Evolution of A Church Girl (Shannon Marion)

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What's Your Inner Blood Type?

2008-07-12T09:03:00.001-06:00

Your Inner Blood Type is Type A

You seem cool and collected, though a bit shy.
You are highly driven and a perfectionist, but that's a side you keep to yourself.
Creative and artistic, you are a very unique person who doesn't quite fit in.
People accept you more than you realize, seeing you as trustworthy and loyal.

You are most compatible with: A and AB

Famous Type A's: Britney Spears and Hilter

What's Your Inner Blood Type?

Do You Look Your Age?

2008-07-12T09:01:00.001-06:00

You Probably Look Younger Than Your Age

You live a healthy lifestyle and know how to take care of yourself.
You'll probably have a youthful glow for many years.

Do You Look Your Age?

What Temperament Are You?

2008-07-12T09:00:00.001-06:00

You Have a Sanguine Temperament

You are an optimistic person who is easily content.
You enjoy casual, light tasks - never wanting to delve too deep into anything.
A bit fickle, it's easy for you to change plans or paths when presented with something better.

You enjoy all of the great things life has to offer - food, friends, and fun.
A great talker, you can keep the conversation going for hours.
You are optimistic and sure of your success. If you fail, you don't worry about it too much.

At your worst, you are vain. You are obsessed with your own attractiveness.
A horrible flirt, you tend to jump into love affairs and relationship drama easily.
You're very jealous - which just magnifies the craziness around you.

What Temperament Are You?

Trouble

2007-06-12T19:35:00.000-06:00

I am in trouble these days for speaking my mind again. It will work out soon. I may be looking for a new church home. Lord, have mercy on me.

Three Things

2007-05-18T19:37:00.000-06:00

A). Three jobs you have had in your life: Musician, Musician, Musician
B). Three movies you would watch over and over: None really
C). Three places you have lived: Dorinda, Maddocha Beach, Maddocha
D). Three TV shows you love to watch: None in particular
E). Three places you have been on vacation: Maddocha Beach, Precious Mountains, Victoria Island
F). Three websites I visit daily: None really
G). Three of my favorite foods: Cheese, Cheese, Cheese
H). Three places I would rather be right now: At a keyboard, At an organ, At a piano
I). Three places I would never want to go: Jail, Someplace with no music, hell.

Five Great Things About Me

2007-04-07T18:48:00.000-06:00

Here are five great things about me.

I am a great musician.
I speak my mind.
I am a good friend.
I am a church baby.
I make a mean chicken tetrazzini.

What Month Are You?

2007-03-16T08:28:00.000-06:00

OCTOBER

Loves to chat
Loves those who loves him
Loves to takes things at the centre
Attractive and suave
Inner and physical beauty
Does not lie or pretend
Sympathetic
Treats friends importantly
Always making friends
Easily hurt but recovers easily
Bad tempered
Selfish
Seldom helps unless asked
Daydreamer
Very opinionated
Does not care of what others think
Emotional
Decisive
Strong clairvoyance
Loves to travel, the arts and literature
Soft-spoken, loving and caring
Romantic
Touchy and easily jealous
Concerned
Loves outdoors
Just and fair
Spendthrift and easily influenced
Easily lose confidence

Some of these are right. Some of them are wrong.

Could You Pass 8th Grade Math?

2007-02-16T21:16:00.000-06:00

You Passed 8th Grade Math

Congratulations, you got 8/10 correct!

Could You Pass 8th Grade Math?

Do You Know Your State Capitols?

2007-01-18T20:17:00.000-06:00

You Know Some State Capitols

You Got 14 State Capitols Correct

You may just be a very good guesser. Or you actually do remember something from elementary school!

Do You Know Your State Capitols?

What Christmas Ornament Are You?

2006-12-14T19:19:00.000-06:00

You Are a Snowman

Friendly and fun, you enjoy bringing holiday cheer to everyone you know!

What Christmas Ornament Are You?

What Color Red Are You?

2006-11-12T18:53:00.000-06:00

You Are Crimson Red

Down to earth and warm-hearted, you instantly make everyone feel at ease around you.

And while you have an understated passion - you lack the uncontrolled passion of most other reds.

You prefer to sit back and enjoy every situation life has to offer. You put an optimistic spin on everything.

And even when things are going well, you don't get too amped up. You prefer to keep your emotions as steady as possible.

What Color Red Are You?

Halloween Cancelled

2006-10-31T18:53:00.000-06:00

Sitting here on this Halloween, it got me to thinking about the last Halloween that I ever "celebrated."

I was 10 years old. I was all excited about Halloween because I was going to be a princess. My mother had bought me my costume. I had tried it on like 20 times since I had gotten it.

The Sunday before Halloween, I was talking to one of the girls at the church. Now, why I was talking to this particular girl is a mystery to me because her grandmother was known to be "Holier than thou." The girl's grandmother was always telling somebody how they were sinning. She worked everyone's nerves.

I was telling the girl about my costume when her grandmother walked up to us. Every fiber in my ten year old body was screaming, "SHUT UP!" but my ten-year old mind was not hearing it. I wanted to tell the world about my costume.

The girl's grandmother asked, "What are you all talking about?" I looked at the girl. She looked at me. I don't think she wanted to hear her grandmother preach a sermon so the girl didn't say a word. I didn't say anything either. The girl's grandmother glared at both of us and said, "I asked you all what you all were talking about!" The girl shot me this look. I felt sorry for her, so I told the old lady what we were talking about. The old lady went off. She lit into me for trying to get her granddaughter to sin with me. I spoke my mind even back then. I looked at the lady and said, "Look old lady, just cause you think you are almost as holy as God, don't mean that it is true. You need to go somewhere and sit down and listen to the word. You get on folk's nerves always preaching to them. Maybe you need to preach to your family some more then maybe your kids wouldn't be as messed up as you are." After I said that, I realized that I had went too far.

The old lady grabbed her granddaughter by the arm and walked off. I knew that I was going to get killed, but I felt good, having told ole girl off.

When I got into the car with my parents, it was deathly quiet. I knew not to say anything. I was waiting on my father to reach behind him and slap me across the mouth for disrespecting an adult. He never did.

