I grew up in the Norfolk,
Virginia. My mom was always in and out of jail, so my dad was my sole
caregiver. Tommy, my dad started off working in insurance but moved his passion
to be a used car salesman about 2 years ago. When he made his job change, there
was not much time for us to hangout, anymore. My dad regularly worked from sun
up to sun down! His job consisted of giving cash-strapped customers a good deal
on used vehicles. He would also give out loans on the used vehicles and keep
the title for a collateral. That way when the borrower paid their car off, my
dad would give them the title to their vehicle back. My dad loved his job. He
loved helping people, however he constantly dealt with rude customers who could
no longer afford their vehicle due to hardship and high interest rates. Before
I knew it, my dad had been there for a year and my life was taking a turn for
the worst!
I was part of the inner-city
youth. My dad was never home so I started stealing and selling drugs at the
young age of 12 to get extra money. Before I knew it, it became a lifestyle for
me. I was in and out of juvenile and the path I was taking wasn’t going to lead
me anywhere I wanted to be. I was slowly
turning into my mother, someone I never thought I would become. I knew I had to
turn my life around, not only for myself but for my father, who worked so hard
every day just to put a roof over my head.
I realized all this thanks too
Reverend Elder M.L Brooks. Reverend Elder M.L. Brooks is part of the Blood of
Lamb Church that is based in my hometown of Norfolk, Virginia. Reverend Elder
not only a friend but my mentor. He provided support for the inner city youth
through grass-roots efforts. He made me see that I was just a simple victim of
my own environment, one of apathy, greed and lack of academic importance in
life. I realized I became influenced by the negative influences that were
constantly tempting me, such as drugs, violence and crime. I am so thankful for
Reverend Elders and people like him that help run such a fantastic
organization!
