Ever Changing: Inside Outward by Rhonda K. Herring Chapter 1 for Review Purpose
Ever Changing: Inside Outward by Rhonda K. Herring
The theme of Ever Changing is taken from the Serenity
Prayer. As a child the author had to recite the Serenity
Prayer a million times. “God grant me the serenity to accept
the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things
I can and the “wisdom” to know the difference.” Little did
she know that the prayer that was instilled in her as a little
girl would take her through many hardships. Go with her as
she learns the true meaning of the prayer that she loved as a
child and as she struggles with the “wisdom” to know the
difference.
Ever Changing is about finding the true love of my life.
Someone who loved me completely even when I didn’t
love myself. I thought I loved myself but I did not. The
decisions and choices I made early in my life proved it.
Check it out when you read through the pages of my book.
The true love of my life loved me perfectly. Not like I
wanted to be loved but how I needed to be loved. The love
that I needed in order to find the true purpose in my life.
I walked this journey and continue to walk this journey-but
now with joy and peace. I endured many hardships as you
will see (relationship issues, marital problems, divorce,
literally homeless at one point, family sorrows, Pentagon
Survivor (9/11), etc.) What I learned along the way has
taught me the deeper meaning to life, love and success.
What I would like to share with you is my relationship with
God. My ministry is to bring reconciliation and healing to
hurting people. How do I know that people are hurting?
God not only told me, God used “me” as an example. Ever Changing is a testimonial of
Faith, Maturity and Spiritual development. To our Father be the Glory!
Ever Changing: Inside Outward by Rhonda K. Herring
Author's Website: http://www.e-rhonda.net
ISBN-10: 1581693095 | ISBN-13: 978-1581693096
Religion - Inspirational/Spirituality | Christian Life - Spiritual Growth
Purchase from Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Ever-Changing-Rhonda-Herring/dp/1581693095
Ever Changing: Inside Outward by Rhonda K. Herring Chapter 1 for Review Purpose
Chapter 1 -- Ever Changing: Inside Outward by Rhonda K. Herring
Author Rhonda K. Herring is releasing her new book, Ever
Changing. She gives a bold account of spiritual
development and growth that led her to look within herself
for the strength and courage to make a difference in her life
and in others. Her journey takes her readers from childhood,
to adulthood, to purpose.
Rhonda Herring lives in northern Virginia and is a Senior
Program Analyst for the Department of Defense. She has
been with the Department of Defense for more than twenty-
two years. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in
Business Administration, majoring in Accounting, and a
Master’s degree in Public Administration.
Ever Changing is the story of how one woman submitted herself to God’s will and how
He sustained her in her darkest moments. She describes the intimate details of her
relationship with God and how He transformed her life. Based on the beloved “Serenity
Prayer” that was instilled in the author as a young child. How she learned the true
meaning of the prayer and how it sustained her through her trials and tribulations. She
finds the courage to change the things she can and the “wisdom” to know the difference.
Ever Changing was written for those who do not understand why they are going through
difficult times and experiencing constant changes in their lives. It is for those who are
seeking the wisdom to identify the things they can change and to be wise enough to leave
those things they can not change to God. This testimony teaches self-acceptance,
acceptance of others and the acceptance of change with the understanding that unless
God sails the ship we are afloat.
Rhonda states, “I have always loved to read and to write since I was a child. I began to
write in a journal some years ago and to communicate with God as I went through some
struggles in my life. A few years prior to maintaining the journal I had a vision of change.
From the vision I understood that God would use me in some capacity to promote
change. As I began typing my memoirs on my computer a story began to unfold before
me. Only then did I realize the correlation of my writing to my vision. Thus leading me to
write Ever Changing.
“Ever Changing is triumphantly wonderful, painfully dynamic and is the ultimate
road map to purpose.” —Rhonda
Ever Changing: Inside Outward by Rhonda K. Herring Chapter 1 for Review Purpose
Chapter 1 -- SECTION ONE-READY OR NOT
Train up a child in the way he should go:and when he is old, he will not depart from
it.”-- (Proverbs 22:6)
INTRODUCTION
In the beginning of my process of change, it came and
did not care if I welcomed it or not. This section is the
story of my upbringing and how important a role it
played in my life. I would be remiss if I did not start from
the beginning, although the memoirs came first. As I
changed into adulthood, I thought I knew what I wanted.
I thought I had what all young adults think they have—
the right insight and perspective, and in the right order,
mind you. This section demonstrates a youthful
awareness of how life changes and how my life changed
and how this affected everything. Change was happening,
and I was simply reacting to the change, but with
absolutely no direction. The purpose of the change was
slowly being revealed, but my carnal eyes could not see.