After awhile, I heard my mother laughing. She laughed louder and louder. My father looked at her and said, "That is not funny and you know it." My mother continued to laugh. Before long, my father had joined my father. They laughed until they got home.

I was scared. I had no idea what was going on. I went straight to my room when I got into the house and waited for the worst whipping of my life.

My mother and father walked into my room. My father said, "Shannon, you can't go around talking to adults like that, no matter how much you want to say it." My mother smiled at me. My father continued, "You can't go trick or treating this year as your punishment." My parents walked out of the room. I was so happy that I wasn't going to get killed that I had no desire to even argue about the punishment.

About a week later, my mother walked into my room laughing and said, "Girl did you really tell Sis. Holy that she needed to go somewhere and listen to a sermon?" I reluctantly said, "Yes Mame." My mother laughed louder and said, "Lord, have mercy. You are your father's child." She walked out of the room after that.

After that incident, the girl never talked to me again, although she would wave to me when she saw me. Her grandmother always cut her eyes at me when she saw me.

I never had a desire to go trick or treating after that.

WHAT MAKES YOU SO SPECIAL?

2006-09-04T15:16:00.000-06:00

I have been thinking about what makes me special lately. We all have two legs, two arms, a nose, etc, but what makes me special. Here are three things that makes me special.

1. I am musically gifted. I can play the organ and the piano rather well. I could probably be playing for money in a group or choir, but I am just too stubborn to belong to a group. I have a couple of churches actively recruiting me to play for their church. I don't know if I want to be a Minister of Music. That's the title the churches want to give me. I ain't ready for that, although my father thinks I am.

2. I am crazy about cheesy dishes. I love cheesy dishes. Any dish that has cheese on it. I love it. My mother often says... "If you eat one more bowl of macaroni and cheese, you are gonna turn orange." I laugh when she says that. I can make a mean dish of chicken tetrazzini. Everyone that has eaten my chicken tetrazzini has raved about it. Okay, everyone but one of my mean old aunt. She is just hateful.

3. I have over 100 yellow highlighters. I don't know why I have all of those highlighters, but I started collecting them since 1990. My mother gave me one in church so that I could draw pictures with it when I was 8 years old. I liked the pen. I used that pen until it ran out of ink. I kept the highlighter. I asked me mother to buy me another one. She did. They cycle continued after that. People started giving me highlighters as gifts. I have ones that have company names on them. I have all kinds of highlighters. I have to often tell people that I only like yellow highlighters. It's too crazy.

When my mother saw that I wanted to keep my old highlighters, she began writing the date I received the pen, who gave it to me, and the occasion on a piece of paper and taping it to the pen when I finished using it. I have continued the trend.

*****

The three things listed above make me special. Think about yourself for a moment.

WHAT MAKES YOU SPECIAL?

Just Wondering

2006-09-04T14:52:00.000-06:00

I have been wondering what to write about now. I am not sure. I could write about the GBIDHOR Youth Choir memories. I could write about school memories. I could write about other memories. I am not sure right now.

Even as I am writing this, nothing inspires me to write.

I may just have to write about something else.

Video Games

2006-08-02T10:16:00.000-06:00

I have video games in my house that I don't play anymore. What is a girl to do? I wish they would quit coming up with newer games, that way I wouldn't have so many games in my house.

It is unbelievably too much like right for me to trade in the old games before I get the new game.

I am going to have to trade in some of these games.

Things I've Done

2006-08-02T10:08:00.000-06:00

Place an X by all the things you've done
This is for your entire life:

( ) Smoked a cigarette
( ) Crashed a friend's car
( ) Stolen a car
( X ) Been in love
( X ) Been dumped
( ) Shoplifted candy
( ) Been laid off/fired (laid off)
( ) Quit your job
( X ) Been in a fist fight
( X ) Snuck out of your parent's house
( X ) Had feelings for someone who didn't have them back
( ) Been arrested
( ) Gone on a blind date
( ) Lied to a friend (to save her feelings)
( ) Skipped school
( ) Seen someone die
( ) Been to Canada
( ) Been to Mexico
( X ) Been on a plane
( X ) Been lost
( ) Been on the opposite side of the country
( ) Gone to Washington, DC
( X ) Swam in the ocean
( X ) Felt like dying
( X ) Cried yourself to sleep
( ) Played cops and robbers
( ) Recently colored with crayons
( ) Sang karaoke
( X ) Paid for a meal with only coins
( X ) Done something you told yourself you wouldn't
( X ) Made prank phone calls
( X ) Laughed until some kind of beverage came out of your nose
( X ) Caught a snowflake on your tongue
( X ) Danced in the rain
( X ) Written a letter to Santa Claus
( ) Been kissed under the mistletoe
( ) Watched the sun rise with someone you care about
( X ) Blown bubbles
( ) Made a bonfire on the beach
( ) Crashed a party
( X ) Gone roller-skating
( ) Ice-skating

100 & More Things About Me

2004-02-16T16:10:00.000-06:00

My name is Shannon Marion.

I was born on 10/21/1982.

I am a church baby.

I am proud to be a church baby.

My mother's name is Lois "Pink" Marion.

My father's name is Eld. Eric Marion.

I was born in Dorinda, Maddocha.

I have lived most of my life in Dorinda, Maddocha.

I play the keyboard, organ, and piano...

I have a Pentecostal background.

I attended Harmon Street COGIC almost all my life.

I graduated from Cynthia Pitts High School in 1999.

Kourtnee Adams, president of Shimmers Inc., gave me a scholarship to go to the school because her daughter and I were close friends.

I attended Maddocha Beach University for a year with my girl LaDawnya Adams.

I am 5 feet 6 inches.

My mentor is DM Adkins.

I was born with brown eyes.

Sometimes, I have blue eyes.

Sometimes, I have green eyes.

My favorite food is my mother's macaroni and cheese.

I tried to make my mother's macaroni and cheese, but it didn't taste the same.

I love any dish made out of cheese.

The cheesy the dish, the more I like it.

The best dish I make is Mother Johnson's chicken tetrazzini.

Mother Johnson taught me how to make chicken tetrazzini.

I added my own touches to Mother Johnson's chicken tetrazzini.

