M. Marva Allison
Challenges and obstacles that I have encountered in life are the lessons that helped me to discover inner faith and strength. First, fear and insecurity were eating away at me. Over whelmed by the responsibilities that were taking over my life, breast cancer,chemeotherapy, radiation and all that this entails, plagued me. Finding there is always a way out, awakened me to the truth, that faith sustains despite the trails and traumas in life, It's Time to Sing My Song explores the importance of faith and wisdom to achieve success despite distractions during my life's journey. Taking time to reflecton on how God turns things around, his teachings and meditating on his words underscored that he would bring peace and healing to me/
No matter what is troubling, when the earth turns on its axis one more time and a new day appears , it is "a chance to receive that day in all of its glory." I could hear life "whispering and could feel the depth and potential of my own existence." I have one more song; a chance to grow, make fresh impressions and move forward with God's grace. Flowers bloom for everyone to enjoy. The sun rises and set for all to see. Feeling richly and abundantly blessed ;celebrating, overcoming my fears, doubts ,circumstances and breast cancer treatments, I feel really good! During this struggle, I have learned that God empathized with my struggles, understood my doubts and was my strongest supporter when the road was difficult. There is certain comfort in this knowledge.
The book becomes a story within a story that unveils kindness, friendship and human enotions that would not have been revealed had not I developed breast cancer, survived chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Celebrating this victory , joy now flows where once there were tears.
Langston Hughes said it best. "Life ain't been no crystal stair".Between meetings, meals, homework, career, illness and living as a cancer survivor, sometimes was a struggle to hold on to identity and sanity. With prayer, meditation and looking for divine guidance, M.Marva Allison speaks a message of hope and healing.
M. Marva Allison was born and reared in Opelousas, Louisiana. After graduating from college, Marva took a bold step. To Chicago, Illinois, she relocated to begin her new life as an educator. For thirty-nine years, Marva held many positions as she taught in the Chicago Public School System. Included in her work experience is an Adjunct professor at Prarie State College and Harold Washington College in Illinois. She has taught writing, various literature courses and Adult Continuing Education. Her extensive travels and public apperances have made her an example and inspiration to others. Continuing to volunteer and service others, her spiritual beliefs feed her drives to make life changing decision and win battles. Marva realized that she would not be completely fulfilled until she pursued her dream of embarking on a literary career. Nevertheless, it was not until a few years ago that she placed her fears aside and took her first real step toward venturing into the literary world.Her book is non fiction and inspirational . She is currently working on another motivational book that she hopes to have published soon. Through her volunteering and speaking engagements, she enjoys empowering others.
Marva holds a B.S. in English/French, MA in Administration and Supervision, MA in Cultural Studies: Language Arts and PHD in Education Administration. The mother of one son, grandmother of two,currently lives in a surburb of Chicago, Illinois.
With renewed mind, body and soul, Marva has dedicated time and energy in the quest to make live easier for others.
Looking back at my decision to keep my secret was foolish, but at the time, this was best for me. The truth was that my moments of indecisons stemmed from my fear of the unknown. My fears kept me from thinking rationally. Frustrated and confused at the challenges of breast cancer and everyday life, using my faith and spirituality brought insight into how I should deal with these concerns .Hearing that I had breast cancer was not easy. It was full of difficulties and challenges but grappling with the challenges and difficulties through a spiritual approach which helped to open the door and give my life a new meaning. Realizing that I serve a God who knows every human emotion that I was experiencing, I let go of my preceieved notions and prayed that God would come into my heart. Promising that I would be receptive to His will because in my spirit, I knew that He was not through with me. It was from this place that I found the strength and serenity to face my physical and mental challenges. The good news is that God heard my cry. As I opened my mind to receive God's gift of healing, he has lavished me with many gifts.
