Upon returning to Florida in 1999, I realized that there had been a decline in the education of minorities. When I retired from the Department of the Navy, I decided, I was not going to work anymore.

After sitting in my Sunday School classes and hearing various ones read, I decided to begin a tutoring program at the church.

I went to the Marion County Technical Education campus and requested to teach GED classes at the church. I went through the district certification process.

It became evident that many of the adults were fighting a losing battle. It was my opinion that many of the students were spending money over and over again and not passing the test but when tested without time limits they were successful.

I became an advocate. I was on a mission to get all people reading and all those who wanted to graduate a program to help them be successful.

I am proud of the impact that I made on the lives of the citizens in Marion County Without discriminating against any persons.

I am an American. I am a Native American. My skin color does not matter. What matters is that I treat my neighbor as I want to be treated.

We are at a crossroads. I remember going to a dear friend and asking him how could he be in the position that he is in and our schools are failing minorities the way it was.

Vividly, I remember he said, Kathryn, I do all I could. I am getting ready to retire. I can make more of a difference outside of this position. My hands are tied. You have to understand, the white people make the laws, the white people enforce the laws, and the white people break the laws at their convenience. He said, “there is more of them than it is us.“

I was shocked, I was speechless. He said, why you do not run for office? This was in 1999. I became a teacher. I realizEd he was right.

I fought all that was within my power to do. I went to parents, I encouraged them to be advocates for their children. I did what I could.

As I realized my friend was correct. I witnessed suppression first hand. I, Kat wanted to make a difference. God said start your own school. I did. When I did, I had more of other races than I did “Black” children. When my school was accused of housing children in a shed, it was not the majority of support from my people, it was only Loretta Jenkins, Whitfield Jenkins, and Kent Guinn who came and supported me against a corrupt building department and health inspector. God gave me victory. God gave me a favor. Blacks rode by as whites, Hispanics, Jamaicans, etc. held up signs with us on the streets.

So when I see people, I see God’s creation. I vote my conscience and I live by the Bible. I am not perfect, I am forgiven. If you serve God you must learn to get along with all people.

We must look to God for direction. We must pray for our country. Pharaoh was powerful, he thought he would destroy God’s people. God allowed them to be swallowed up in the sea. No matter what it looks like, live right, do good be just, victory will come. As Christians we do not understand what is happening in our country right now, I promise you that if President Trump is impeached and removed, God allowed it. If he is impeached and not removed God allowed that as well.

As David said in the Book of Psalms. Wait on the Lord! Pray to leave it at the altar. Finally, stand still and see the SALVATION of the Lord Jesus Christ. He is a just judge.

God is the Sovereign Ruler, He was adamant, He said though shall not have any other Gods before me.

Trust in him with all of your heart; do not lean on your own understanding he said. Jesus said, He comes quickly and He brings His ROD with him.

We cannot expect corrupt activities, corrupt leaders to bring about justice. We have to expect that our God is greater than these corrupt proceedings. I stake my life on the fact that justice will come.

I, Kathryn am persuaded that I will not be shaken in my faith. We may not get swift justice, but a wise woman said to keep doing right. She said if people lie on you, the truth will walk a lie down every time. She said a lie travels fast, but I guarantee you the truth will walk it down.

The righteous people must remain faithful, the prayer warriors must keep the faith, be not soon shaken in your thoughts, your faith, or your deeds. Keep fighting for justice. The trial will be all right. The wicked people will be destroyed by the wicked. Trust in the Lord, lean not to our understanding, Do we not trust God. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Amen.