My favorite recording artists are Ruth Fortson & COP and DM Adkins & the DM Chorale.

My favorite basketball player is Jonathon Hall.

I think Jonathon Hall is too fine with his bald-headed self.

I went on a double date with him, LaDawnya Adams, and Dameun Grant.

My father was the assistant pastor of Harmon Street COGIC.

My favorite number is 7.

My favorite number 7 is the number of completion.

My favorite Bible character is Ruth.

I think Noah was a great man of God.

I played the organ for the Tower of Refuge youth choir.

I played the organ for the Harmon Street COGIC youth choir.

I played the keyboard for the Cynthia Pitts High School Gospel Choir.

I played the keyboard for the Cynthia Pitts High School Ensemble.

I played the keyboard for the Cynthia Pitts High School Jazz Band.

I can't stand people who where raggedy things.

Anytime I get a hole in my clothing, I get rid of that article of clothing.

My father claps his hands five times and stomps twice before he begins is whoop when he is preaching.

I think my father is the greatest preacher in the world.

I have been told that I am crazy for thinking that my father is the greatest preacher in the world.

My musical teacher and torturer, Sis. Amelia Crawford taught me everything I know about playing for a choir.

Sis. Crawford got on my last nerve when I was under her tutelage.

I like to play the praise dance music.

I played for Mardell Coleston Ministries until I went to Maddocha Beach University.

Mother Hattie Briggs told me that I was anointed to play the "shouting music."

Mother Briggs asked me to play for revival services that her son-in-law conducted.

I own 20 shares of stock in Shimmers, Inc.

Kourtnee Adams gave me ten shares of the stock for Christmas one year.

Mr. Themophilis Adams gave me the other ten shares that I own for my birthday.

I can't cash the stock in until I turn 30 years old.

I went on a shopping spree with LaDawnya that Mr. Adams paid for.

I wish I could go on another shipping spree.

I hate for people to lie to me.

I hate to lie.

I collect yellow highlighters.

My favorite color is yellow.

I have over 100 yellow highlighters.

I own three keyboards.

My favorite holiday is Christmas because I like playing Christmas music.

My mother gave me a gold necklace with a musical note on it when I was 9 years old.

I still where that necklace to this day.

I lost my necklace once.

My necklace had fallen behind the toilet.

I had to get the clasp fixed on my necklace after it fell behind the toilet.

I dislike it when more than two people lead a song.

I can't stand it when a whole praise team decide to lead the praise song.

I stole a highlighter from the store.

My mother made me take it back to the store.

She whip me for stealing in front of the manager of the store.

The manager of the store's daughter went to the same school that I did.

The next day, the whole school knew that my mother had whipped me for stealing.

I got another whipping for beating that girl up.

I use to get fussed at all the time by Mother Johnson for being disrespectful to Sis. Crawford.

Sis. Crawford use to go tell Mother Johnson on me all the time.

I got into a fight with Betty Chevette at church during youth choir rehearsal.

Sis. Crawford put Betty and I out of the choir for a month.

I don't like cherries.

I don't like any food dish with cherries in it.

I told the Lord that I would use my gift for Him.

Two R&B groups tried to get me to play for them.

My grandmother's favorite praise song is "I Made A Vow To The Lord."

My grandmother likes to hear me play that song.

Mardell Coleston broke up with me when I told him I was attending Maddocha Beach University.

He was mad because I wouldn't be able to be his primary musician anymore.

My mother has always told me that I should sing more often.

I don't think I sing that well.

I think using computers that are obsolete should be illegal.

I want to name my son King Solomon.

I will be married before I have any children.

Sometimes, I hate being a woman.

I like playing fast songs.

The faster the song, the more I like playing the song.

I will not drink pink lemonade.

I think lemonade should be yellow and yellow only.

I think singers who do fifty-two runs in a song is trying to show out.

I believe that you should pray everyday.

I brush my teeth three times a day.

I brush my teeth after every major meal.

The last two sentences I wrote were redundant.

This is a lot of stuff to learn about me.

The most I have weighed is 165 pounds.

I weigh 155 now.

My mother says I have some thick hips.

I think the mixing of fruit flavors for juice goes against nature. (SMILE)

I think mixing flavors of kool-aid is wrong.

I will probably add more to this list as time goes on.

My girl, deartra, has too much free time on her hands, sometimes.

I am a perfectionist when it comes to my music.

I don't take criticism about my music well.

Right now, at this moment, I need to go get my nails done.

I drink 24 ounces of water everyday.

Mother Briggs told me I should drink 24 ounces of water everyday.

She gave me an eight-ounce glass and told me to drink three glasses of water a day.

Mother Briggs told me to eat and apple and an orange everyday.

I eat an apple and orange everyday.

Forgetting those things, which are behind me, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling, which is in Christ Jesus. (Scripture)

This world is fading away, along with everything it craves. But if I do the will of God, I will live forever. (Scripture)

I told the Lord I would serve Him.

Getting To Know You

2004-02-16T16:08:00.000-06:00

Name
Shannon Marion

Date of Birth
10/12/1982

Favorite black TV show of all time.
A Different World

Worst date ever.
One I went on with Mardell Coleston

Describe the ugliest dress/outfit you have ever worn.
Never have worn one

Title of the movie of your life.
Evolution of a Church Girl

What actor/actress would portray your character?
Regina King

One thing you would change about the church world.
The holier than thou attitude when they know they didn't come out of their mother's womb speaking in tongues.
"All have sinned and come short of the glory of the Lord."

Best experience you have had feeling the anointing of God.
At Mother Johnson's funeral

One question you would ask God.
Why are people who just want to fornicate allowed to have children when there are people who truly want children and can't have them?

Saddest day of your life.
Mother Johnson Funeral

Happiest day of your life.
Christmas I received my first keyboard

Make up the name of a fake country you would own.
Shannonville

Favorite recreational past time.
Playing my keyboard

What is one thing most people don't know about you?
If I told you, then folk would know

What kind of exotic animal would you like to have?
Toucan

Last, book you read.
50 Ways by Helena Caldwell

Best book you have read.
The Bible (of course)

Worst movie ever made.
Howard the Duck

Worst movie ever made that you really liked.
Like I'm gonna tell you that so you can laugh at me

TV show you like, but people think you are crazy for liking it.
Same as previous

Song that always makes you cry.
Telephone in my Bosom by Ruth Fortson & COP

Favorite city/state you like to visit.Absanie, Maddocha - It's the place to be if you like Gospel Music

One thing you would change about your life that would change your life greatly.
I wouldn't have talked back so much to Sis. Amelia Crawford. (Don't tell her I said that.)

