[vc_row][vc_column][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1542178714879{background-image: url(https:\/\/auteur.g5plus.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/background-05.jpg?id=260) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”][vc_column][gsf_space desktop=”138″ tablet=”120″ tablet_portrait=”100″ mobile_landscape=”80″ mobile=”70″][gsf_testimonials layout_style=”style-02″ quote_image=”263″ content_line_height=”2|em” space_between=”73|50|40|30|30″ testimonial_use_theme_font=”” values=”%5B%7B%22author_name%22%3A%22Gloria%20Willingham%22%2C%22author_job%22%3A%22It’s%20Time%20for%20Conserations%20with%20and%20Abut%20Our%20Young%20Black%20Men!%22%2C%22author_bio%22%3A%22November%2027%2C%202023%20By%20Gloria%20Willingham%5Cn5%20stars….IT’s%20Time%20For%20Conservations%20With%20and%20About%20Our%20Young%20Black%20Men!%5CnThis%20book%20is%20a%20much%20needed%20catalyst%20to%20critical%20conversations%20with%20and%20about%20our%20young%20Black%20Men!%5CnUnveiling%20the%20Power%20of%20Words!%20Dive%20into%20a%20journey%20of%20discovery%20with%20Alice%20Taylor’s%20groundbreaking%20book.%20Her%20heartfelt%2C%20passionate%20voice%20ignites%20the%20’necessary%20conversations’%20we%20all%20need%20to%20have.%20Don’t%20miss%20out%20on%20this%20transformative%20experience%20%E2%80%93%20join%20Alice%20Taylor%20on%20her%20inspiring%20book%20tour.%20Let’s%20open%20our%20doors%20and%20minds%20to%20these%20crucial%20discussions.%20The%20time%20is%20NOW!%20Be%20a%20part%20of%20the%20change.%22%2C%22user_rating%22%3A%225%22%7D%2C%7B%22author_name%22%3A%22Theressa%20G.%20Wesley%22%2C%22author_bio%22%3A%22October%2023%2C%202023%5CnAlice%20F.%20Taylor%20has%20written%20a%20thought%20provoking%2C%20spiritually%20enriching%2C%20and%20personally%20challenging%20book%20specifically%20aimed%20at%20young%20black%20men.%5Cn%5CnMama%20Alice%2C%20as%20she%20calls%20herself%2C%20appeals%20to%20the%20God-deemed%20greatness%20in%20young%20black%20men.%20%20She%20tells%20them%20that%20they%20were%20created%20in%20the%20image%20of%20Almighty%20God%20and%20that%20God%20has%20given%20each%20person%20unique%20gifts%20and%20talents.%20%20Most%20importantly%2C%20she%20tells%20them%20that%20God%20has%20promised%20to%20give%20them%20the%20strength%20and%20ability%20to%20develop%20their%20gifts.%20%20%5CnReviewed%20by%20%3A%20Theressa%20G.%20Wesley%22%2C%22user_rating%22%3A%225%22%7D%2C%7B%22author_name%22%3A%22Theressa%20Gunnels%20Wesley%2C%2010.18.2023%22%2C%22author_bio%22%3A%22%3Cb%3E%20A%20Plea%20to%20Our%20Sons%20from%20a%20Mother%20Who%20Cares%20%E2%80%A6%3C%2Fb%3E%5CnEncouraging%20Words%20for%20Young%20Black%20Men%20By%20%3Cb%3EAlice%20F.%20Taylor%3C%2Fb%3E%20Alice%20F.%20Taylor%20has%20written%20a%20thought%20provoking%2C%20spiritually%20enriching%2C%20and%20personally%20challenging%20book%20specifically%20aimed%20at%20young%20black%20men.%20Mama%20Alice%2C%20as%20she%20calls%20herself%2C%20appeals%20to%20the%20God-deemed%20greatness%20in%20young%20black%20men.