MY TESTIMONY
THE EVENT AND EXPERIENCE
In 2008 a particular event and experience changes my life. Not prison. Not getting shot. Not losing my right eye, NOPE! GOD!! It was a particular incident and experience that happened to me that adjusted and shifted my outlook on life and gave me a perspective that life was worthy of living, and loving it in a positive matter. THE EVENT & EXPERIENCE. During a horse & carriage ride, downtown Los Angeles. At the time I was with a lady friend. During the ride, the instructor asked if I believed in God. “NO”, I told the instructor - “there is no God.” “If there is a God, then WHY is God allowing all this injustice over the world to transpire.” I spoke in pain and with anger; I was passionate about how I sincerely felt. However. God is real, so real, He revealed Himself to me later that day!” I decided to entertain the night life scene Later that night. I met up with a couple celebrity friends in Hollywood. At this time in my life, I was in my early 20’s and enjoying life. Unfortunately however, I was in a state of depression mentally and emotionally; from, being on the run from the feds; yes The United States Federal Government. I had a federal warrant out for my arrest, nation wide, but from Cincinnati Ohio. That indictment lead me to binge drinking, popping perks daily. I was looking to mask and hide my pain. Hollywood was full of excitement this night. Porn stars, entertainers and athletes everywhere. After leaving the club this night, I jump onto the highway, I was feeling great; drunk and high off perks. Headed for Inglewood, CA to a female home. Geeked and lusting, “I never made it!” About 10 minutes into the drive, POW!! I had a very bad car accident. Knocked me out cold. During this period that I was passed out; something like a spirit appeared to me, an angel, it prophesied and spoke to me about what I had said to the instructor earlier. From “THAT MOMENT” - I was convicted about my doubt in God & I also wanted to give my life to Him. This angel, this spirit, it told me that He was gone save my life “one more time.” He then performed cpr on me and I woke up. After I woke up, I was in disbelief. Shocked! From that day, that very moment, i wanted to give my life to God; I started believing and trusting in Him also! I wanted to get to know him. I never ever doubted him again and I’ve never spoke blasphemy again. I think the best part is that, Since the car accident I’ve been trying so hard to change, change my ways, behavior, decisions, words - and I know it begins with Him. So everyday, I wanna get to know him better and do his will. That’s why I’m writing this book. It’s “His will,”, not mines! He ordained this, it’s His purpose for my life. Now I know why I endured all that pain and suffering! However, I must be honest, change has been a struggle,” I am a work in progress.
“QUICKENED/REGENERATION”
The completion and process of changing ones gross condition is extremely difficult. Especially when it’s done alone and one is stuck in a gross condition as I myself was. I was dealing with generational curses that got passed down to me. I developed street ethics and principles that was instilled in me from a very young age. The way to think, talk, & what to care about; so forth. This type of influence and structure from a culture happens to so many young men who grow up in the inner city, or not, with a father or not. I myself was a real victim & product of my environment. “To be “under the influence” means to be controlled by something or someone other than yourself. Who you are, what you are, & where you are today is because you were under the influence of certain people. The company you keep influences your thinking; your thinking influences your actions; your actions influences your character & your character determines your destiny. Influence is impossible to escape. It’s like the weather - always there to be reckoned with. We must monitor everything; what we watch, the company we keep, & so forth. It all influences us for good or for evil. Far as Myself. I needed a change. I needed it immediately. I failed miserably on my own. If real change was going to come about in my life, then there needed to be a time of “quickening.” I knew that that was only happening with God & so I needed to partner with Him. He had already convicted me. I became a believer. Now I needed to learn his word, His beliefs and His character. I was apprehended around 2009 and served about 8.5 years in federal prison. In prison, I found spiritual mentors to teach me Gods word. I spend a ton of time learning God’s word and His character while “unlearning” my old beliefs and ways. I Partnered with Him so that I could unlearn conditions and behaviors that I was stuck in and instill His laws and principles. It’s been a painful process: but during the process He’s gave me purpose. A purpose to live and do His will.
INFLUENCE. The power of influence
We all have influence over someone. I realized and acknowledged my influence over others. It’s what you do with that influence that determines whether it’s negative or positive. Every interaction with someone enriches there life or impoverishes it. Influence is never neutral. And you can’t turn it off, Because it’s built into the structure of life itself. Furthermore, it doesn’t matter what your title is. Ultimately, your character will determine if the title fits you. Therefor. I got under the influence of God and His spirit. Found me some mentors and surrounded myself with better company. Everyday I spend time under the influence of Jesus , maximizing the gifts he’s bestowed upon me, and discovering my God given assignment in life. His will.