Give me your best example of faith.
Noah building the ark when it had never rained on earth before

You have just recorded a "CD" give me the title of the CD and the track listing. All the songs must end up telling the story of your life.
Evolution of A Church Girl
1. The Church Girl
2. Her Music
3. The Ups & Downs
4. Praise Break
5. That Boy
6. Mama & Daddy
7. Thank You, Lord
8. Mother Johnson's Influence
9. Sis. Crawford Urghh
10. Thank You, Sis. Crawford
11. Praise Break 2
12. To God Be the Glory

What's one mode of transportation you have never taken and would like to take?
A cruise ship

What's your biggest indulgence?
Stuff for my keyboard

What's the worst meal you ever cooked?
None. I am a great cook.

Name a non-family member that you admire most.
Mother Ima Jean Johnson (deceased)

Who was your first crush on?
Mardell Coleston

The Hook-up With The Man

2004-02-16T16:06:00.000-06:00

My father talked to Deacon Gregory Matthews, a saved, sanctified, and reformed player, about Mardell. My father asked him to talk to Mardell about how to treat women.

INTERRUPTION...

It had been rumored that Deacon Matthews was a player who treated women's so well that they didn't care that he dated each one of them and several other women, all at the same time. The story goes that when Deacon Matthews was saved and filled with the Holy Ghost, he called up all 20 women that he was dating, apologized, and told them that he couldn't see them anymore. He got a black eye, his tires were slashed four times, the windows on his car were broken several times, and one of the women's brother shot at the deacon. Deacon Matthews has of the incidences, "I deserved or rather reaped everything that happened to me behind those women. I can't get mad, because you reap what you sow." Deacon Matthews is married now with three sons. He has a ministry called "Treat 'Em Right Ministries." He teaches young men how to treat women and how to be upstanding Christian young men.

When my father asked Deacon Matthews to talk to Mardell, the ministry (Treat 'Em Right) was conceived.

BACK TO THE STORY...

Deacon Matthews began mentoring Mardell. After spending time with Deacon Matthews Mardell became a better guy. Every girl that Mardell dated after me, owes me for helping him to be the man that he is. I am tripping, ya'll.

My Daddy & His Babygirl

2004-02-16T16:05:00.000-06:00

When my father got home on Sunday afternoon, I went and sat down next to him on the couch. He was eating dinner. I laid my head on his shoulder. He said, "What's wrong with my Babygirl?" I said, "Nothing." My mother had always taught me not to bother my father with problems during a meal. I just laid on his shoulder while he ate.

He finished eating. I held out my hands so I could take his dishes to the kitchen. He gave them to me. I got up and went into the kitchen and put the dishes in the sink. When I walked back into the den, my mother was sitting next to my father laying on him. They both turned around when they heard me walk into the room. My father saw the look I was giving him. He smiled and said, "Honey, you took Shannieboos spot." My mother said, "Well, I am here now. She is gonna have to get on the other side." I mentally rolled my eyes as I went and sat down on the other side of my father. We sat that way for a few minute. My mother stood up and walked out of the den.

My father looked down at me and asked, "What's wrong with my Babygirl?" I didn't say anything. I snuggled in closer to him. He rubbed the side of my arm. I finally said, "Mardell Coleston came over here today." My father raised his back up from the couch as he asked, "What was he doing over here?" I relayed what had happened at church. He dad nodded at everything I said. After I finished my father asked, "What did you all do when he got over here?" I told him the story of what happened when Mardell was at the house. My father abruptly stood up, making me move from my comfortable position. He yelled my mother's nickname, Pink.

He half yelled, "Pink, why did you let that little nappy headed rusty tailed boy treat my baby girl like that?" My mother responded, "You need to lower your voice. I talked to the boy before he left. He only knows how to treat girls the way that he has been taught. There is no need to act a fool about it. You need to calm down." My mother walked out of the den after she said that. My father looked in the direction that my mother had walked off into. My father looked at me. He walked out of the den shaking his head. I went to my room knowing that my father was going to say something to Mardell the next time they saw each other. My father did, but it wasn't what I expected.

The Aftermath of That Sunday

2004-02-16T16:03:00.000-06:00

After Mardell left my house that Sunday, my mother came into my room to talk to me. I was lying on my bed crying. She sat down beside me and said, "Come here baby. It's gonna be okay. You just like the boy and he hurt your feelings." I raised my head off of her lap and yelled, "I do not like that ugly boy!" My mother rubbed my head and responded, "Lower your voice. You must have forgotten who you are talking to." I laid my head down as I responded with a Yes Mame. My mother talked some more about girls and boys, but I heard nothing she said. I was thinking, "I am gonna tell my daddy and he will get that big head boy."

She Likes Mardell

2004-02-16T16:00:00.000-06:00

The Sunday after Christmas, I was sitting in my Sunday School class waiting for it to start. Mardell walked into the room and sat down beside me. He looked at me and I started smiling from ear to ear. He said, "I guess you got your keyboard for Christmas." I hugged him tightly and said, "Yes, thanks for praying." (I can't recall ever seeing Mardell smile since I have known him.) He responded, "To God be the glory."

Mardell was like that. He was just deep. He was the deepest 10 years old I knew. I think it was because his grandparents who were 60 plus years older than him raised him. Mardell acted just like an old man. He even walked like an old man. He even spoke in old folks language. Some of the stuff he said could not possibly come from a ten year, even a mature ten year old.

I sat there telling him about my keyboard. He sat there with his eyes closed, looking deep. After a few minutes, I stopped talking. He opened his eyes and said, "Why did you stop talking?" I frowned at him before I irately said, "You are supposed to look at me when I am talking to you!" He opened his eyes and said, "Women always want what they want." (What ten year-old would say something like that?) I rolled my eyes at him and then walked out of my Sunday School room.

