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In June 2010 I wrote my first short story, and The Journey – adifferentkindofstorybook was born. I’m currently working on stories 66, 67 and 68. As many of you know, not everyone wants to see you succeed, so in spite of the “boo birds,” “nay-sayers,” and just plain “haters” trying to discourage me, I never gave up.
I’ve never had any investors along my journey, so all of my posters, flyers, pamphlets, banners, cards, books, videos and CDs have come from my head, heart and wallet. When told many times that I was wasting my time, I held on to my faith in God and belief in myself and my calling.
I always believed, in my heart, that one day—THIS DAY—would come. Anyone who knows me well knows that I’m a “list guy.” My friends and participants in my groups tease me about it all the time, but they see the results. I always believed the day would come, and I was determined to be ready to walk through that door.
I also hoped that people looking at my program and how far it’s come would say, “look how much he’s accomplished on his own. Imagine what this program can do with an infusion of help?”
Before I go any further, I want to acknowledge the people I believe the Lord has sent my way over the last nine years. I say that boldly because, along my journey, many new opportunities have presented themselves as my program grew. When I needed a computer person, two came into my life. When I needed a printer, producer, publisher, illustrators and an editor, that person was always waiting for me at THAT door, along with my mom and my best friend. I am truly blessed to have their talents on my team. I always refer to my program as a gumbo, because I know I’m not smart enough to do this on my own. (smile)
In October 2018, I was given another NEW opportunity. I was asked to read stories to 2nd and 3rd graders at one of our county’s elementary schools. WHAT A JOY! Interacting with the kids allowed the kid in me to come alive. We have a ball! In fact, I received a letter of recommendation from the school. I hold that dear to my heart. One day I was asked, how reading to 9-year old’s fits into my program? Within seconds, I told him, “if I can plant a good seed in these kids when they’re 9, then maybe, just maybe, I won’t have to visit them in jail, prison, or drug court, when they’re 29, 39,49”. My aim is to bring my program to many more schools in the future.
Now for the main reason of this post. On Monday, June 24, 2019, at 8:23 p.m., I received a phone call to inform me that The Journey – adifferentkindofstorybook is now a non-profit 501(c)3 ORGANIZATION! (smile)
NINE YEARS!!
Thank you, Lord!
That’s why ALL of my stories end with: NEVER GIVE UP!
I believe if you’re going to talk it, WALK IT!
“Lord, while you’re growing me, please keep me humble,
but give me the guts to try!”
My sincere gratitude to all who have supported this program/organization along its journey.
My wings are spread and The Journey – adifferentkindofstorybook is ready to soar. Stay tuned. (smile)
Never GIVE UP!
Love & Peace,
Brother Charles
adifferentkindofstorybook.com
