Strength does not come from what you can do. It comes from overcoming the things you once thought you could not – Rikki Rogers. To overcome, one has to be deliberate, assured and determined. It is not as the ticking hands of time that swing by its nature. Through the process of Pain, Scars and Triumph, one has to be vulnerable to the process of purpose and God’s will. Team Track & Mingle has paced the focus on one such survivor who wears the brand “Overcomer”, Marsha Burrell-Rose. Marsha wears the garment of a warrior, one who has faced death more than the heart desires yet, has knitted gloves of Faith and Strength through her encounters – she has won and has proclaimed the Grace of God as her testimony of victory.
Marsha has engraved her steps with a concretized will to live, not to merely be alive, but to influence and to empower. Sure, her smile evokes a sense of armistice but; her journey is multi-layered with facets that hold the chronicles of trials and the scent of near death experiences. A certified chef who is known by her peers and siblings as the “mother hen” has struggled with Rheumatic Heart Disease. During her stint at St. Hugh’s High School for Girls, she eluded every physical activity, due to the associated risks. Subsequently, another diagnosis came and this time it was Scoliosis. Each time her sneakers are fastened, and she steps on that track, she is cognizant that she is nothing shy of a miracle that walks.
Depression also rocked her world and it was not glacier pace, to the point, her life seemed irrelevant and void of worth. She struggled with this relentless force and won eventually. To date, her most viscous battle however, clashed during the chapter of her pregnancy. She recalled, “Everything that could go wrong with my body, went wrong”. This combat protracted after she gave birth - her young was also battling to cling to life. She recounted that specific instant she held her new born and prayed. At that moment, she witnessed life returning to her child.
Ten Thousand diamonds, one million Pearls will perish in an attempt to objectify the heart she holds; she simply serves as her identity in Christ – she gives unendingly. She currently serves as Development and Marketing Manager at Food for the Poor. There, she has started the Food for the Poor 5K event, which through sponsorship and partnership has provided hundreds of homes and other necessities to the less fortunate. Furthermore, she has started a ministry (through her former restaurant) called “Divine Intervention” which currently feeds hundreds of persons, naturally and spiritually. Today, that ministry continues to empower and to crochet a blanket of friendship with local residents. Marsha’s heart is a sponge to the need and cry of others. This truth has again lead her to the dome of uncompromised care, thus the birth of Women of Hope MBR an online ministry she has started and currently hosts.
Irrespective of her trail blazing catalogue of serving, she has made it her stance to accredit all to God, who has saved, empowered and blessed her with life and purpose.
Here are a few more tokens from the treasure chest of Marsha Burrell-Rose.
What is your most embarrassing moment?
Years ago when I use to attend Carnival, I was on one of the trucks playing music that was very contagious. I ended up climbing on the rail, which was not able to sustain my weight. It eventually gave way under my feet and I fell. Embarrassed as I was, I resumed my dancing, even though my knees were bruised and bloody…that was embarrassing.
Do you have any regrets of the past?
I have no regrets about my past. I have had some panful experiences; I know what it is like for people to hate you because you exist. I know what it is like for people to dislike you when they do not understand the pain you are going through. Your pain influences you to do things not because you want to but you really think that is a way of escape. The Lord has allowed me to go through that process, so I am able to understand others and to serve them.
What is your general advice to fellow runners?
Be your brother’s keeper! Also, stay in your lane as in; do not compare your gift with others. Know what you can do and take your time to improve and develop.
What about life that interests you?
I love the gift of sacrificial service. I love being that person who will be there for others, I am thrilled connecting with persons and helping them to become a better version of themselves.
What about life that annoys you?
When persons are not real. Pretentious persons affect other persons because, they are not being real.
If you were to be an animal, which would it be?
A dog. I have seen the nature of protection and companionship my dogs have towards my child. They are very protective of her and that makes me more comfortable.
What does running mean to you?
When I put my sneakers on, it reminds me I can do anything I tell myself I can do. I have the power within to get it done, even if it means crawling, I will do it. I was told I could not run so now, I just run and that my friend, is determination.
Marsha’s determination to overcome is authentic, unapologetic and daring. In the year 2020 (Reggae Marathon), she decided to do the half marathon to Palisadoes, although she was not training. It took sheer courage to complete the task. Along the way came tears, pain/ cramps, dust, the enticement to stop but her eyes were affixed to strength and her legs, the drive to overcome and so she did!
Team Track & Mingle solutes this Overcomer, Marsha Burrell-Rose - a true gem among us.