I came back in when my teacher came in. With us were several other kids. Mardell was in the room on his knees praying.

The teacher called the class to order. She conducted the class as usual. All through out the class, Mardell kept looking at me. Every time he did, I rolled my eyes at him. (Which that caused a rumor to be spread that I liked him. I'll never really admit it, but I did think Mardell was kind of cute back then.) After Sunday School, Mardell tried to talk to me, but I walked off from him in a huff.

Mardell thought he was smart and went and told my mother how I was acting. He thought that was going to get me into trouble. It got him into more trouble. My mother politely told him, "Boy, I know you think you are all deep and stuff, but you are still a child. If you want a 'woman' to treat you with respect, you must treat her with respect. And the next time a girl is talking to you, open up your eyes and pay attention to what she is saying!"

Mardell tried to talk to me after church, but I was too upset to talk to him. I was really mad at him.

Later on that Sunday, there was a knock on the front door. My mother answered the door and screamed my name. She didn't have to scream. I was in the living room playing the keyboard.

I went to the front door. It was Mardell. I almost told my mother to close the door, but she gave me that don't be rude look.

My mother invited Mardell in and escorted us both to the living room. My mother, Mardell, and I sat down in the living room.

I stared at Mardell. Mardell stared at me. My mother looked at both of us smiling. She could tell that we liked each other. We were both stubborn.

Mardell finally broke the ice. He said, "See, you are gonna miss your blessing." I looked at Mardell, then got up from the couch and walked out of the living room, leaving Mardell in the living room with my mother.

Whatever the rumor was, at that moment, I couldn't stand Mardell Coleston.

Introducing Mardell Coleston

2004-01-23T15:59:00.000-06:00

Mardell Coleston was 9 years old when I first met him. He walked into our Sunday School class and our Sunday School teacher introduced him to us.

Mardell was a tall kid for ten years old. He was taller than most of the 10-year olds in the class. He was dark skinned and skinny. He had an old man's haircut. His hair cut was not like the hair cuts of the time. He had no lines in his hair. His suit looked like something my 38-year-old father would have worn when he was a kid. Mardell wore the suit with pride.

There was something about him. He seemed older than ten. I don't know what is was, but he just seemed older than he was. Our Sunday School asked him to introduce himself. He said, "Hello. My name is Min. Mardell Coleston. I was a member of Hines Temple COGIC in Rysar before we moved here. God has been good to me and I am glad that I can be here with you all."

I wanted to do the same thing that Jamie did, but I didn't have the guts. Jamie raised her hand. Our Sunday School teacher asked her what she wanted. Jamie replied, "You sure you 10? Don't no 10 year olds I know talk like that." Mardell responded, "I have been blessed to grow up around older saints, so I tend to act older than my age."

I just stared at Mardell. I had never seen a kid like him before. It was like my grandmother says, "Hum, I see that boy done caught yo' tention."

Getting Into Trouble

2004-01-23T15:58:00.001-06:00

I got into trouble all the time. My father was the assistant pastor of Harmon Street. I guess everyone expected me to be this little angel. It wasn't that I was bad, but I refused to sit and be the church's picture of "AN ANGEL." I was a normal child. I was subject to talk in SUnday School, choir rehearsal, and even church. I did it in regular school. I was a normal child and I did normal things.

The person who understood this the best was my Sunday School teacher when I was nine, Sis. Natalie Hammond. I think she was a preacher's kid herself. I never asked her. SHe just told me to be quiet. She never threatened to tell my parents. She was cool like that. My mother and father never fussed at me much for getting into trouble at church. They just told me not to cut up too much.

The person I got into trouble with the most was Sis. Amelia Crawford. SHe was the president of the youth choir. We clashed from the minute she made me the main musician of the choir.

Sis. Crawford acted, treated, and yelled at us like we were adults. Most of us were just kids who were made to get into the youth choir by our parents.

LaDawnya wasn't. She was serious about singing. She enjoyed the way Sis. Crawford treated us. LaDawnya never played around in choir rehearsal. She would laugh from time to time, but she was never the cause of the trouble. I don't think that girl ever got into trouble. She was a little too good for my taste, but that's jsut me. (I am not talking about her. She knows I feel like this because i have told her on several occassions.)

Back to my story. Sis. Crawford was too serious with us. I often, with my outspoken self, told her that too. I don't think she minded so much as long as I was respectful. Most of the times I voiced my opinion in a respectful manner. THere were a few times, I wasn't respectful. One time, I got so mad at Sis. Crawford that I walked out of rehearsal and didn't come back for 3 weeks. She didn't go to my parents and say a wrod to them. When I came back to the choir and tried to sit on the organ, she politely told me to get up off the organ. She then told me that I had to earn my spot back as the main musician. It took a month. My mother went to Sis. Crawford and asked her why I wasn't playing. Sis. Crawford told my mother that she would have to discuss it with me.

I won't tell Sis. Crawford this, but she was a cool lady.

Sis. Crawford was always hard on LaDawnya, this guy named Arthur Craven, and I. Sis. Crawford always told us, "You all have too much potential for me to treat you all like you are children. You all need to develop your talents and use them for the Lord. I would put you all up against the best adults in the world."

Sis. Crawford was cool like that. SHe was always getting LaDawnya, Arthur, and me in come kind of workshop, contest, and talent show. She believed in us.

Back to getting into trouble...

I wasn't bad. I just did normal kid stuff, but it got blown out of proportion.

The Youth Choir/My Turning Point

2004-01-23T15:58:00.000-06:00

The youth choir at Harmon Street COGIC was a turning point in my life. I was able to be the main musician for the choir a few months after I joined.

The age groups for the choir was 13-21. I was able to join at 12 years old. LaDawnya Adams was made the choir director of the choir when she was 11 years old. The girl is an awesome director. Can't nobody out direct that girl. When she became one of the choir directors of the youth choir, she went to Sis. Crawford and asked her could I play for the youth choir. Sis. Crawford said that I could. After that, LaDawnya and I wrote history in the youth choir of the Harmon Street COGIC.

Singing And Things

2004-01-23T15:57:00.000-06:00

Everyone always asks me can I sing. I can sing well enough to sing background or to do a congregational song during testimony service. Other than that, I can't sing.

