My CartIn July I had a Freedom Sale and asked you all to share your Freedom Stories with me. In celebration of my very on “Freedom Story” I chose one person to come and spend the day with me at my expense. I chose Angel Gunn. I know in my heart that her name was supposed to be Angel because she was! Angel was the sweetest person I’ve met in a very long time.
I’ve been asked a few times why I chose Angel so, here’s why. Angel’s Freedom story was selfless. In her second sentence she spoke about how she considered herself a Soldier and Freedom fighter because she fight’s so that others may have spiritual freedom. Wow! How selfless is that? Just in case you didn’t get a chance to read her story I’ve included it in the blog. I think everyone can get something from reading what she had to say.
Angel D. Gunn Says:
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:39 pm
Marquetta, As an U.S. Soldier you fought and worked for our nation’s freedom. I consider myself a solider and a freedom fighter as well. I fight so that others may have spiritual freedom; I am a soldier for Christ. And everyday that I fight is a day of celebration for me as I am now free from my past, free from my sins, free from fear, fear from low self-esteem, free from the chains of life that had me bound. Although, I’m nearly 25 years old in a few weeks, I am proud to say that I can celebrate life in its truest freedom. In 2005, I was so lost I had no direction, I had been used, abused, confused, mislead and was making all the wrong choices, but there was somebody fighting for my freedom all along. My father introduced me to a man who died so that I might be free, his name is Jesus.
When I realized that I could be free, and he had signed away my ransom, my whole life changed. I gave up everything moved from Quincy, Florida and I went on the road to Havelock, NC to work in full-time ministry and live in a hotel room with my sister for a year and a half. We did this in support of my father, which is my Bishop, to help him share the freedom of salvation and new life with others. I forfeited a career and education opportunities so that I could show others that true freedom is nearer than we think. I began to travel to various states working with choirs, praise teams, women, children and anyone who desired to be set free.
I developed a passion and talent for hair and fashion style as a child age nine (9), so as I traveled in ministry I also began to work with other women to help them realize their physical and inner beauty. This too made me feel free and helped me to help others become free from the chains of feeling unattractive or having a low self-esteem. My desire has become to attend cosmetology school or to be professionally trained to further my talent and skills, but because of my dedication to the work of God I have put aside the opportunities. Each time professional training was made available, God asked me to wait just a little bit longer, because there was more work for me to do, and because of my faith in him I am free enough to hold off on my dream to perhaps help someone else realize theirs through knowing God.
I’ll never forget the day this young lady asked me could I do two-strand twist and I knew of the hair style but never occurred to me to try it. So I told her I would look into to it. Before I did, I was always taught to pray first to get God’s direction and as I was praying, “Lord now how am I going to learn how to do this style.” He told me to get on the computer just as clear as day. So guess what Marquetta, I did and I found you immediately and I didn’t have all of the money to get everything you had to improve my skills but, I found exactly what I needed. I wanted everything!!!!! It was like a child in a candy store. I SWIPED THAT CARD SO FASSSST, the purchase was completed.
I ran to the mailbox, popped that DVD in and the next thing I knew I was corn- rowing, micro- braiding with the slipknot, two strand twisting away and those girls were beautiful and satisfied. God lead me to you. Then, you came out with the Lace Frontal System and I wanted that so bad I showed the special to all of my family members and we all didn’t have enough to purchase the system even when you did all you could to make it into three payments. I’m sure I almost cried, but I knew that it would be another chance for me to purchase, or even given to me as a gift. And now I have a chance to win all of your products. WOW!!!
You and your team helped me, help free other people. Take a moment and think of all those lives and heads that I’ve touched because I was able to expand my skills………..you all were apart too, you, your husband, your children, models, the whole company! Thanks Albert Camus, a famous author and philosopher, once said: “Freedom is nothing else but a chance to be better.” And because of the freedom I found in God I have been given the chance to be better and because he redirected my life I found a passion and talent in me that can give other women the chance to be, feel and look better through hair and fashion styling.
Today I’m currently residing in Greenville, NC while awaiting my opportunity to complete professional training, I also work to inspire and help other women as an Avon beauty consultant and work with women’s clothing at a family-owned business. And while I am patiently, awaiting my opportunity to complete cosmetology school, I believe that a chance to meet you and learn about your hair styling systems will be an educational opportunity for me. I will have the chance to get to know someone who also has helped others to feel free through service to our country and hair care products. Remember this: somebody needs your change (freedom) – it means everything. Here is a slideshow of some of my work, and some of these (especially the first) I learned from you: http://outofthisworldproductions.com/AngelGunnPortfolio.aspx This is my freedom story!
Sincerely,
Angel D. Gunn
Angel and I talked over the phone a few times to be sure we made arrangements prior to her arrival. From the moment I spoke to her, I knew there was something special about her. Angel was so down to earth and friendly! I immediately thought to myself, “We’re going to have a good time!”
Angel arrived in Charleston around 8 or 9PM. We’d arranged to meet for dinner once she arrived. Dinner was great. We ate at T-Bones one of my favorite restaurants Downtown Charleston. Dinner was filled with conversation about hair, God, and life. It was great!
The next day we decided to have lunch at “Bubba Gump Shrimp” Downtown Charleston. The food was great and so was the company. We completed the day with a trip to the Movies to see “The Time-Traveler’s Wife”. Great movie!
The evening ended with my son Cale getting sick with a high fever so, I had to head home instead of going to dinner again that afternoon. Angel was great and understanding and we had an outstanding time!
Before I go, I just want to thank all of you who shared your stories! I really enjoyed reading them all! Take care and be blessed!
Marquetta