%20%20She%20tells%20them%20that%20they%20were%20created%20in%20the%20image%20of%20Almighty%20God%20and%20that%20God%20has%20given%20each%20person%20unique%20gifts%20and%20talents.%20%20Most%20importantly%2C%20she%20tells%20them%20that%20God%20has%20promised%20to%20give%20them%20the%20strength%20and%20ability%20to%20develop%20their%20gifts.%5Cn%20%5CnMama%20Alice%20begins%20the%20book%20by%20telling%20young%20black%20men%20of%20her%20sincere%20love%20and%20concern%20for%20them.%20%20Although%20society%20is%20often%20unfair%2C%20demeaning%20and%20discouraging%3B%20she%20emphasizes%20her%20belief%20in%20their%20greatness%3A%20%5D%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%E2%80%9CYou%20are%20great%2C%20smart%2C%20intelligent%2C%20trustworthy%2C%20energetic%2C%20and%20capable%20of%20achieving%20your%20dreams.%20%20Be%20empowered%20by%20your%20greatness.%E2%80%9D%20%20She%20challenges%20them%20to%20do%20a%20personal%20introspection%E2%80%94to%20ask%20themselves%20who%20they%20really%20are%20and%20to%20love%20themselves%2C%20even%20if%20they%20are%20disillusioned%20with%20some%20flaws%20and%20imperfections.%20%20%5Cn%5CnShe%20tells%20them%20that%20only%20when%20they%20truly%20love%20themselves%20will%20they%20have%20the%20capacity%20to%20develop%20a%20healthy%20love%20for%20others.%20%20She%20tells%20them%20to%20analyze%20their%20pasts%E2%80%94%20their%20attributes%20as%20well%20as%20their%20pain%E2%80%A6the%20hurts%2C%20the%20disappointments%2C%20the%20feelings%20of%20inferiority%20and%20low%20self-esteem%2C%20the%20brutally%20painful%20childhoods%E2%80%A6the%20total%20spectrum%20of%20their%20beings.%20%20Once%20they%20accept%20every%20aspect%20of%20their%20pasts%20and%20develop%20a%20love%20for%20themselves%2C%20they%20will%20be%20empowered%20to%20be%20the%20amazing%20beings%20God%20created%20them%20to%20be.%20%20This%20self-realization%2C%20then%2C%20enables%20them%20to%20be%20passionate%20about%20achieving%20their%20dreams.%20Mama%20Alice%20tells%20them%20to%20realize%20that%20no%20matter%20what%20they%20have%20had%20to%20deal%20with%20in%20life%2C%20they%20are%20still%20special.%20%20%E2%80%9CIf%20you%20can%20dream%20it%2C%20you%20can%20become%20it%2C%E2%80%9D%20she%20says.%20Mama%20Alice%20tells%20them%20to%20pursue%20their%20dreams%20with%20vigor%20and%20persistence.%20%20She%20encourages%20them%20not%20to%20be%20dismayed%20or%20disillusioned%20by%20their%20mistakes.%20%20Everyone%20makes%20mistakes.%20%20Never%20give%20up%2C%20she%20reiterates%20throughout%20the%20book.%5Cn%5CnTo%20emphasize%20Mama%20Alice%E2%80%99s%20heartfelt%20advice%2C%20she%20shares%20the%20stories%20of%20several%20successful%20black%20men.%20%20Some%20of%20them%20had%20difficult%20childhoods%2C%20but%20they%20persisted%20and%20never%20gave%20up%20on%20their%20dreams.%20%20Today%2C%20they%20are%20tremendous%20role%20models.%20In%20the%20last%20chapter%20of%20the%20book%2C%20Mama%20Alice%20invites%20young%20black%20men%20to%20accept%20Jesus%20Christ%20as%20their%20personal%20Savior.%20%20With%20Christ%20in%20their%20lives%2C%20she%20assures%20them%20that%20they%20will%20be%20fully%20equipped%20to%20be%20the%20special%20beings%20God%20created%20them%20to%20be.