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Toni Hatton, The Attractive Thinker ©…
Vocal Artist, Author, Speaker, Vision and Wellness Mentor
"It's Not What You're Going Through, But How You're Viewing It!" ~Toni Hatton Book: Don’t Be Afraid: He’s Preparing You!
Excerpt "This is not happening! There's been a mistake!" These were some of my thoughts as I sat in the doctors' office on Saturday, October 17, 1987. I felt like the devil had slapped me in the face and said, "Surprise!! You thought you were going to be happy! Surprise!! Who told you that you were going to get by that easy? I told you as a child, that you'd never be anything, you'd never have anything and no one would ever want you! Surprise!! Surprise!!" A visit to an ophthalmologist revealed Bilateral Retinoblastoma, which means that my 10-month old son had cancerous tumors in the retinas of both of his eyes. I had just begun to live, so I thought. I was twenty years old, had been married going on two years, and what I always wanted was growing inside of me, a baby boy! I remember how happy I was throughout my pregnancy. Especially after I got over the morning sickness and the migraine headaches! I’d watch closely as my stomach moved up, down, and all around as my baby became more and more active. My stomach expanded far beyond the waistband of most of my pants and skirts. But that was fine with me, because I felt privileged to have a life living and moving around inside of me. I greatly anticipated his arrival. Photo Cube Generator At that time, medical technology was not as advanced as it is today. Sometimes the sonogram could reveal whether the baby was a boy or a girl, and sometimes it could not. So, by faith I believed I had received what I’d asked God for--a baby boy! Before he was born, I bought most of his baby clothing and bedding in blue. When I rubbed my stomach, I called him Lil’ Kevin, which means “Kind and Gentle.” I read and talked to him every day. I adjusted my diet according to what was recommended for expectant mothers. I loved drinking Pepsi, but because of its’ caffeine content, I stopped drinking it. I craved Lucky Charms in the morning and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for lunch. Sometimes I’d come home from work and my husband, whom I’ll refer to as Big Kevin because my son shares the same name, would meet me at the front door with the perfect combination of peanut butter and jelly on a sandwich. You know how we are ladies, if the food we crave is not just right, it just does not satisfy, and everyone around us knows it! Therefore, it had to have two spoonfuls of peanut butter and one spoonful of jelly! I also loved Kentucky Fried Chicken, but after I became pregnant, it tasted and smelled like every single piece was burnt and cooked over an open fire. I don’t know how healthy my cravings were, but they sure did satisfy! Lil’ Kevin was my heart. Little did I know that when God wants to get our attention, he tugs at our heart! There are many plans in a man’s heart, but the purpose of God prevails. (Proverbs 19:21) There are times when God shows us the blessings He has in store for us, but what He does not show us is what we have to go through to get there. God gave Joseph a dream telling him that he would be used in a mighty way. What He did not tell Joseph was that before the dream would become reality, he would be sold like a slave by his own brothers, falsely accused, and thrown into jail. I also had some dreams of my own, dreams of having a loving marriage with lots of children. I also had dreams of singing on stage in front of lots of people. Not just singing to sound good, but singing to bring about a change in the lives of my audience. As a child I’d sit in the window of my bedroom and sing, imagining I was in a movie or something. I did a little bit of singing in middle school. One year, as the Christmas shoppers traveled to and fro on a cold December afternoon, I sang Ave’ Marie with my school chorus. As a senior in high school, I sang for several school functions. I’ve been a member of three different church choirs, being the lead singer for several songs. Still trying to pursue my passion, while I was one month pregnant with my third child, I took singing lessons with Mrs. Carter, whose husband was the director of the Morgan State University choir in Baltimore, Maryland. As for my dreams of having a family, I always wanted 7 children. I used to sit in class while attending middle school, and while some other kids would doodle and draw pictures on their notebooks, I’d write down 7 names, first and middle names, of my future children. I would go to the Inner Harbor and sit on the bench just to watch the babies go by in their strollers. So many precious faces, so many wonderful little people. I’d dream of having a house full of these precious little people. Unknowingly, God’s ultimate plan for my life was just beginning!
The book, Don't Be Afraid: He's Preparing You! gives
you an inside look into Toni and her son's 18 year journey, as they jump over, maneuver, and rejoice through
challenge after challenge and victory after victory! At 10 months old, Toni Hatton's son, Kevin, was diagnosed with Retinoblastoma,
cancer of the eyes. Little did they know, this was preparation for their purpose!
At the time Toni and her son entered into this unpredictable journey, Toni had difficulty finding wisdom and direction. This book is a compilation of Toni's journal. She purposed to give to others what was not given to her, using words that speak when you no longer can! Don't Be Afraid: He's Preparing You! is a must read for all ages! If you ever wanted to show your children the power of a dream... If you've ever felt alone and didn't know how to you were going to make it... If you want to inspire others to believe in the impossible, then this book is for you! You will be motivated to no longer accept "No!" for an answer, to pursue the dreams you've buried for so long, and to believe that you too have a story that must be heard!
Click Here to purchase Don't Be Afraid: He's Preparing You! Ebook Version
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Enoch Pratt Free
Library
ReisterstownPlaza 6796ReisterstownRoad Baltimore, Md 21215 410-318-8698 Restoring Life International Church Bookstore
Book Reviews Hi Toni,
Thanks, Margaret _____________________________________________________ What you read about Kevin is already a miracle and to see the self-sufficient young man he has become is another miracle. His life has been one of miracles and he has more to come his way. God is preparing him for greater things! May God bless every page, every book, and every reader who opens it and enters into these lives. As Toni has said, “Don't Be Afraid”. As He has prepared Toni, He will prepare you too through her experiences.
Gratefully submitted by: Rosetta Thompson CEO The Wedding Library and Cafe www.theweddinglibraryandcafe.com _____________________________________________________
Lydia Rugh
Toni Hatton's book, "Don't Be Afraid: He's Preparing You!", has been a true inspiration. I felt her fear and pain, as one mother to another. Then I realized how God truly made a miracle happen out of a tragic situation. God gave her hope and determination and she persevered. God never left her side. He gave her the strength to go on. As I read her book I could feel the Lords presence in her life. " I will never leave you nor forsake you." Hebrews 13:5
Rose Willson Fort Meade, MD I just wanted to let you know that I read your book and really enjoyed it. I could not put it down until I was done. You've talked about having a blind son, but never fully in detail. I commend you on sharing your courageous journey. I know that I don't know what I would have done if I was in your shoes. You have shown me that with perseverance, you can survive! You are a great encourager and have shown people that with the right attitude, you don't have to give up on life. Kevin is a great warrior! Keep up the good work!
Ms. Toni Hatton,
Bernice Coles, Bernice Coles Unlimited, LLC
Chevella Wilson Kennion "I have had the wonderful
opportunity along with my church congregation to be thoroughly inspired by words of encouragement and
enthusiam by Toni Hatton. Her passion is always displayed and the love that she shares with all that know her is truly
a gift. Thank you Toni for blessing me!"
Senior Pastor & Founder El' Shaddai Worship Ctr COJC www.joycefreemanministries.com
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Email: thproductions@tonihatton.com