Chapter 1: In the Beginning
You could say that I had a pretty good upbringing. Back then, I did not think about it at
all. My world revolved around my mom, my sisters, my brothers, and our small suburban
housing development. My mom told me what to be, and that is what I dreamed of
becoming. She said things like, “There’s not a person on this earth better than you, and
you, young lady, are no better than anyone else”; “Work hard and do what is right”; “Do
unto others as you would have them do unto you.” She taught us to stand up for ourselves
and what we believed in. She taught us not to be afraid of anything and the value of
getting an education.
For the most part, she showed us how not to give up, how to get back up again and again
when you fall, and to keep going no matter what. She taught us that quitters never win,
and winners never quit. She led by example. My mom never gave up, no matter how
much she hurt, no matter how much she endured. She never gave up on us or on life. Of
course, I did not realize this until I started going through my own life experiences. I just
thought my mom was immovable, invincible, unstoppable, and tough as nails. Little did I
know that even when you are all those things, life still hurts! I was and still am inspired
today to have a mother like mine and so thankful for that upbringing.
Ever Changing: Inside Outward by Rhonda K. Herring Chapter 1 for Review Purpose
My mother made me learn and recite the “Serenity Prayer” over and over again. This
included before meals, at bedtime, and any other time it seemed appropriate. I recited it
probably a million times in my young life. But back then, it just seemed like something
that I knew and something that I said to get praise at dinner or to impress my mother’s
friends and to make her proud of me. Little did I know that it would play such an integral
role in everything I did in my life. Little did I know that it would take me down and over
the paths that were set before me. What is instilled in you as a child carries with you
throughout your lifetime. It is what shapes our personalities, our drive, our character, and
even our goals in life—everything.
My mother was a strong woman and did not tolerate much ignorance. She was a firm
believer in discipline and appropriate behavior. I knew she loved us back then, and as I
reflect back to those times, I know for a fact she did her very best to guide us in the right
direction. Now, whether we always followed that direction or not is an entirely different
story. My mother was very stern and authoritative (as am I), and when she spoke, we
listened. She spent most of her time with us, working for us, feeding us, teaching us,
talking to us, or playing games with us. I have fond memories of playing board games,
jack rocks, baseball, kickball, volleyball, and watching television game shows with
Mother. We loved Ponderosa, Eight Is Enough, Good Times, and, of course, our all-time
favorites Jeopardy and The Price Is Right. These are just a few things we did together
when Mom was not working.
Mom didn’t date much, but a lot of times we ended up in the back seat at drive-in movies
with her and her date. I remember once at the drive-in I won a huge jar of popcorn with
candy hot balls (as we called them). The jar was about as big as I was. We were so happy.
With five of us, it did not last very long, though. For a little girl, winning that was an
awesome feat, and it is still one of my favorite memories. I cherish the fond memories,
and still today we play Scrabble, Trouble, and watch Jeopardy together every chance we
get.
Life as I knew it was good. Of course, we had our share of problems like most families,
but we held it together and loved each other in spite of everything. We knew Mom would
be there no matter what, and it felt wonderful growing up with such an awesome,
supportive mother. There were times in my teenage years I certainly didn’t appreciate her
being there and setting curfews, but now that I look back, I am glad she did. I am glad she
laid down the law and demanded that we follow it.
I have been told and reminded many times of things that I do not remember or things that
I choose not to remember, as someone put it. I guess these things are on the dark side of
our upbringing. Maybe I have subconsciously blocked out the things I choose not to
remember, but I am not sure. It seems so pointless in my life to ponder over things that I
consider a normal part of one’s upbringing, and even more pointless to ponder over
things that supposedly happened that I absolutely cannot remember. Of course we were
spanked, we got scolded, we had a lot of responsibility (cooking, cleaning, etc.), and no,
my mother was not the sweet, permissive mother I would have liked to have had back
then; but what matters most is that we were fed, clothed, and taken care of immaculately,
and that is no lie.
Ever Changing: Inside Outward by Rhonda K. Herring Chapter 1 for Review Purpose
We were taught everything in this world on how to survive and make it. We had the best
example, and that example still shines brightly in my mind today. This is what I know,
and those are my thoughts and memories. I have pondered over my upbringing for years.
Nothing bad happened, and my mother was the reason for that. She was on the case. That
is why I think to this day I have been able to be the mother I have been to my children.
Now, that is not to say that my mother has been perfect and certainly not to say that I
have been perfect. I mean, I can remember sometimes when my mother yelled, fussed,
and tore our behinds up. I can remember sometimes when I yelled too much, fussed
entirely too much, and tore up some behinds myself. I guess back then it came with the
territory. Although, I must admit I would certainly do things so much differently if I had
to do it all over again, and I believe my mother would do it differently also. At this point,
she probably would not admit that.
