This is the story of my life from my birth in rural Alabama to my life today at the opposite end of the United States: the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Along the way, I stumble, fall and am raised up again. In some ways, this book cannot be my whole life story because our story is complete only when we pass from this life. I make no claim that my life is special or unique; I write these things mainly so that those who have experienced troubles like mine can know there is hope.