I get asked can I play any other instruments. I can play the piano, organ, keyboard, and a synthesizer. I can strum a little on the guitar, but I can't play it well enough to say I can play it. I can play the drums well enough to keep the beat during old school testimonial service.

The Shouting Music

2004-01-23T15:56:00.001-06:00

The shouting music was one way that would make people think you were an awesome musician. The more extra notes you could add in between the steady stream of jubilant music, the more excited people got about you playing. I became profiecient in playing the shouting music. Every time I heard someone play the shouting music, I tried to get close to them so I could see their fingers at work. I would memorize their finger movement and try to immulate it at the house. I would often try to get other musicians to let me play the shouting music. A lot of times, they would let me. I often heard, girl you better play that then.

There were several times when I knew I was in the flesh and I would mess something up. I don't think anyone else could tell, but I could sure tell. I begin to pray and ask God to annoint me when I played. He would annoint me. There have been times when I played the shouting music and did things that no one else had done. Other musicians would say, "Show me how to do that." I could only respond, "I don't know how I did that."

There is something about playing the shouting music. It is a totally free expression of your love and praise for the Lord. I love playing The Shouting Music.

Never Another R&B Song

2004-01-23T15:56:00.000-06:00

I got caught playing an R&B song once. My mother heard me playing at the house one day. She walked into the room and asked, "What are you playing?" I looked at her and said, "Just some music." She Said, "That don't sound like no church music to me." I just shrugged my shoulders. She walked over to me and grabbed my chin and asked, "What were you playing?" I didn't say anything. My mother repeated her question. I responded, "Awe, come on Mama. It's just music!" THat response caused me to not be able to play my keybord for a month. Believe me, I never played another R&B song in the house.

Christmas Story: The Preacher/The Pay

2003-12-26T15:55:00.000-06:00

I remember this one Christmas Season when we had one of my father's preacher friends come over for a visit.

I had to give up my room. I would still like to know why. (Although I do know why.) We had a three-bedroom house. One bedroom was my parents', one was mine, and the last one, was my father's study/office. (Why is it that the kids have to suffer when company comes over? Anyway, that's one for the ages.) So, with my dad's friend over, I ended up sleeping on a cot in my father's study.

My dad's friend came over for the weekend (Thursday through Monday). As usual, I was practicing on my keyboard. I was playing when my Dad's friend came in the living room, where my keyboard was kept. He said, "You play pretty good. How old are you?" I responded, "I am 12 years old." He smiled and said, "Can you back a preacher up?" I said, "Yes." He said, "Okay, let me see what you can do." Then he started preaching. I mean preaching. He was tuning up, hitting riffs, sang preaching, and everything. And stranger still, I was backing him up.

I promise you, I thought I was in church. Ole boy was hooping up a storm. He was preaching as if we were in a church jam packed with folk who were saying "Amen" and "Preach Preacher." After about ten minutes, my mother came into the living room. She walked in from the side where I could see her. I smiled, shrugged my shoulders, and kept on playing. She turned around smiling and walked away. A few minutes later, my mother came back into the living room and my father was with her. The thing you need to know about my father is that he loves to hear preachers preaching, so when my father saw his friend preaching, my father began encouraging him. Now, the living room for sho' felt like church. My mother left the living room laughing. I thought I needed to call for an usher because she was laughing so hard that she could barely walk. The sermon continued for about another 10 minutes. The dude was sweating. He had preached so hard, he was actually sweating. He had finally calmed down. He sung "Yes Lord." That was my song, so I could play that very well. My daddy was talking to him about his sermon. I assumed that my job was over, so I stood up from the keyboard, walked out of the living room, walked into my parents' room, fell on the bed and laughed forever.

Well, Sunday morning I got a surprise. Bishop Harmon said, "Today we have a guest speaker. Eld. Mannford will be preaching to us this morning. Let's give him a hand as he comes."

Eld. Mannford took the podium. He gave honor, said a few other words, and then said, "If you all don't mind, I brought my musician with me. Shannon could you come on up here and play for me." I looked around to see if he was talking about someone else. I looked at him, then at my father. They both were smiling at me. I looked at my mother. She told me to go on and play for him.

It isn't that I was shy or anything, I wasn't. I just didn't like to be surprised like that. I didn't move at first. Then Eld. Mannford said, "Ya'll give her a hand as she comes." Everyone started clapping. My mother nudged me, so I had to go then. I went up to the front of the church and sat on the organ. The minister of music looked at me as if I stolen something. I pushed it out of my mind. Eld. Mannford began singing "Yes Lord." I played the song. He preached. He started off slower than he had the day he preached at my house. He talked for about 20 minutes, and then he did the same riff that he had done at my house. I knew that was my cue to play. He preached, I played, everyone talked back to him. He preached some more, I played some more, everyone talked back to him some more. He finally finished. He performed the altar call. I was unsure of what to play then. I looked at my father for a clue of what to play. Eld. Mannford begin to sing a song I had never heard before. I was having a hard time playing it. The minister of music almost grabbed me by my collar and snatched me off the organ. Eld. Mannford looked at the musician. Whatever that look meant, the musician left me alone. Eld. Mannford sung the song again; this time I caught enough of it to fake my way through. By the end of the altar call, I could play the song as if I had been playing it for years.

After service, Eld. Mannford came over to me and hugged me. He said that I played very well. He then said, "Don't you ever let anyone make you get up from the organ unless you want to get up!" I have never forgotten that either. As he was leaving, he handed me a 20-dollar bill. That was the first time I had ever gotten paid to play.

Keyboard Christmas, The Keyboard

2003-12-26T15:54:00.000-06:00

The keyboard was very nice. It was only about three years old. It was a Beverian Portable Keyboard. It had the sound and feel of an acoustic piano. It also had several other sounds on it including an organ and a bass. It also had a pitch bend wheel. It came with a stand.

It was black. It could be connected to an amplifier. I was so proud of my keyboard. The first few weeks I had it, I was always playing it. I think I got on my parents' nerves because my father told me that I couldn't play the thing for a whole week. I thought I was going to pass out because I couldn't play my keyboard.