%22%2C%22user_rating%22%3A%221%22%7D%2C%7B%22author_name%22%3A%22L%E2%80%99Homme%20Noir%20%20%22%2C%22author_job%22%3A%22Review%20of%20Alice%20F.%20Taylor’s%20new%20book%3A%20A%20Plea%20to%20Our%20Sons%2C%20from%20a%20Mother%20who%20cares%22%2C%22author_bio%22%3A%22Highly%20Inspirational%2C%20Life-Changing!%5CnI%20had%20the%20opportunity%20to%20read%20Alice%20Taylor%E2%80%99s%20new%20book%20A%20Plea%20to%20Our%20Sons%2C%20from%20a%20Mother%20who%20Cares.%20This%20book%20offers%20advice%20and%20pep%20talks%20from%20Alice%20and%20from%20a%20variety%20of%20Black%20men%20on%20how%20young%20black%20men%20can%20find%20their%20way%20in%20an%20often%20confusing%20and%20hostile%20world%20with%20self-respect%20and%20wisdom.%20This%20would%20be%20a%20great%20gift%20idea%20to%20mature%20well%20thinking%20black%20men%20especially%20in%20the%20climate%20we%20find%20ourselves%20in%20today.%20%5Cn%5Cn%22%7D%2C%7B%22author_name%22%3A%22James%20A.%20Ryan%22%2C%22author_job%22%3A%22Major%20General%2C%20USA%2C%20Ret%22%2C%22author_bio%22%3A%22Johnny%20Taylor%2C%20like%20so%20many%20of%20us%2C%20grew%20up%20in%20the%20South%20in%20times%20that%20cannot%20be%20imagined%20today.%20But%20he%2C%20unlike%20most%20of%20us%20who%20experienced%20those%20times%2C%20has%20been%20able%20to%20put%20into%20words%20that%20can%20be%20understood%20by%20people%20of%20today%20who%20did%20not%20know%20the%20times%20that%20he%20lived%20through%2C%20survived%2C%20and%20prospered.%5Cn%5CnJohnny%20writes%20with%20a%20clarity%20that%20anyone%20can%20understand%20and%20lays%20the%20foundation%20of%20his%20life%20experiences%20quickly%20as%20he%20describes%20his%20early%20life.%20His%20life%20was%20shaped%20first%20by%20his%20family%20followed%20for%20a%20strong%20presence%20in%20his%20life%20by%20his%20church.%20He%20describes%20his%20youthful%20years%20so%20vividly%20that%20you%20feel%20as%20though%20you%20are%20there.%20He%20tells%20of%20things%20that%20he%20did%20and%20friends%20he%20had%20in%20such%20a%20manner%20that%20you%20almost%20feel%20like%20his%20friends%20are%20your%20friends%20also.%5Cn%5CnHis%20experiences%20in%20the%20Army%20parallel%20so%20many%20who%20were%20drafted%20to%20serve%20in%20the%20Viet%20Nam%20war.%20The%20difference%20begins%20to%20come%20as%20we%20see%20the%20faith%20in%20God%20that%20he%20has%20and%20how%20it%20affects%20him%20as%20he%20is%20very%20seriously%20wounded.%20His%20complete%20faith%20brings%20from%20near%20death%20back%20to%20health%20and%20eventually%20leads%20him%20to%20success%20and%20happiness.%5Cn%5CnIf%20there%20is%20one%20thing%20that%20has%20sustained%20Johnny%20all%20his%20life%2C%20it%20is%20his%20faith%20and%20belief%20in%20God.%20This%20overwhelming%20faith%20in%20God%20is%20a%20something%20that%20he%20tries%20hard%20to%20impart%20to%20his%20readers%20because%20he%20wishes%20others%20to%20get%20the%20same%20rewards%20from%20life%20that%20he%20knows%20awaits%20all%20people%20if%20they%20will%20just%20believe.%20He%20points%20out%20that%20life%20is%20not%20without%20it%E2%80%99s%20trials%20and%20tribulations.