EDEN PARK – Growing up in Eden Park as the eldest of the big Petersen family, Natalie Abrahams realised at an early age that her passion lies with people.
Apart from being in a caring motherly role from an early age, often looking after her younger siblings, cousins and nieces, she came to a point in her life where she felt it necessary to give people the hope and tools to literally get up and go on – no matter what life has dished out.
And this is what her book is all about – an ordinary girl who had extraordinary dreams, a girl who believed in herself even when nobody else did.
“My book gives insight into my life. I speak about my own failures and setbacks. I tell the story about how I decided to get up and go on… it is for young and old and gives insight into my life and 15 years of marriage – the good and the bad.”
Natalie is a firm believer that most people try to blend in instead of living to their full potential and be a person who stands out. And that is her mission in the world, to change this mindset, to change the world, one person at a time, because everyone matters.
“People think our lives are trial- and error-free. This first book of mine is a way of showing people that it is not true. In the book I am transparent about my mistakes, past experiences, but also my decision to live life with purpose and for a purpose. I am blessed and have been called for such a time as this – to be blessed and be a blessing to others.”
When asked what she would like to share with her community and readers the message is quite simple: “You have the power and ability to create the life you believe you deserve. It all starts in your thoughts,” she says, “then your words and then your actions. Think good and positive about yourself and your life. Picture the life you want, use your mouth to speak positively about it and then you have to start to behave as if you already are. Your life is in your hands.”
Speaking to Natalie, it becomes clear that she holds her community close to her heart and that she is actively involved in Eden Park. With hubby on her side, they run different programmes through their church, aimed at uplifting the community – young and old, singles and those in relationships and married couples. “It started when Ron and I were ordained as pastors. He always had a passion for the youth, and my passion lies with women and couples. We have always wanted to give back and so our great journey started.”
Their outreach gave birth to Virtuous WoMan Connect, which includes seminars and workshops for women and couples, and this lead to Natalie writing a 12-week self-esteem programme. The couple is involved in the newly established Community Watch Forum in Eden Park, and they are also the visionaries of New Life Recovery Centre, a support group for recovering addicts and their families. On top of this Natalie still sees patients and families affected by cancer, and Ronnie runs events for children at the church, especially during the festive season. They both serve on the Eden Park Church Forum, and then Natalie also had to find the time for several interviews on Good Morning Africa channel 154.
*Natalie’s book, Get Up and Go On, will be launched in Eden Park this Sunday, December 7 at Eden Park High School (woodwork class) between 16:00 and 17:00. Food will be for sale, and Natalie’s book will be available at R120 per copy. You can also order the book directly from Virtuous WoMan Connect at virtuouswconnect@gmail.com or by phoning 061 429 9544 or 082 774 9616. To find out more about the organisation, visit their Facebook page: Virtuous Woman Connect.