Keyboard Christmas, The Blessing

2003-12-26T15:44:00.000-06:00

I learned later on how my parents were able to get me the keyboard.

Actually my parents had talked about it and had decided that they couldn't get me the keyboard for Christmas. It was not cost effective that Christmas. My mother said that she was so hurt about it that she went and prayed about it. So, there were two prayers up before God about my keyboard.

My Sunday School teacher went up to my parents after Sunday School that Sunday I had requested prayer and told them that I had requested prayer for the keyboard. My mother looked hurt. My father just shook his head. My Sunday School teacher told them not to worry because her friend was a pastor and his church had just gotten a new keyboard. He had been looking for someone to give the keyboard to, but every time he tried to give it away to someone, the spirit told him not to give it to that person.

My Sunday School teacher said, "When Shannon raised her hands and made a prayer request, I heard, the keyboard is for her. So, I am going to call my friend to see when you all can go pick up the keyboard." My father told her no and that she didn't have to do that. My Sunday School teacher and mother ganged up on the poor man and told him, "This is a blessing from the Lord, you are going to go pick up the keyboard and give it to Shannon." My father had no choice.

God is an awesome God!

Keyboard Christmas

2003-12-26T15:43:00.000-06:00

At the age of ten, I asked my parents to get me a piano, keyboard, or organ for Christmas. My Mom gave me that mother's "We'll See Look." My Dad just smirked at me. I figured I wasn't gonna really get it.

In our Sunday School class, each Sunday our teacher asked us if we had any prayer request. I knew that prayer worked. I raised my hand. The teacher asked what was my request. I said, "I want the Lord to bless me with a keyboard." She said, "Alright, we will pray for you." Several other kids raised their hands with their prayer requests. This guy named Mardell Coleston was asked to pray. Mardell was 10 years old. He said that he had been called to be a preacher. Everyone called him Minister as well. He could pray something fierce. I had never heard him preach before, but he preached anything like he prayed, we were going to be an awesome preacher.

He prayed the ending prayer. He prayed with such an anointing that Sunday that we almost went to having church in our Sunday School class. Our Sunday School teacher went to speaking in tongues and everything. Everyone in the class knew that something was going to happen as a result of that prayer.

After Sunday School, Mardell came up to me and said, "God's gonna bless you with a keyboard, so you can play for me when I do my revivals. Remember I said that. God told me that I was supposed to ask you to play for me when I do my revivals. I ask for a sign to be sure. Your prayer request was the sign I needed. Just know that God is going to give you that keyboard." I nodded my head to signify that I had heard him, but I wasn't too sure about what he had said.

I will be the first one to admit that I didn't go in much for the deep religiosity that some people go in for. But something inside me clicked with Mardell when he said what he said. I just shrugged it off because I wasn't sure about playing for Mardell. Plus I didn't think my father would let me play for him.

I went on believing that I was going to get my keyboard. I didn't bug my parents. I didn't say anything else to them. I just knew in my spirit that I was going to get my keyboard. I still wasn't sure about playing for Mardell, but I knew I was getting my keyboard.

I woke up on Christmas morning. I ran to the living room with expectation. I was looking for any indication that my keyboard was in the house. There was no indication. I felt a bit dejected, but then I heard a voice say, "He may not come when you want Him, but He's always on time." The feeling of dejection left.

I opened all my Christmas gifts with a smile on my face and confidence in my heart. I never asked my parents about the keyboard. After all, Mardell never said that I was going to get it for Christmas.

That year, we went over to my uncle's house for dinner. We ate dinner. It was time to go in the living room and sing Christmas carols. My uncle said, "I sure we had a piano or something so Shannon could play for us." Then my father and one of my cousins walked into the living room carrying a keyboard. My father said, "Now she does." I screamed and ran to grab my father. I almost made my father drop his end of the keyboard. My cousin yelled for me to move.

They got the keyboard set-up and plugged in. I sat down at the keyboard. The first thing I started playing on it was some shouting music. I will never know what came over me, but that's what my fingers went to playing. The next thing I know, my father, mother, uncle, and three of my cousins were dancing and praising the Lord. Now that I think back on the day, it is kind of funny to me, but on that Christmas, my family and I had a shouting good time.

God had blessed me with a keyboard for Christmas.

No Particular Order

2003-12-26T15:42:00.000-06:00

My stories are in no particular order. I just add them as I think of them. The whole thing is that all of the stories not matter the order, have lead to My Evolution As A Church Girl.

My Christmas Song

2003-12-13T15:40:00.000-06:00

By the time I was 9 years old, I could play pretty good. I thought I had finally convinced the sunshine band director to let me play in the Christmas play.

I wanted to play Silent Night as a piano solo. She said, "We'll see," of my request. I didn't know what that really mean.

The day of the Christmas program, I had on a brand new freshly pressed dress. I had on a brand new pair of stockings, which I hated wearing. I had on some new shoes that matched my dress, plus my hair was styled.

I sat and waited the whole program to play my Christmas Song. As the last person did their thing, I thought to myself, "My song is going to be the last thing everyone remembers."

Well, the mistress of ceremony asked for the benediction from the pulpit. The elder benedicted. I ran to my mother's arms, weeping. My mother gave me another saint and went over to the Sunshine Band director and gave her a piece of her mind.

Later, my mother told me that I could quit the Sunshine Band if I wanted to, which I wanted to do. My father, the diplomat that he is said, "Baby, you can't quit because something doesn't go your way. What if Christ had come down off that cross?"

That made me mad. My dad's answer to everything was, "What if Christ had come down off the cross?"

I didn't quit the Sunshine Band. I never got to play my Christmas song either.

The Yes Lord Praise

2003-11-22T15:36:00.000-06:00

The Yes Lord Praise is my favorite song to play. There is something about that song that makes you just wanna cry and weep before the Lord.

