BY The Cincinnati Enquirer
True love conquers pain and tragedy. It's a gift, said Marjorie Wallace McDaniel.
She means love of God, self and family.
Mrs. McDaniel is chaplain for Children's Hospital Medical Center and the Cincinnati Police Division.
She documents what love and faith have meant to her by telling her life story of the trials, errors, failures and successes that landed her at her present position.
"I talk about my background because I believe it will help young people overcome low self-esteem and fears," she said. "I want them to know that their lives are not over because of circumstances that seem to never end."
Mrs. McDaniel is the oldest of 13 siblings, born in Laurel, Miss., to a domestic worker and a truck driver.
She came to Cincinnati at age 13 and was a mother at 16, which led her to drop out of school in the 10th grade.
"For five years, I didn't know where my baby's father was," she said.
Her daughter, Deneara, now 30, wanted to know about her father. Mrs. McDaniel found him and married him. She learned that Larry McDaniel had been on drugs for five years.
After he married Mrs. McDaniel, she said, his craving for drugs started drifting away.
"He did it by himself without any outside help, except God," Mrs. McDaniel said. "I didn't nag him or criticize him for what he had done. I was there for him when he needed me. And I was in love with him."
When Mrs. McDaniel's mother died, leaving eight children, she and her husband took them in and raised them along with their three.
Mrs. McDaniel returned to school and received her general educational development degree and a medical assistance certificate from the Cincinnati Metropolitan College.
She attended the University of Cincinnati from 1986-1990, receiving an associate of arts degree and a certificate in women's studies.
She worked as an in-school suspension teacher in Cincinnati Public Schools for eight years.
She received a bachelor's degree in Christian education and a master's in theology from Grace International University.
"I want young people to know that no matter what happens, life goes on and it can be whatever we make of it. Prayer plays a big part in my life and my profession. I pray about 15 times a day in my job as chaplain at Children's Hospital," she said.
The Madisonville couple serve as elders at the Word of Deliverance Ministries for the World in Forest Park.
With a quick, jovial smile, Mr. McDaniel refers to his background by saying: "God brought me from the guttermost to the uttermost." They offer their background, love and devotion as a gift to the public.
"I think that is an ideal holiday gift. To God be the glory," she said.
Allen Howard's column runs on Saturdays. Call: 768-8362. Mail: The Cincinnati Enquirer, 312 Elm St., Cincinnati 45202.
