I WAS
THERE...
Echoes of a Broken Boy
From the streets of DC to the deserts of Iraq, one man's journey from brokenness to belief. A raw, powerful story of resilience, redemption, and the relentless grace that pursues us in our darkest hour.
"He was shot before he was born. His real fight was just beginning."
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A Testament to Resilience
More than a story of survival—it's a powerful testimony to the transformative power of faith, the possibility of breaking generational cycles, and the discovery that our deepest wounds can become our greatest strengths.
The Story
I WAS THERE... Echoes of a Broken Boy is the unflinching memoir of a man who journeyed through unimaginable trauma—from the violent loss of his mother and the harsh lessons of the streets to the betrayals of war in the deserts of Iraq. Haunted by loss but guided by a divine presence that speaks in the quiet moments, this is a raw, powerful story of resilience, redemption, and the relentless grace that pursues us in our darkest hour.
Read Full Synopsis"Nothing is wasted in God's economy. Every wound becomes a window into someone else's pain. Every scar becomes a roadmap for someone else's healing. Every broken place becomes a doorway for grace to enter."— From the memoir
"I was there... When you walked through those school halls like a ghost, carrying grief too heavy for your small shoulders... This is not just your story. It's Mine, too. And I am not done writing it."— Divine interludes throughout the book
Meet the Author
A survivor, a veteran, a father, and a minister whose life story is a testament to the power of resilience and faith.
Born in Washington, D.C., in 1986, his life began against impossible odds, surviving a gunshot wound while still in the womb. Raised by his grandparents in a city torn apart by the crack epidemic, he learned early lessons in loyalty and survival after the premature death of his mother.
After military service including a challenging deployment to Iraq, he faced the immense challenge of reintegrating into civilian life. His journey from brokenness to healing led him to a profound spiritual awakening.
Today, he is an ordained youth pastor, dedicated community leader, and small business owner who uses his incredible life experiences to mentor and minister to at-risk youth, turning his past pain into a powerful purpose.
Veteran
U.S. Army & DC National Guard, Iraq deployment
Youth Pastor
Ordained minister mentoring at-risk youth
Community Leader
Building legacies of hope in D.C. area
Survivor
From brokenness to beacon of hope
Connect & Share
Every story shared is a step toward healing. Every connection made is a chance for redemption to reach someone who needs it most.
Key Themes & Messages
This memoir explores profound themes of human resilience, divine grace, and the power of redemption to transform even the most broken life into a beacon of hope.
Survival Against All Odds
From surviving a gunshot in the womb to navigating violent streets and battlefields, a profound exploration of human resilience and the will to live.
Divine Intervention
The author's relationship with God through direct 'I Was There' interludes, showcasing faith not as escape from suffering, but as strength through it.
Breaking Cycles of Trauma
Chronicles the difficult but successful journey to break generational cycles of trauma, addiction, and violence for the next generation.
Family, Loyalty, and Betrayal
Explores the fierce, complicated nature of family bonds—from unshakeable loyalty to deep wounds of betrayal from those closest.
Forgiveness and Redemption
The transformative power of forgiveness—both receiving and giving it. A journey from a world of retribution to a life centered on grace.
Finding Purpose in Pain
How the deepest wounds become windows into others' pain, turning personal trauma into a powerful tool for helping and healing others.
Every kid I help is a piece of my own childhood being redeemed. Every success story is proof that the cycle can be broken, that trauma doesn't have to be a life sentence, that love really can conquer the deepest wounds.— From the memoir
Your Story Matters Too
This memoir isn't just about one man's journey—it's a reminder that no matter how broken your story might seem, redemption is possible. Hope is real. And you are not alone.
Read the Full Story
Dive into the complete memoir and discover how God's faithfulness weaves through every chapter of this powerful testimony. Available in paperback, hardcover, and digital formats.
Join the Community
Connect with others on their journey of healing and hope. Share your story, find encouragement, and be part of a community that believes in redemption and second chances.
"I Was There" in Your Story Too
Whatever darkness you're walking through, whatever pain you're carrying, whatever wounds you're trying to heal—remember that the same God who was there in the streets of D.C. and the deserts of Iraq is there in your story too. And He's not done writing it.
Your breakthrough is coming. Your redemption is real.