Sen. Ausley shares testimony at prayer breakfast

Laura Young
ECB Publishing, Inc.

The Monticello Community Prayer Breakfast continues to draw a steady crowd each month, and Feb. 3 was no exception. The Monticello Kiwanis Club members hosted and prepared pancakes, breakfast casserole, hash browns and fresh fruit bowls at the Jefferson County Club.
Pastor John Hicks said grace and Mike Grisham led those in attendance in a moving a capella singalong of “His Name Is Wonderful.”  After breakfast, Gary Wright read a prayer for our country, and then there was time for community announcements. The prayer for the sick and distressed was led by Father Steve Pessah, referring to a list of 23 names.
The guest speaker, Florida Senate Member Loranne Ausley, was introduced by her family’s longtime friend, Buck Bird. Auslley shared testimony about her faith journey, particularly how giving birth to a premature baby, at 22 weeks gestation and weighing slightly less than one pound and four ounces, both challenged and deepened her faith.
“You can imagine,” Ausley said, “You cannot get through all of that, a premature birth and all of the trials and tribulations that went along with that these 19 years, without having tremendous faith and having that faith shaken at times.”
There was little to no chance the baby would survive, but her family, friends and colleagues — both Democrats and Republicans — gave their support and prayers. Even the late Bishop Desmond Tutu, when he visited the Florida Capitol during those first months of her son’s life, prayed for her child.
“Things happened that just make me such a believer in good,” she said. “It changes your perspective on every single thing. You know, nothing really matters when you have a kid fighting for his life in the neonatal intensive care unit.”
Little by little her son Will got stronger, and recently he turned 19 years old and is set to graduate from Leon High School. Through it all, Ausley said she is grateful for how the experience has helped shape her as a leader and help her see the humanity at the core of every person.
Gary Wright, who organizes the Monticello Community Prayer Breakfasts, concluded by presenting Ausley with a specially imprinted mug. He invited all to next month’s gathering on Thursday,  at The First Baptist Church of Lloyd. Katrina Walton Is scheduled to be the guest speaker.