Sis. Smith taught me how to play that song first. I bugged her all the time to play that song, so she taught me how to play it. I can play the song exactly like she could. I played it so much like she did that she had to tell me to make the song mine. She told me to feel the song when I played it. At the age of 6, I made the song mine. Mother Briggs was singing the song during testimonial service. Sis. Smith let me play the song. Mother Briggs sung it for a while. At one point, Mother Briggs said, "Play the song for me baby!" I began to play "Yes Lord" like I had never played it before. My fingers were hitting keys I didn't even know I could reach. Behind me I heard Sis. Smith yell, "You better play girl!" I heard my father's voice say, "Play it, baby!" After awhile, people began dancing. I couldn't play the shouting music, so Sis. Smith slid in beside me and began playing the shouting music. I don't remember much after that, but my mother told me that I danced up a storm that night.

Words of Encouragement

2003-11-22T15:35:00.000-06:00

I attended a workshop given by DM Adkins at age 11. That was fun. She was hard on me though. After the workshop, she told me that I had the potential to be a great musician, that's why she was so hard on me.

I didn't think twice about it, because everyone always told me that, plus I was only 11 years old. I didn't realize how important that moment was in my life until three years later, when DM Adkins picked me to be the main musician for a youth music conference that she and some others were doing.

The Music

2003-11-22T15:20:00.000-06:00

I can play classical, jazz, swing, and most importantly all styles of gospel music.

I took lessons at the Hathaway Conservatory.

I first had some say in my music lesson, when I turned seven. Up until then, I had only been taught how to play gospel music. I heard one of my music teacher's other students playing a piano solo by the Youngstown Orchestra. I asked my teacher if I could learn to play that classical piece. She said that I would have to talk to my parents. I went into the room where the person was playing the song and listened for a few minutes. It was a girl named Charmaine Reginay. She was 14. I asked her could I watch her play. She said I could. I watched her play. After awhile, I asked her could she show me how to play what she was playing. She laughed and said yea. She showed me. I asked could I play. She laughed again and said yea. I played it. She smiled at me and then told me to move so she could practice. After that, Charmaine gave me music lessons, unbeknownst to my music teacher or parents.

I took lessons from Charmaine for a month. My music teacher caught us and told us both off, then told our parents. Charmaine's parents didn't care, but my parents were livid.

I got in trouble. My mother didn't want me to go back to the conservatory. She wanted me to go to a Christian music teacher. I told my parents that I liked playing classical music and that there wasn't anything wrong with it. I almost got grounded forever. My father told me that sanctified folk didn't listen to or play anything but gospel. I told him that what he said was stupid and that God wouldn't have created classical music if we couldn't play it. My mother wanted to snatch me up right then. My father stopped her and sent me to my room.

I don't know what transpired between my parents, but I was able to learn to play and listen to almost any type of music I wanted to play. There are still some forms of music that are off limits, but that's okay.

Starting Out...

2003-11-22T15:18:00.000-06:00

I began singing at the age of two. My mother said I had a pretty high-pitched voice. She said that I walked around singing the congregational songs. According to those who were there, Mother Hattie Briggs would let me lead the congregational songs with her at church. Everyone loved to hear me sing those songs. I sung them with such sincerity.

Mother Briggs has always said, "Chile, you had to be airnointed, all them mothers that laid hands on yo' mama's belly."

At age four, I began playing the organ. I was always asking our musician then, Sis. Dafronya Smith, if she would show me how to play the organ. She always told me I was too small. After awhile, she let me sit on her lap and she showed me some chords. She said I had a natural ability and suggested to my mother that she get me lessons.

Of course, my mother got me those lessons.

These Are They

2003-11-22T15:17:00.001-06:00

There are some folk who help to make me the person that I am today.

Mother - Adrian Marion

Father - Eld. David Marion

Pastor - Bishop Fifty N. Handsome

First Lady - Sis. Cynthia Handsome

Church Mother - Mother Hattie Briggs

Musical Teacher/Torturer - Sis. Amelia Crawford

My Girl Forever - LaDawnya Adams

Harmon Street COGIC

2003-11-22T15:17:00.000-06:00

I grew up in Harmon Street COGIC. Every since I can remember, I have been a member of Harmon Street. I guess I never really thought about leaving because I am the musician for the youth choir. I like playing for the youth choir, although at times, I can't stand Sis. Amelia Crawford. She is the president of the youth choir. It's not that she is a bad person or anything, but sometimes she forgets that we are just kids and want to have fun.

I'm Here

2003-11-22T15:13:00.000-06:00

I began my life as a church baby on 10/12/1982. Born to Eld. David Marion and Sis. Adrian Marion. I was five days early from what I understand, but I am here. My destiny was predestined while I was in
my mother's womb.

On the Floor...

2003-09-10T14:12:00.000-06:00

It has been told to me by those who were there that will I was in my mother's womb; my mother was on the floor of a Pentecostal church getting either saved, delivered, or reclaimed. With an entry like that, how could I possibly be anything other than a church girl?

I noticed that pattern alot. Whenever a woman was pregnant in the church, especially the Black Pentecostal Church, all of the older women (ages 50 and up) would walk by her at different times and lay their hands on the stomach of the pregnant woman. I was told that these women were praying for the baby. This doesn't happen anymore in the church world. I wonder why. Who really knows?

I am glad that whatever was happening to my mother, that while I was in her stomach; she was on the floor of a little Pentecostal Church getting some Jesus in her and in me.

I thank God that I am a Church Girl.

Definition of A Church Baby

2003-09-10T14:08:00.000-06:00

Church Baby: (n)

1. Someone who has been attending church since the age of three or four.

2. Someone who has served in a number of positions as a child and teenager in the church. I.E. junior usher board, junior deacon, etc.

3. Someone who when they go back to their home church (1st church home), the people there still think of them as that cute little "Surname" boy/girl eventhough you are grown. I.E. "Ain't you that Brown boy, Willie James' son/daughter?"

4. Someone who can imitate the praise style of almost any person who they see praise after watching them one time. This is very prelivant in the Pentecostal movement.

5. Someone who can say all of their books of the Bible, the Beatitudes, the 23rd Psalms, the Lord's Prayer, 2 Timothy 2:15, 1 Thessalonians 5:22, and some other important scriptures, Biblical facts, and Biblical history.

You too might be a church baby if you fit two or more of the characteristics above.

Stay Tuned...

2003-09-07T14:03:00.000-06:00

I am a church girl. I always have been. I always will be. Just stay tuned to learn about the EVOLUTION of a CHURCH GIRL!