Dared To Be Me is a reflection of a damaged soul, a darkened state of being, and the affects of rebellion due to pain. It expresses hope, through Jesus Christ. The problem is finding the way back to His marvelous light. It is a lifestyle captured through poetry, expressing feelings of despair, anger, bitterness, and loss. It attempts to reveal the importance of love, but beyond that the misery of disconnection. However, when God is revealed and salvation is granted, the reality becomes His will. Past experience of rebellion is replaced with joy and obedience. Recognition, at last, to live life God's way Erica B. Samuels was born in Kingston, Jamaica. She moved with her mother and five siblings to the United States, at age five. She has acquired an Associates of Science Degree in Finance, as well as, a Bachelors of Science Degree in Business Communications. The author, also, served six years as a Human Resource Specialist in the United States Army Reserves.Erica's Poetry writing began, while scribbling on paper, unreadable words that she recited to her mother, when she was five years old. While learning about Jesus in Sunday School, at the age of seven, she aspired to be just like Him, to have a heart that loves everybody, regardless of their faults. Jesus became her idol.However, when her sister, Althea, passed away, anger and pain fueled her rebellion towards God. She began to live a lifestyle contrary to Him. After nineteen years of darkened devastations, Erica dedicated her life to Jesus, in 2006. She maintains a career in federal law enforcement. Her residence is in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.