, 1929 – March 15, 2018
Visitation: Sunday, March 18 from 1-3 pm at Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches
Service: Sunday, March 18 at 3 pm at Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home
Interment: Bellwood Shady Grove Cemetery

Carol Imelda Balthazar
Friday, March 9, 2018
Visitation: Saturday, March 17 from 10 am – 12 pm
Service: Saturday, March 17 at 12 pm at St. Augustine Catholic Church
Interment: St. Augustine Catholic Church Cemetery

William E. “Bill” Maley
October 5, 1941 – March 8, 2018
Visitation: Saturday, March 17 from 9-11 am at Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home
Service: Saturday, March 17 at 11 am at Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home
Interment: Jackson Cemetery in Flora

WINN PARISH:

Basil “Shorty” Guin
October 18, 1921 – March 16, 2018
Visitation: Saturday, March 17 from 5-8 pm and Sunday, March 18 from 12-2 pm at Southern Funeral Home
Service: Sunday, March 18 at 2 pm at Southern Funeral Home Chapel
Interment: Ebenezer Cemetery in Castor

Charles Ball
July 19, 1949 – March 6, 2018
Visitation: Friday, March 16 from 8 am – 5 pm
Service: Saturday, March 17 at 11 am at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel
Internment: Winnfield City Cemetery

Oscar Lee “Slick” Walker
June 6, 1949 – March 9, 2018
Service: Saturday, March 17 at 2 pm in the chapel of the Winnfield Funeral Home of Winnfield

RED RIVER PARISH:

Buick Brisker
Visitation: Friday, March 16 from 7-8 pm at Jenkins Funeral Home in Mansfield
Service: Saturday, March 17 at 11 am at the Red River Church of God in Christ in Coushatta
Interment: Kinghill Cemetery in Jordan Ferry

Mark Clark Sr.
Visitation: Friday, March 16 from 6-7 pm at the St. Savior Baptist Church in Coushatta
Service: Saturday, March 17 at 11 am at the Deliverance Temple in Coushatta
Interment: Springville Cemetery in Coushatta

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Sen. Gerald Long of Natchitoches is listed among several potential candidates who may seek to run for Secretary of State in 2019. This information comes in the wake of Tom Schedler’s announcement March 14 that he won’t run for re-election following a sexual harassment lawsuit filed against him last month.

The NPJ spoke to Long this morning, March 16, to talk about next year’s election and the opportunity it presents.

“The public is looking for someone they can trust to be a person of integrity,” said Long, who is doing his homework before he makes the major decision of whether or not he will officially announce his candidacy later this year. Long plans to begin traveling throughout the state to meet with people.

“With all these sexual allegations being brought up, we need to elect men and women whose compass is a moral one,” said Long. “We need officials who can manage their office and personal life well. I try to live this. Faith has always been a big part of my life.”

Long said only 23 percent of the vote in Louisiana is from Alexandria, North. It’s hard to recall anyone from North Louisiana that’s been elected statewide in the last 20 years. It’s difficult to analyze the race without an understanding that a candidate needs to be well known throughout the state. It’s also important to Long to know there’s a base of support in North Louisiana as he considers the opportunity and faces the challenge of the money it would cost to run for such a position.

Another challenge that comes with the Secretary of State position is that no one knows it exists unless they’re already involved in the government. However, it’s an extremely important part of the election process. People want to know elections are bing held fairly.

Long feels the Secretary of State position doesn’t define candidates as Democrat or Republican. It focuses on their ability to be fair to all when it comes to the responsibilities and duties of the office.

“My past is tied so much to my family and my late wife that this would be a new adventure for me,” he said. “It’s gratifying to see how many people are encouraging me and I’m taking a good look at it.”

An exciting concept was discussed at the March 15 meeting of the Natchitoches Historic District Development Commission (NHDDC). Destination Tours provides a service to create virtual tours of main street areas across the country. The Main Street Trail lets visitors take virtual tour’s of the best Main Streets, Shops, Restaurants, Attractions and more to plan their next vacation or weekend getaway.

Natchitoches will be the first main street in Louisiana to offer this kind of interactive online experience through its website natchiochesweddings.net. Work is in progress so don’t forget to check it out soon!

The committee for the Natchitoches Branding Initiative selected a final logo. An unveiling, open to the public, will be held Thursday, April 5 at 1 pm in the Thomas Building, located at 560 Second Street next to the Fire Department.

The Historic District Business Association (HDBA) opened its Classic Car Show, held annually on or near the first Saturday in October, to entires up to 1988. HDBA Rep Sandra Dickens said the organization feels like this will pull in another 150 cars.

Work on a new pocket park on Touline, on the site of the original St. Mary’s school, is underway and should be completed within the next month.

