Roses Among Thorns (Flourishing in the Midst of Adversity

By Marie R. Vaughan Cadmus and Capsonart

There was time in my life when I was ... troubled on every side...distressed... perplexed... .in despair;

Persecuted... felt forsaken...cast down, and yet wondered to my-self

Why am I not destroyed?

Roses Among Thorns is my message of hope. A message of how God kept me - a rose literally – flourishing in the midst of adversity. It is a story of refection, redemption and restoration.

During most of my young adult life, I was a single mother of four babies. In the midst of it all I crawled, wept and fought my way through, and I didn't do it without Jesus holding my hand.

From nearly committing suicide and walking away from my faith Jesus Kept me.

This is my story and today it can be yours. This is my gift to you.

A message of hope.

"Roses Among Thorns: Flourishing in the Midst of Adversity"

• Language: English
• Publisher: Marie Vaughan Cadmus
• Release date: Aug 7, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393814030

Book preview

Preface

Chosen To Bring Messages of Healing and Hope

In a high-end retail store, I worked as a merchandise clerk. Through my job as a merchandise clerk, working with clothing, preparing them to stock the shelves, and dressing display mannequins taught me lessons about ministering to people. One morning I arrived at work at 6:35 AM, twenty-five minutes before my shift starts. I usually arrive at work at least fifteen minutes before the starting of my shift which begins at 7:00 AM. Those fifteen minutes gives me enough time to relax, meditate, and submit my workday to God. For some reason that morning, I miss read my clock and arrive an extra ten minutes earlier than the usual fifteen minutes. My manager was upstairs in her office.

As I arrived at my workstation, I noticed a few black garbage bags blocking the workspace. The night crew did not clean up after themselves. At first, I thought, "it's okay, take out of the garbage, but as I attempted to lift the first bag, all my strength and energy escape like vapor. 

On my way to call the manager, the Holy Spirit said to my spirit, Marie, do not call the manager, you take out the garbage. 

Who me Lord, clean up mess I did not make?

Yesterday afternoon, I cleaned my station at the ending of my shift. I left a clean workstation. That is not right for me to carry out garbage I did not create.

Yes, Marie, I know you did not make the mess, but you take out the garbage?

Lord, that is not right?" I did not make the mess. Why should I clean up another man's mess?

Okay Lord, I will take out the garbage bags.

I got the broom and meditate on a few hymnals to relax my nerves, but all that relaxation and meditation went out the window. As I picked up one of the bags, a staple pin protruding through it scratched my leg.

Jesus, I complained, Look at my leg. I am going to call the manager about the mess. I get injured, cleaning up other people's mess.

On my second attempt to call my manager, the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart.  God said, "My children are living with garbage other people dumped on them. Many of my people are living with emotional pain because of sexual abuse, rape, domestic violence, the aftermath of divorce, and other mess someone dumped on them. I did not put that mess on them. I am sending you to my children to bring them messages of healing and hope.

I had a few more minutes before my co-workers arrive. I picked up the broom and continued to clean up the garbage. It was not a pleasant experience, but God gave me the strength to carry those smelly garbage bags to the elevator.

As I carried out the bags, I recall the event of Exodus chapter three, when God sent Moses to Egypt. Exodus chapter 3 has been a favourite passage I come to appreciate. As a writer, I have a vivid imagination. When I read a book, watch a movie, or listen to a song, I become a part of the scenery in my mind. I allow myself to sense what is happening. When I began to search the Scripture to find out if God sees my pain and suffering, the Holy Spirit led to me to this passage, which became a source of comfort and assurance.

I emerged myself in the Scripture and listened as God spoke Moses, saying: ... I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows. Now therefore, behold, the cry of Israel is come unto me: and I have also seen the oppression wherewith the Egyptians oppress them. Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt (Exodus 3:7, 9-10). From this passage, the Holy Spirit highlights:

First, God sees what is happening with his children. We may question, but if God sees, why did He not do something about it? I do not have all the answers. Looking back, I realize He saw all the abuse and pain I went through. I recently went to see my family doctor for a yearly check-up as I approached the pre-menopause stage. I shared with Dr. Silva; my menses did not start until I was fourteen years old when all the sexual abuse and sexual violation ended. During those painful ordeals, I prayed and asked God, If I should ever get married, all my children must be for my husband. God preserved me.

Second point. God hears our cries and sees who or what is causing the problem. Some situations are sensitive, and you may not be able to tell what happened, but God knows and sees all things.

The third point, the Holy Spirit, has the GPS on His children. When my menses started, I was on my way home from May Pen, Clarendon to Kingston. My sister taught me to travel with protection as my menses may come at any time. I was not expecting it and did not carry protection. It happened while I was on the train. I was wearing a grey and white maxi dress with white runners and white socks. Thank God it was dark by the time the train arrives at the downtown terminal. I walked beneath the store awning until I got to Parade. I went and stood beneath a big tree. I was afraid to go on the bus. I was crying and did not know what to do. A lady from nowhere approached me. Young, miss, she asked, why are you crying?

I nervously point to the back of my dress.

She smiled and told me not to worry.

She asked me where I lived. I told her.

Come with me, she said, don't worry, you will get home.

She called a taxi and asked the taxi driver the cost to take me from downtown to Barbican. She paid the driver and instructed him to take me home.

Before I entered the taxi, she said, My daughter, sit in the back of the car, or else you will not get home. When the cab reaches your gate, get out of the car and wait for him to drive off. If you walk in front of the car, the driver will see the back of your dress, and you will be in trouble."

I did as she instructed.

God came to my rescue that night. Jesus sees where you are.

Fourth truth, God is coming to rescue His people. I don't know how He is going to deliver you, but deliverance is in the package. It does not matter how long it takes; God is coming to your aid. All these years I have peace and comfort in this passage and kept it close to my heart, each time I am face with difficulties. My heavenly Father is aware of what is happening. In due time, God is coming with deliverance.

When our life is in chaos, God understands our pain. To live a victorious life, keep in mind God