Just Hold On

Copyright © 2000 by Beverly K. Preston.

Library of Congress Number:                  00-191378

ISBN #:                   Hardcover                   0-7388-2670-7

ISBN #:                   Softcover                     0-7388-2671-5

ISBN #:                   Ebook                           978-1-4691-1739-3

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Contents

JUST HOLD ON

DEDICATION

Beginning My Walk with Christ Jesus

SICKNESS AS A CHILD

10TH STREET BRIDGE

A YEAR I’LL NEVER FORGET

MARRIAGE BEGINS

THE GRAVEYARD INCIDENT

BLACK MAGIC

HUSBAND WALKS OUT FOR A YEAR

JUST HOLD ON

When you’re going through difficulties in your life and feelings of hopelessness start to creep in, the advice I’d offer would be to just hold on.

All people have been given a measure of faith, but I have been blessed with faith as a gift from GOD. All you really need is faith the size of a mustard seed—according to His word (Matthew 17:20). I haven’t always known it, but life has been a great teacher for me. Throughout my life I have been faced with situations that most people would have given up on, but by the grace of GOD, I have chosen to go the next step to believing that GOD will work out any problem that I might encounter. All I have to do is have faith and believe.

I can recall situations in my life that caused me to feel like I was on a roller coaster. Sometimes I would be up—happy, positive and energetic. Problems would arise and soon the ups turned to downs—sadness, depression and hopelessness. But no matter how low I became; I was always able to hold onto at least a shred of hope (faith). Even when all the odds were against me, I believed in my heart that GOD would see me through. I’ve cried many tears and many times I didn’t think I could go on, but I did and I’m growing stronger every day.

My mother taught me the importance of religion at an early age. She taught me many things, but what had the most profound effect on me, was the love and contentment I felt from merely watching her each day. The life she lived spoke for her.

My mother departed this world when I was just 17 years old, but those 17 years were some of the most self-confident, fulfilled years of my life. She gave me the foundation for which my entire life has been built on and I am so grateful. And even though there was a time when I lost that self-confidence, I was somehow blessed to gain it back. I’ve gone through a lot, but I don’t have a heart to complain, because I look back now and realize that there was a little seed of purpose planted in every difficulty I experienced. I just had to realize that faith in GOD is the only true way to overcome any problem. We have to first do our best with our problems and then trust GOD to do the rest. It will take practice, prayer and much patience, but the result will be more valuable to you than anything you can hope for. I sincerely hope that the outcome of the experiences I’m about to relive in this book will help to make your faith stronger. I hope that after reading it you will not only be inspired, but some part of your life will be touched by it.

DEDICATION

* * *

To my husband Harrison W. Preston, Jr.,

who after GOD is my inspiration to JUST HOLD ON

To Iyesha & Dwanne Johnson, Darnell Saquan & Dwanne II, Diallo & Masi Preston, James & Cleo Kasey, Sondra Rorrer, James Kasey, Allen Kasey, Edsel Kasey, Tracye Marie, Mr. & Mrs. Doumani, Karen Schroeder, Richard Barrett (SUS), Hazel Ray, Linda Raye, Audrey Morris, Mary Hill, Lai Li Lee, Carlena & Courtney Price, Dalene & Robin Irons, Mary Jamison, Frances Armstrong, Barbara Toyer, Richmond Hairston, Omega Smith, Wanda Perry, Larry Smith, Rev. Hersel Hagans, Pastor & Mrs. Hunt, Pastor & Mrs. Mackall, MOL Family, Yvette & Brandon Jackson, James & Dahamey Banks, Prophetess McCollough, Patty Stephens, Linda B. Turner, Chris Robinson, Shelby Moore, Judy Davis, Angel Ossorio, Aaron Garrett, Adrienne Pelerin, Genece Moore, Reginald Carter, Margo Sample, Sheila Roulston , my friends & family from

Vinton and many other people too numerous to mention,

who have influenced my life in an extraordinary way.

May GOD Bless Them All!

* * *

Within the pages of this book, I will reflect on specific incidents during my life from the time I was saved until the present. By the grace of GOD, I will show you how strong the adversary (satan) can be against you—and how the anointing will break yokes and protect you in all areas of your life. It’s often said, ‘How can you tell someone else about how they can make it through situations in their lives if you haven’t been through anything?’ Well, I’m here to tell you that I’m qualified by the anointing of GOD to witness to others going through the same, or similar situations as I have. I want it to be clear as you read about these trials and tribulations, that it was GOD who delivered me out of it all. I’m not any better in the eyes of GOD than the next person and that’s why this message has to be delivered to all that will hear it.

