The Reason for This Book  (Cont.)

 

On a larger scale I was, unknowingly, a part of a greater conspiracy to eradicate hope in the African American community. This was being accomplishment through my participation in crime, immoral behavior, drug use and trafficking. Though I was up to no good and to some no good to society, I prospered. I grew in stature and prominence amongst my peers. I was hero and villain, friend and foe. I was respected and feared. I disappointed many people and destroyed many relationships. Most of all I broke my mothers heart. From a distance she watched and I am assured she prayed.

 

In 1979 I believed I knew enough about life and everything in it. I believed all I had accomplished was under my control. That was when I began to feel what I now know was the presence of God and from then on things were different. Everything that followed led to my salvation. There was complete change in the course of my life. Does God speak in a room filled with drug induced, socially rejected castaways of humanity where God himself is rejected? Yes, He would and He did. Over the next few years I was presented with new opportunities. New relationships were established old relationships were restored. I was further blessed with the honor to get to know my mother as a woman and to see her heart. My community began to accept me as a man of integrity and not as a predator. God gave me a new reputation. He restored my marriage, established my relationships with my children and so much more.

 

I have come to realize who I am as a participant in the bigger picture of life. I am a survivor. I’m a doer. I am someone who has made a claim on what is available to improve my conditions. I am a self-made man living by my wits. I am a man who is completely sold-out for Jesus. I am a man who believes in hope. I know that the account of my life will impact many who are caught up in the life of drugs, gangs, and guns. Maybe it will affect someone who can’t put down the narcotic because there is nothing better to pick up that comforts as thoroughly. Maybe someone’s ties to their family and friends have been severed and feel as if reconciliation is impossible. Or maybe you too have prospered and are doing well, but a deep sense of dissatisfaction lingers down in your heart and snatches the joy from your life. Well, there is hope. I pray my story inspires you to hope, to ask, to seek, and to knock on the door of life. I desire with all my heart that a fair chance be given to all who read this book. I desire to encourage you to express the innate ability God has placed within you. I desire for you to survive and for us to overcome.