Black Butterfly: The Journey - the Victory

By Lorna Jackie Wilson

Black Butterfly is a compilation of poetry that speaks to the silence of loss, the fight for families, and love for foster children. With consideration to the daily realities that foster children or youth may experience, Black Butterfly embodies real-life issues through faith-based reflections. This is a young girl's journey, pre and post, foster care. This compilation is dedicated to the foster child, the youth-in-crisis, and all those who struggle to overcome. Black Butterfly proclaims wholeness to the fatherless, healing to the broken, and hope when faith and determination are all that remain! THIS IS THE JOURNEY - THE VICTORY!

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Jun 12, 2014
• ISBN: 9781496918765

Lorna Jackie Wilson

LORNA JACKIE WILSON is an author from Detroit, Michigan. She has an affinity for lyrical poetry, spoken-word, and courageous conversations that speak to conditions in foster care. She has lived in Michigan most of her life outside of enlistment in the United States Army. She has four beautiful children who support her writing and encourage its continuance. Lorna says, "My family is such an inspiration to me in all of my endeavors and I sincerely appreciate and love them dearly." Lorna's journey continues as she gives back by speaking about foster care experiences and overcoming obstacles. She retired from public education in 2019 and is the founder and owner of Black Butterfly Books LLC. She holds master's degrees in Business Education and Information Technology and often utilizes graphic design to bring her writings to life. Lorna says, "But more importantly, I find myself in awe, as I watch God organize my thoughts and convey those things that I could never do alone. My prayer is to inspire someone, in some way, in an area where they need it most."

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© 2014 Lorna Jackie Wilson. All rights reserved.

Cover Design & Portraits: Lorna Jackie Wilson

Royalty Free Images: www.Gettyimages.com

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 09/01/2017

ISBN: 978-1-4969-1877-2 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4969-1876-5 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2014910554

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Scripture references are KJV from

http://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/

Contents

Dedication

Acknowledgments

Foreword

Introduction

A Child Misplaced

A Precious Gift

A Tragedy

A Tragedy in Connecticut

A Troubled Teen

A Woman Empowered to Win

Be Still & Watch the Salvation of God

Before You Enter Heaven

Black Butterfly

Brown Brother

Celebration of Life

Eternal Life

Game Changers Rule

Give in Honor to the Father

He’s Captured Her Heart

Hopscotch

How Does One Deal with Great Loss?

- Dedicated to Men Enduring Pain or Loss of a Loved One! -

I am Magnificent!

I’m Sorry

Joseph

Let Us Give Thanks

Let Us See What’s Real

Let Us Talk

Love & Instruction

Military Mirage

My God

Notes of Seasons Time

Pure Hope

Regeneration

Remember Christ

Strong Black Woman

Teen Life in the Hood

The Art of Giving

The Beauty Within

The Disciple

The Faces We Wear

The Fight for Family!

The Love of Siblings

The Meaningful Father

The Natural Order

The Ones We Love

The Power of One

The Voice of a Little Child

This Christmas

Torch of the Bold

What Do You Believe?

Who Am I?

Why do you love me?

TRIBUTES

A Chosen Vessel of God

A Queen

Belle Starr

Celebrating the Life of a Minister for Christ

Grace Upon Grace

Mama Acie

Mother’s Love

Pastor Mariea Claxton

Rebirth

Tribute to Maya Angelou

Timeline of Maya Angelou

About the Author

References

Dedication

To my mother, Carrie Wilson Jones (Belle Starr)

The name Belle Starr was given to my mother because of her strength and her commitment to provide and protect her children. The name in and of itself reflects the character of a notorious American outlaw. With that being said, when it came to protecting family, Carrie Wilson Jones would face great obstacles without fear. She was a very strong, opinionated woman and she carried herself with boldness. Even with this strength, she faced challenges and those challenges took on various forms. Yet through the challenges, her love was always present. Her dedication as a provider and her love for family and friends was evident to all that knew her and while her years on this earth were short, the legacy she left will always remain. With heartfelt sincerity, I dedicate, Black Butterfly: The Journey - The Victory to my mother, Carrie Wilson Jones. She inspired many of the passages in this book and I will always remember the journey. I love you mom.

To my mother, Acie Levingston Spraddling

There is another great mother that inspired my journey. Her name is Acie Levingston Spraddling. As I reflect on her passion and love for children, I am reminded of tireless hours of hard work, patience and prayer. I met Acie Levingston Spraddling through foster care. She provided and cared for me during a time when my biological mother faced challenges that required assistance. During those times, life was not easy. Yet, Acie introduced me to Father God and his precious son, Jesus Christ. Acie became my second mother and her love was genuine. She practiced Christianity and lived life by example. Her examples displayed amazing self-control, discipline, and holy living. She continues to help children understand their purpose in life as she guides them toward a life of self-love and family unity. God has blessed her with an amazing gift to help children facing issues associated with loss, trust and belonging. Therefore, I dedicate Black Butterfly, The Journey - The Victory to my mother, Acie Levingston Spraddling as well. Thank you, Acie Levingston Spraddling for everything. I could not have made it without you and Father God. I love you mom.

Acknowledgments

With sincere thanks, I acknowledge the late Bishop Vincent D. Claxton and his wife, Mariea Claxton. A full worship experience was found under their leadership. Profound guidance and sound word pricked my heart under their ministry. Together, their ministry touched the lives of many people. Their strong faith and love for God was duplicated in their works and in the lives of the people