%20But%20faith%20in%20God%2C%20dedication%2C%20hard%20work%20and%20confidence%20that%20you%20can%20do%20what%20you%20want%20it%2C%20will%20allow%20you%20to%20live%20a%20fruitful%20and%20rewarding%20life.%5Cn%5CnHe%20concludes%20his%20book%20by%20giving%20us%20important%20points%20that%20apply%20to%20all%20of%20us.%20How%20important%20it%20is%20to%20be%20a%20family.%20Keeping%20bloodlines%20clear.%20How%20life%20in%20America%20has%20changed%20when%20prayer%20went%20out%20of%20our%20schools.%20How%20America%20was%20lead%20into%20a%20war%20that%20has%20no%20meaning.%20His%20keen%20realization%20that%20the%20next%20President%20must%20dig%20America%20out%20of%20a%20hole%20and%20get%20us%20back%20on%20solid%2C%20thoughtful%2C%20reasonable%20ground%20again.%5Cn%5CnHis%20Lessons%20Learned%20can%20be%20applied%20to%20everyday%20life%20of%20everyone%2C%20especially%20among%20the%20younger%20people%20of%20our%20America.%22%7D%2C%7B%22author_name%22%3A%22Rhonda%20Stewart%22%2C%22author_job%22%3A%22Arkansas%20Librarian%2C%20%E2%80%9CThe%20Butler%20Center%E2%80%9D%22%2C%22author_bio%22%3A%22I%20have%20read%20the%20book!!!%20%20I%20think%20every%20teen%20in%20the%20South%20should%20have%20to%20read%20it.%20I%20also%20think%20most%20adults%20can%20relate%20to%20the%20message%20of%20this%20book.%20It%20is%20a%20life%20story%20many%20have%20lived%20and%20didn%E2%80%99t%20know%20how%20to%20voice.%20It%20is%20the%20story%20I%20think%20a%20parent%20would%20like%20to%20share%20with%20a%20child%20and%20a%20child%20would%20appreciate%20hearing.%20The%20vision%20of%20the%20writer%20allows%20the%20reader%20to%20step%20back%20in%20time%20and%20experience%20(temporarily)%20that%20moment%20in%20time.%20Keep%20the%20voice%20flowing%20and%20know%20it%20floats%20to%20ears%20that%20need%20to%20be%20reminded%20that%20the%20purpose%20of%20life%20is%20to%20live%20and%20share%20life%E2%80%99s%20blessings%20with%20others.%20Thank%20you%20for%20the%20gift%20of%20knowledge.%22%7D%2C%7B%22author_name%22%3A%22Dr.%20Mark%20DeYmaz%22%2C%22author_job%22%3A%22Pastor%2C%20Mosaic%20Church%20of%20Central%20Arkansas%20%7C%20Author%2C%20Building%20a%20Healthy%20Multi-ethnic%20Church%22%2C%22author_bio%22%3A%22Growing%20Up%20in%20The%20South%3A%20Lessons%20Learned%3C%2Fem%3E%20provides%20honest%20insight%20into%20the%20life%2C%20mind%20and%20times%20of%20a%20young%20man%20coming%20of%20age%20in%20the%20American%20south.%20The%20simple%2C%20yet%20significant%20he%20lessons%20learned%20are%20interspersed%20like%20golden%20nuggets%20throughout%20the%20read.%20I%20trust%20you%20will%20enjoy%20first%20finding%20and%20then%20benefiting%20from%20these%20timeless%20truths.%22%7D%2C%7B%22author_name%22%3A%22Paula%22%2C%22author_bio%22%3A%22%E2%80%9CWhen%20you%20are%20truly%20called%2C%20God%20will%20assign%20angels%20to%20you%20to%20protect%20your%20spirit.%20Your%20body%20may%20take%20some%20heavy%20scars%2C%20but%20your%20spirit%20will%20go%20unharmed%20until%20the%20work%20is%20done.%20Your%20Godly%20spirit%20will%20give%20you%20the%20wisdom%20to%20fulfill%20your%20heart%E2%80%99s%20desires.