by Charlene Holmes
Some people meander through life aimlessly not knowing why they were created. Well, here’s a clue: Before God formed us in our mother’s womb, He had a purpose for our life. If you feel very strongly about doing something and derive enjoyment from doing it, God created you to share that talent with the world.
Mrs. V’Sheryl A. Harrison discovered her passion when she was 16 years old and made a career out of doing it.
She explained, “I used to watch my mother when she was in the kitchen cooking and baking for our family. Momma never bought food from fast food places or anything that was already prepared. She loved feeding her family and cooked three meals a day. My Momma could make a meal out of anything and it tasted good and we were full.”
Over the years, Mrs. Harrison has worked two jobs fulfilling her passions of cooking and baking. “I view cooking seriously. I love cooking. If I would not eat it, I will not serve it to anyone else,” she stated.
Mrs. Harrison said her favorite things to bake are cakes. “I can bake any and all kinds of cakes from scratch,” she emphasized.
Her culinary skills are activated when she prepares meals. “I love cooking Christmas Dinner, Thanksgiving Dinner and any kind of soul food meals.” She said she enjoys making turkey and dressing, ham, potato salad, macaroni and cheese, cornbread and pies. I cook the whole works,” she laughed.
Mrs. Harrison shared that she, too, just like her mother loves to cook for her family which consists of her husband and granddaughter.
She beams with pride when she talks about her granddaughter, Kassandre, whom she has raised since she was 6 years old. “Kassandre was the main reason why I worked two jobs. I love her and wanted her to have what she needed and be encouraged to achieve any goal that she desired.”
Kassandre is now a 21- year -old Senior Biology Major at Stillman College. “She loves to cook. She’ll call me from time to time for cooking information,” Mrs. Harrison said.
“My grandmother is one of the strongest women that I know. She is my world. If it were not for her, I would not be in college almost ready to graduate. I commend her for taking care of me and encouraging me and helping me. I love her from the bottom of my heart,” shared Kassandre Harris.
Even though her granddaughter is on her own, Mrs. Harrison said she still likes to cook for her husband of five years.
“He tells me to slow down and not cook so much, but I can’t help it. I love cooking for my family. My momma told me to always cook for my husband-regardless. And I do,” she added.
Mrs. Harrison said she would advise people who do not like to cook or do not know how to cook to take the time and do it. “Once you get started, you’ll love it. All married women or women who have children should know how to cook. Buy a cookbook and practice,” she suggested.
Besides cooking, Mrs. Harrison said she loves to go to church. “God is the one who gives me the knowledge to do what I do and the good health to do it. His joy makes me smile and be pleasant even when I am having a bad day. My love for Him makes me treat people the way that I want to be treated.”
Mrs. Harrison said she plans to retire from one of her jobs in a few months but looks forward to continuing her association with Publix Grocery Store.
