Most people may think that coming from a very disciplined and religious background would shelter you from all the evils and disappointments in this world, however due to my experiences, I can certainly say that it does not.

The bible tells you that the more you try to live a "Godly" life; the more the devil tries to taunt you and bring you down. I am going to recount a time in my life when I have truly experienced how "low" and ghastly people can be.

The year was 1996, I had been going through some "career changes", I found myself in the midst of being harassed and belittled, all in the name of making a buck. So I decided that there had to be a better way and took matters in my own hand. I started on a different path.

Like my Granny, I was always a very enterprising person ever since I can remember. As a young girl I always tried to redecorate my school bags, or start my own babysitting service. So I decided to dabble in promotional modeling, until I was able to get my thoughts together and find a company that was reputable to work for.

Fortunately for me, I had worked for a few cosmetic companies and fashion houses before, so I was able to get placed right away with an Agency. I began working almost immediately and got assignments for the most prestigious fragrance and cosmetic companies.

During this time my Granny's health started to deteriorate and we all knew that it was just a matter of time before she departed this life. I was working grueling hours, so I was not able to see Granny as often as I could because my work schedule would not permit me to do so. Besides, deep down I knew that the agency I worked for would cancel my assignments if I asked for any time off. While working for these various cosmetic companies, I was able to "drum" up great business for them, so naturally they kept requesting me and I kept working consistently. Which meant my agency was making lots of money due to my endeavors.

In the first week of November of 1996, I was booked for a very high profile cosmetic company for a few weeks. I was excited about the opportunity, however, during that first week in November my Granny passed away. I waited to find out about the burial arrangements before I made my own schedule to attend the service. It turned out that Granny was going to be buried in Jamaica, but she was going to have a service in America before she began her journey home.

Well, I knew that I would only be able to attend her service that was scheduled for November 6, 1996, because my life was not conducive at the time to have the luxury of taking time-off for Jamaica. Therefore, I called the owner of my Agency and told her my predicament, I told her I needed a day off to attend my Granny's Funeral Service in America and instead of responding with compassion, she told me that if I took off that day, that she would cancel all my assignments. There was nothing to consider, this was my Granny, the lady that took care of me most of my childhood. I told her all I needed was a day, she then acquiesced and said very dryly, "Ok" and then hung up the phone.

I remember attending Granny's funeral in a very anxious state because I needed to pay my respects to her, yet I knew that my assignments were in jeopardy. My "real" career was already in a state of flux, so I guess you could say I was in a bit of a quandary.

There was only one thing to do, and that was to go to Granny one last time with all my angst and problems. I poured out my heart to her as she lay beautifully dressed in the vestibule of the church and I swear I could see the tears run from her eyes. It was as if she felt the pain and agony I was going through. Oddly enough, after doing that, I remember feeling a sense of calm and tranquility.

Granny left for Jamaica the next day and I went back to the city broken hearted to resume my assignments. I called my agency to confirm my appointments and she told me that I was removed from all my assignments and that she would not be booking me for any future events.

I pleaded with her not to do so, after a while, she finally agreed to give me more bookings, but they were few and far between. They were also assignments that no one else wanted.

I was in shock and dismay, that this woman was penalizing me for one day of grieving!

It seemed unconscionable.

Granny always taught me, when people throw you a curve, pray, pray and pray, God will do the rest. So that's what I did, and luck became my friend, because within a few days I received a call from a friend offering me a good job with a reputable firm. I would no longer have to deal with this unreasonable woman, or so I thought.

When my company called to get a reference from this lady, she told them that I appeared at my assignments disheveled, that my hair was never combed and that I was unprofessional because I never showed up for a series of bookings. My Supervisor confronted me about this matter, and as a result, my fantastic career opportunity fell by the way side.

This was a blatant lie. Anyone who knew me, would tell you, that I always have my hair done by the best hairdressers in New York City, I always tried to dress my very best according to my budget and I am most reliable and very professional. Remember I am a preppy and preppys do their best to be immaculate at all times. It was obvious that for some reason this woman had it in for me.

What could I do? My reputation had been tarnished; it was hard to get jobs and other modeling assignments. But I kept my faith! I prayed and kept persevering and eventually a door opened.

It was a much better opportunity and it was significantly more money. Then Granny's voice resonated in my mind, "Darling, always remember, your darkest hour is your brightest hour."

All the lies this woman told about me to deter me from succeeding only helped in showing me my own glory. It enlightened my strength and fortitude and after several years I am able to turn things around. All this has made me realize that my Granny may not be here physically, but she travels with me and talks with me just the same. Evil minded people have only proven to me over the years, what a friend I have in my Granny.

I am constantly reminded daily that true love never dies, however, ill will and covetousness fades with the grace of God.

*Dedicated to my Granny and the Angels she has placed in my life to illuminate my path. Thank you.