%20Just%20remember%20that%20love%20will%20be%20the%20driving%20force%20to%20your%20success%E2%80%A6%E2%80%9D(p.31).%5Cn%5CnCongratulation%20to%20J.T.%20on%20the%20publication%20of%20this%20book%2C%20%3Cstrong%3E%3Cem%3EGrowing%20Up%20In%20The%20South%3A%20Lessons%20Learned%3C%2Fem%3E%3C%2Fstrong%3E.%20Of%20all%20the%20things%20written%20in%20J.T.’s%20book%2C%20it%20would%20be%20the%20quote%20above%20that%20touched%20me%20the%20most.%20Without%20love%2C%20as%20we%20know%2C%20anything%20and%20everything%20we%20do%20is%20nothing.%20God%20actually%20does%20give%20His%20angels%20charge%20over%20us!%5Cn%5CnI%20felt%20J.T.%E2%80%99s%20book%20was%20not%20a%20%E2%80%9Cvictim%20of%20the%20South%E2%80%9D%20kind%20of%20book.%20He%20told%20about%20his%20experiences%20and%20did%20not%20in%20any%20way%20caused%20me%20to%20feel%20guilty%20that%20I%20am%20Caucasian.%20Of%20course%2C%20when%20someone%20does%20write%20as%20a%20victim%20they%20should%20be%20admired%20and%20heard.%20J.%20T.%20wrote%20with%20confidence%20in%20who%20he%20is%20and%20what%20he%20has%20become.%20He%20writes%20with%20heart%20and%20conviction%20regarding%20his%20life.%20His%20%E2%80%9Cdown%20to%20earthiness%E2%80%9D%20is%20palpable%20and%20enviable.%20He%20is%20opinionated%2C%20but%20not%20offensive.%5Cn%5CnI%20related%20to%20many%20of%20the%20themes%20he%20wrote%20about.%20J.T.%20was%20not%20judgmental%20in%20this%20book%2C%20nor%20did%20I%20see%20a%20%E2%80%9Cpreachiness.%E2%80%9D%20he%20told%20about%20his%20accomplishments%2C%20and%20although%20I%20did%20sense%20pride%20it%20was%20not%20in%20a%20superfluous%20manner.%5Cn%5CnHis%20comments%20a%20bout%20%5C%22the%20new%20liberated%20woman%5C%22%20(p.69-70)%20are%20bold%20and%20courageous%20statements.%20We%20need%20more%20men%20who%20will%20speak%20up%20about%20their%20thoughts%20on%20women%20in%20the%20home%2C%20military%20and%20other%20places.%20Today%2C%20many%20men%20seem%20to%20be%20afraid%20to%20speak.%20Not%20J.T.%20He%20was%20not%20cruel%20or%20mean%E2%80%94%20just%20spoke%20his%20mind.%20It%20probably%20won%E2%80%9Dt%20win%20him%20the%20feminist%20vote%2C%20but%20at%20least%20he%20is%20honest!%5Cn%5CnHis%20folksy%20and%20laid-back%20style%20would%20perhaps%20offend%20some%20literary%20types%2C%20but%20I%20thought%20it%20was%20refreshing.%20A%20man%20just%20putting%20his%20thoughts%20down%20without%20trying%20to%20be%20highfalutin%20and%20way%20above%20your%20head!%20This%20is%20a%20story%20and%20reads%20like%20a%20story.%20However%2C%20some%20of%20the%20structure%20and%20sequence%20threw%20me%20off%20a%20timeor%20two%2C%20but%20then%20I%20would%20make%20the%20connection.%20It%20was%20not%20like%20I%20was%20totally%20confused.%20Many%20writers%20switch%20back%20and%20forth%20between%20adult%20and%20childhood%20experiences.%20It%20is%20a%20delicate%20and%20difficult%20balance%20to%20achieve.%5Cn%5CnOverall%2C%20the%20book%20is%20touching.%20You%20finish%20the%20book%20feeling%20you%20really%20know%20this%20guy.%22%7D%2C%7B%22author_name%22%3A%22Joyce%20A.