If one heart can be touched through this book, then my work will not have been in vain. I know for a fact that we all have a specific purpose in life. I give honor to GOD for opening up my understanding and knowledge so His will can be done in my life. That’s what it’s all about.

I have been inspired by GOD to write several inspirational books. I will keep you informed of future publications.

All scripture references are taken from The King James Study Bible, King James Version.

Beginning My Walk with Christ Jesus

I was baptized in the name of Jesus at Bibleway Pentecostal Apostolic Church when I was 8 years old. Four years later, at the age of 12 in a tarry service in my neighborhood I received the precious gift of the Holy Ghost. Mama, my sister and I would go to tarry service across the street at the Willis’ home. I can remember the love I came to know for praising GOD. I remember like it was just yesterday. This blessed memory has remained etched in my mind all during my life. There were a lot of things that weren’t clear to me at that time, but little did I know that my life would unfold—just the way GOD predestined it to be.

I do believe that my being saved at such a young age was no coincidence. I didn’t understand it all then, but it makes more sense to me with each new day that I’m blessed to see. I’ve always felt close to GOD.

When I received the Holy Ghost that night, I was so high in the spirit that it was scary. I had this joy bubbling up inside of me from the moment I set my feet on the floor that morning. It was one of those days where nothing seemed to go wrong—all was right with the world. It was normal for me to be happy, but there was something special about that day. I still get excited when I think about it and amazingly I remember the details like it was yesterday.

There were only a few of us there that night, but the spirit was so high that you would have thought it was a house full of people. It reminds me of the Word of GOD (Matthew 18:20) that says, For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

One of my most favorite things to do was to sit on our front porch in Vinton, Virginia and daydream about what my life would be like. I’d see myself travelling, having nice things and being around a lot of people (I really love people). It was funny, because I could never imagine past a certain point in my life. It was like drawing a blank. I guess the key to the future is only unlocked as we pass each test in life—you’re only allowed to see a little at a time.

I remember knowing that I had received the precious gift of the Holy Ghost. Whenever I entered into a place of worship to fellowship with other saints, I‘d feel so good in my spirit. I would always enter seeking the presence of the LORD. On this special night I was born again! My spirit, soul, body and mind was renewed. We worshipped in songs, testimony and praises. There is something about praising GOD by uplifting your voice in songs. The more I praised Him, the more joy sprang forth from my bosom. I reached the point where I couldn’t contain myself. I felt like I was about to overflow with joy. I was and always will be very serious about my love for GOD and the acknowledgement of that love through worship. I was shy and withdrawn in other aspects of my life, but when it came to the LORD—I evolved into a new creature and became bold.

We were singing one of my mother’s and my favorite gospel songs, when I began to weep. I was by no means sad—they were tears of joy! I didn’t quite understand what I was feeling, but I knew I just wanted to totally immerse myself in that moment. Suddenly I began to feel a sweet release of control. I was being led by a wonderful drawing sensation. A feeling that was overwhelming yet welcomed. Initially I felt compelled to gently resist this feeling that was consuming my entire being. Even though this was a new feeling I was experiencing, I knew it was good—I knew it was GOD and I wanted to relinquish myself to it. I knew it was the Holy Spirit! I can’t offer any more detail of this profound knowledge, but I knew. I let go. I began to cry, shout and speak in unknown tongues. I remember just opening my mouth and tongues (unknown language) rolled right off like there was oil inside my mouth. My very soul quivered from this eruption of new praises I was experiencing. It was the anointing of the Holy Ghost. I can tell you that there is no experience I’ve felt in life since then that can even touch that moment of time. My precious moment was when I received the Holy Ghost. All I can say is that I was always seeking the LORD. In His Word, He said Ask and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. I believe in my heart this means that frequent prayer (asking) and perseverance (continual seeking and knocking) will result in an answer from GOD. He promises to answer the genuine prayers of those that diligently seek Him.

Not once did I ever resist the spirit of the LORD—I welcomed it. I also believe GOD predestines the day and time of each event in our lives. It’s just a matter of choice from that point on.

I realize now that my Mama was a very special person who had a definite calling on her life. She was the one who gave me the foundation to become the person I am today. If she hadn’t been saved herself and would have turned her ear to the voice of the LORD, where would I be today? I often wonder what I would have been like if my Mama was different, or if she had