Discipline was not negotiable back then—not in my world, anyway—and bad behavior
was definitely not tolerated. I did not appreciate it back then, and as I got older I really
grew to resent it all. However, as an adult with children of my own, I know that discipline
is very much lacking in this generation, and it is obvious. I would say it contributes to
over sixty-five percent of the issues we have with young people today. But some will say
the way my mother and I disciplined was too harsh and that we stripped away so much
from our young people. Now, for the most part, our children are saying, “I will never be
such a harsh disciplinary as my parents.” They are sparing the rod and definitely spoiling
the child. Two generations, two extremes. Lord, have mercy.
I guess the only thing negative that I can say as far as my upbringing is concerned is that
we grew up without a father. When I think about most of my friends and the other
families in my world, the majority of us were fatherless. Therefore, I did not feel
burdened down with thoughts of where the father figure was or where my own father
was. He was a mystery man that came around occasionally and gave us a dollar or two
and then disappeared until the next time we saw him. I do not remember calling anyone
“Daddy,” not even him. It is mind-boggling even now to think that as important as fathers
are in children’s lives, I had no thoughts of or longings for my father, or a father, or so I
thought.
Today, as a mature woman, I know that there had to be some kind of void there, but at the
time it seemed so unimportant. Little did I know back then that just as things we are
taught shape us, unfortunately the very things we have no control of also play an
important role in shaping our very being. Imagine having genes and DNA from someone
that you do not even know and possibly picking up traits and characteristics from this
elusive “father.” Imagine trying to understand who you are and why you exist and why
you act and laugh and feel the way you do. Even though it didn’t really seem to matter
growing up, it did.
Ever Changing: Inside Outward by Rhonda K. Herring Chapter 1 for Review Purpose
Intimate Conversation with author Rhonda K. Herring
Author Rhonda K. Herring is releasing her new book,
Ever Changing. She gives a bold account of spiritual
development and growth that led her to look within
herself for the strength and courage to make a difference
in her life and in others. Her journey takes her readers
from childhood, to adulthood, to purpose.
Rhonda Herring lives in northern Virginia and is a
Senior Program Analyst for the Department of Defense.
She has been with the Department of Defense for more
than twenty-two years. She holds a Bachelor of Science
degree in Business Administration, majoring in
Accounting, and a Master’s degree in Public Administration.
Ever Changing is the story of how one woman submitted herself to God’s will and how
He sustained her in her darkest moments. She describes the intimate details of her
relationship with God and how He transformed her life. Based on the beloved “Serenity
Prayer” that was instilled in the author as a young child. How she learned the true
meaning of the prayer and how it sustained her through her trials and tribulations. She
finds the courage to change the things she can and the “wisdom” to know the difference.
Ever Changing was written for those who do not understand why they are going through
difficult times and experiencing constant changes in their lives. It is for those who are
seeking the wisdom to identify the things they can change and to be wise enough to leave
those things they can not change to God. This testimony teaches self-acceptance,
acceptance of others and the acceptance of change with the understanding that unless
God sails the ship we are afloat.
1. What specific situation or revelation prompted you to write your book, Ever
Changing: Inside Outward?
Rhonda: I have always loved to read and write and thought at some point I should write
magazine articles, etc. I began to write in a journal in 1992. I was compelled to write
down my thoughts and experiences. I kept several diaries as a child and always wrote in
them, although I do not know where my childhood diaries are today. In the beginning I
had no idea what I was going to write. I just had the desire to write, so I began to write
about my issues and to communicate with God. I had a vision of “Change” several years
prior to starting my journal. I had no idea what it meant but I understood that at some
point in time God was going to use me to promote change. At the time I did not relate
my journal entries to my vision. When I finished graduate school I began to get restless
after about a month. In my family we are not folks who sit around idle. We have to
much restless energy for that. Nor do I watch a tremendous amount of television. I was
in school in one capacity or the other for countless years, raising children and working a
Ever Changing: Inside Outward by Rhonda K. Herring Chapter 1 for Review Purpose
full time job. With the extra time I decided to type my memoirs on my computer. As I
typed my memoirs things from my childhood and past began to come to my mind. I
typed those memories as well. I often woke up in the middle of the night and wrote down
my thoughts on the pad I kept on my night stand. As I typed, a story began to unfold
before me. After I realized the correlation of my writing to my vision I realized that this
book was being birthed. It took approximately 2 years to compile and complete this
manuscript. It is only in God’s strength that I could complete such an amazing work of
art. I prayed continuously about exposing the intimate details of my life and each time I
got confirmation to press on.
2. Can you recall any interesting stories or situations that occurred while writing it?
Rhonda: Yes, there was such an awesome presence over me every time I began to write.
When I wrote it was with ease of mind and I believed that my personal healing was
taking place as I wrote and exposed my weaknesses, faults and my iniquities. I would
also wake up and God would give me passages and direction. I was amazed how
everything unfolded. At the same time, all around me there was also a higher calling for
spiritual, personal and political change, even as it is today.