Upcoming events include:

March 17 from 9 am – 2 pm: Bloomin’ on the Bricks in Downtown Natchitoches

March 17 from 9 am – 4 pm: Art Along the Bricks in Downtown Natchitoches

March 17 from 2-10 pm: NYP Pub Crawl in Downtown Natchitoches

March 17 at 1 pm: NHS St. Pat’s Day Children and Pet Parade (beginning at BOM Washington Street branch)

March 24: Election-
City of Natchitoches – 10 Mills Renewal – CC – 10 Yrs.
Mayor Village of Natchez (1 to be elected)
Aldermen Village of Natchez (3 to be elected)

April 21 from 10 am – 1 pm: Find Your Park (Free Admission) at Oakland Plantation

April 21-22: Melrose Arts and Crafts Festival at Melrose Plantation

May 4-5: Sale on the Trail along the route of the El Camino Real de Los Tejas

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Northwestern State University of Louisiana, School of Creative and Performing Arts is pleased to present a group exhibition of new works featuring Cuban artists Reynier Llanes, Osvaldo Ferrer Miranda, Mirla Gonzales and Aliosky Garcia Sosa. The Los Cuatro Cubanos will run from Monday, March 19 to Friday, March 23, 2018 in Orville J. Hanchey Gallery, CAPA Annex building.

Llanes has chosen Northwestern State University of Louisiana to host his second exhibition of oil paintings, showing and sharing a spirituality art. “My creativity comes from the energy that surrounds me,” said Reynier Llanes. Llanes taught his process of making a portrait to CAPA students and has given to participants an insightful experience. Metaphorical art, romantic inspiration and technicality create the portrait of a recognized artist.

Black and white shapes and lines are the driving forces for Aliosky Garcia Sosa. “What can be man’s greatest obsession if he is not himself?” It is these words used by the artist that allow him to advance and make the printmakings an art in their own right. Garcia is an artist, printmaker, and curator who seeks to deliver a reality through these works whose the metaphor of our own world but do not leave the audience indifferent.

As for Osvaldo Ferrer Miranda, the use of color is important and a revealer of light and emotional forms. For those painting, color and portrait gives a versatility, skill, precision and overall interesting work. Ferrer capture emotions, expressions and a story through these works successfully.

Los Cuartro Cubanos will run March 19 to March 23.

For additional information please contact Leslie Gruesbeck at gruesbeckl@nsula.edu

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By Reba

This past December I attended the Chamber of Commerce Christmas Party. After mingling for a few minutes, I found my friends huddled around a small table laughing and having a grandiose time. The conversation had turned to what everyone was wearing to the bank Christmas party. Being very excited about my selection I began looking for the picture in my email that confirmed my purchase.

Once I found it I proudly displayed it to the group and I received the exact response I expected: “Ohhh,” “Wow,” and “You’ll look fabulous.” Mind you, this was an amazing dress going on an amazing woman and my friends would never make me feel anything less than beautiful. But, no matter how amazing you think you are you still appreciate that peer approval. Five years ago I would’ve never thought this about myself or my selection of clothing.

Naturally the next question that followed was, “Where did you find this?” The old, unrestored version of me would have lied. I would have told a falsehood out of shame. However, the new me told everyone that I found it on a Plus-Size website. As another person walked up I had to retell the story and show them my dress and answer the same question with the same response.

Once I had told the truth not once but twice my precious, 90-pound petite friend said, “Quit calling it Plus-Size, I don’t want you to feel bad about yourself!”

I could earnestly tell this statement was coming from a place of pure love for her “Plus-Size” friend. Not wanting to make my friend feel bad I jokingly said, “Anyone with eyeballs can tell you and I clearly do not shop on the same racks” (in my exaggerated southern belle accent).

For most of my adult life, especially post-children, I’ve been what society refers to as “Plus-Size.” Curvy, thick, big boned, stout, full figured, chunky, and pleasantly plump are a few of the adjectives one may use to describe a larger lady.

Until a few years ago I would’ve never used any of these words to describe myself. Frankly, I was in denial and had very low self-esteem until God placed people in my life to show me there is no shame in being who God made me to be. There is more to a person than the number on a scale.

I spent so many years dressing to cover myself and hide the way I looked. If you looked in my closet you would quickly learn I was prepared for a funeral on any given day.

There was so much shame and I tended to blame every bad thing that happened in my life on my weight. Marriage issues had to be because I was overweight. My children misbehaved because I was chubby. Sounds extreme but when you aren’t happy with yourself this is what happens.

I even struggled with the fact that I shopped at Lane Bryant, Torrid and other places that catered to Plus-Size women. I have literally stuffed my Lane Bryant bag into a Dillard’s bag walking through the mall so no one would know where I shopped.

As women we put a lot of pressure on ourselves to look a certain way and be accepted by others. We let society measure our self worth by our size and not the size of our heart and goodness of our soul. When we finally realize that it’s not what’s on the outside that counts we look at people in a whole different light.

I thank God every day that he blessed me with friends who help me see that I’m perfect the way God made me. I’m learning daily to rejoice in who I am. God made us in his image and likeness. If we aren’t happy with that then we’re telling God he didn’t do his job to our standards.

These are lessons that I will always teach my daughters. Love what you see in the mirror. We are God’s unique design.

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” – Psalm 139:14

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