Publisher's Synopsis
J is a born native of Atlanta, Georgia. She is the middle child of seven children born to Ms. Carrie Bell Elder. J has had many struggles throughout her life and many of the poems in this book are really short stories of her life experiences. That is where the inspiration for these poems developed. In overcoming the challenges of life her direction and focus had to change in the way, she did things and how she handles many personal struggles. She is also a wife and mother. As she developed over the years acceptance of self instead of the opinion of others gave her the strength she needed to change. She directed her focus on the word of God and what was right in his eyes and in doing that you are not always going to be favored by others. However, Gods' favor is better to have in your life he is the one that will never forsake you or leave you regardless to where you are in your life at this time. As for the past she will continue to hold her head up and look towards the word of God for deliverance and the past mistakes are just that the past. Therefore, if any opinion is to be valued among men it should be the Lord's. First, foremost and last He is the creator of all things to disrespect that alone is destructive to you and to all that you value. J's life is far from perfect; she continues to strive for knowledge of improvement in the way she handles day-to-day situations. She continues to search and develop in the understanding of the word of God. J is also a breast cancer survivor and has had to overcome the loss of both breasts and a transformation of this kind takes the direction and strength of God. Not just this disease all other serious health conditions, loss of her mother and sister, grandmother and two aunts all within a five year period distance of family due to many dysfunctions. This journey is not the path she would have chosen for herself. Nevertheless, God has brought her through many hard times. She believes that her latter days will be bigger and brighter than her beginning. If this is an example of her latter days, the Lord truly has his loving arms wrapped around her as she continues to make him her guiding light. J knows that true wealth is in following the directions of God. To love one another and to appreciate life and be thankful for all things good for all good things are given by The Lord. -Written by Talmadge G. Johnson