3. If you have already shared parts of your book’s
message, how have people responded (testimonies)?
Rhonda: Only a select few have read part or all of my
manuscript. First of all they are shocked that I have
found the time to write. I am finding that people are
inspired by the book. They have confided that they could
not put the book down and spent countless hours reading
the book and read the manuscript in record time.
They have called it intriguing, inspirational, motivating,
and captivating. They have testified that they are
encouraged in their own life and in their own
circumstances to remain faithful and to trust God in all
situations. They have testified that it is a life changing
reading experience and feel that it is a story that everyone
should read. Lastly, they have stated that it is one of the
boldest testimonies of faith and exposure that they have ever read. They marvel at the
direction and instruction toward purpose. They understand the need to embrace God and
his infinite wisdom.
4. What do you think makes your book different from others on the same subject?
Rhonda: I have read so many wonderful books on the same subject. The difference is
that the story is one of the boldest testimonies ever written. It actually gives a bold
account of spiritual development and maturity and the struggles that come along with
complete surrender to God. Ever Changing will compel people to seek change in their
Ever Changing: Inside Outward by Rhonda K. Herring Chapter 1 for Review Purpose
own personal lives. It is a step by step account to finding and developing the most
important relationship any one could ever have. It is a story of courage and victory in the
midst of trials and tribulations. It will motivate any one to look within and search the
very core of their being to find purpose. The manuscript is a testimonial of change and
submission and complete dependency on God. Most of all it is the intimate details of my
relationship with God and how he sustained me even in my weakest moments. It is also
the story of self acceptance and acceptance of others.
5. Give us a detailed profile of the one primary type of person you want to reach
with your book.
Rhonda: The profile of the one primary type of person I would like to reach is the person
who does not quite understand what or why they are going through the things that they
are going through.
b) What are some of their specific needs or problems that need answers?
Rhonda: Their specific need or problems are healing, motivation, faith, understanding
and the need to embrace the inevitable, change and the need to understand the importance
of change and how it affects our relationship with God. Also, to look high beyond any
circumstances and have the blessed assurance that God will work everything according to
His Will. And His Will is yes and Amen!
6. How will they benefit in a practical way from reading your book (how will their
life change)?
Rhonda: Ever Changing is the ultimate life changing reading experience. It is a bold
testimonial of the journey toward Purpose. It is a bold testimonial of change and a road
map that leads to the resting place God promised. The benefit is to hear the story of how
one woman submitted herself under God’s Will and how he sustained her in her weakest
moments. Another benefit is that the reader will follow the true interaction between God
and one of His Children. The reader will understand that the most important relationship
that they must establish is a relationship with God.
7. What keywords or key phrases would they use in searching for your book on the
internet?
Rhonda: Inside Outward, Ever Changing, Spiritual Development, Purpose, The high
calling for Change, Foot prints, A road map to purpose. A testimonial of Change. Life
Changing Experience.
8. What makes you an authority or expert on the subject of your book (why are you
qualified)?
Rhonda: I personally went through the journey and captured spiritual growth and
development at its finest. It is a journey from childhood to adulthood to purpose.
Ever Changing: Inside Outward by Rhonda K. Herring Chapter 1 for Review Purpose
9. Is there anything currently in the news relating to your book (statistics, events,
and people)?
Rhonda: Yes, there is a high calling for change in America both spiritually and
politically. There is a high calling for Spiritual Change in our Churches. The theme for
the 2009 Presidential Election for both parties is/was the need for Change. There is a
high calling for Change all across this great country.
10. Do you currently use any of the following to communicate with people? Your
own website? A blog?
Rhonda: Yes, I have my own website and blog page www.e-rhonda.net. that will actively
help me promote and sale my book. It will have a contact page that is designed to set up
appearances, book signings etc, a blog page that will start discussion of the book,
excerpts from the book, a schedule of events page (starting at the end of May 09), Author
Page and many more features. I will start doing public speaking engagements after my
book is released. I am currently planning a 2009 itinerary of book signings, radio
interviews, telephonic and/or appearances at book club discussions et… I have designed
book marks with my personal logo and T-Shirts to promote the book. I will hand out
business cards with contact and website information. I am prepared to actively promote
Ever Changing.
11. Give us a power-packed quote (25 words or less) that tells why someone should
read your book. State this from their point of view-What’s in it for them?
Rhonda: “Triumphantly wonderful, painfully dynamic, Ever Changing is the ultimate
road map to finding Purpose.”
Ever Changing: Inside Outward by Rhonda K. Herring
Author's Website: http://www.e-rhonda.net
ISBN-10: 1581693095 | ISBN-13: 978-1581693096
Religion - Inspirational/Spirituality | Christian Life - Spiritual Growth
Purchase from Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Ever-Changing-Rhonda-Herring/dp/1581693095