%20Neal%22%2C%22author_job%22%3A%22Retired%20Administrative%20Secretary%2C%20Saginaw%20County%22%2C%22author_bio%22%3A%22Growing%20up%20in%20the%20South%3A%20Lessons%20Learned%3C%2Fem%3E%20is%20an%20excellent%20book%20to%20read%20whether%20you%20grew%20up%20in%20the%20south%20or%20not.%20It%20is%20filled%20with%20lessons%20on%20family%20values%20and%20how%20to%20become%20a%20responsible%20person.%20It%20also%20reminds%20me%20of%20how%20important%20family%20values%20are%20today%20and%20how%20they%20should%20still%20be%20treasured.%22%7D%2C%7B%22author_name%22%3A%22Jean%20Cazort%22%2C%22author_job%22%3A%22Words%20Worth%20Books%20%26amp%3B%20Company%22%2C%22author_bio%22%3A%22%3Cem%3E%3Cstrong%3EGrowing%20Up%20in%20The%20South%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3C%2Fem%3E%20is%20a%20wonderful%20book%E2%80%94%20something%20of%20a%20page-turner%E2%80%94%20one%20you%20don%E2%80%99t%20want%20to%20put%20down%20and%20are%20eager%20to%20get%20back%20to%20it.%20The%20author%20has%20an%20interest%20life.%20I%20found%20his%20experience%20in%20Vietnam%20particularly%20eyeopening%20and%20revealing.%20One%20reason%20I%20like%20it%20so%20much%20is%20that%20Mr.%20Taylor%20is%20not%20shy%20in%20offering%20his%20political%20and%20philosophical%20views%2C%20all%20of%20which%20have%20been%20developed%20from%20a%20lifetime%20of%20experience%20and%20%E2%80%9Clessons%20learned.%E2%80%9D%20It%E2%80%99s%20a%20great%20read.%22%7D%2C%7B%22author_name%22%3A%22Gene%22%2C%22author_job%22%3A%22A%20Veteran%22%2C%22author_bio%22%3A%22%3Cem%3E%3Cstrong%3EGrowing%20Up%20in%20The%20South%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3C%2Fem%3E%20was%20a%20good%20read.%20His%20Vietnam%20experience%20was%20really%20something.%20I%20was%20stationed%20at%20the%20same%20place%20where%20he%20was%2C%20Cu%20Chi%20South%20Vietnam.%20I%20was%20most%20impressed%20by%20his%20statement%20that%20he%20had%20made%20peace%20with%20God%20prior%20to%20his%20going%20there.%20Me%20in%20my%20craziness%20had%20always%20thought%20that%20my%20education%20and%20my%20smarts%20would%20get%20me%20through.%20I%20realized%20after%20I%20came%20to%20know%20Christ%20as%20my%20Lord%20and%20Savior%20that%20it%20was%20His%20grace%20that%20allowed%20me%20through%20such%20a%20dangerous%20part%20of%20my%20life.%5Cn%5CnThe%20theme%20in%20this%20book%20for%20me%20was%20faith%20and%20hard%20work%20are%20the%20key%20ingredients%20for%20success.%20Thanks%20for%20sharing.%22%7D%5D” nav=”on” nav_position=”nav-center” nav_hover_style=”nav-hover-bg” nav_hover_scheme=”hover-light” autoplay=”on” el_class=”” content_typography=”Libre Baskerville|italic|400|italic”][gsf_space desktop=”172″ tablet=”140″ tablet_portrait=”120″ mobile_landscape=”100″ mobile=”80″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
[vc_row][vc_column][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1542178714879{background-image: url(https:\/\/auteur.g5plus.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/background-05.jpg?id=260) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”][vc_column][gsf_space desktop=”138″ tablet=”120″ tablet_portrait=”100″ mobile_landscape=”80″ mobile=”70″][gsf_testimonials layout_style=”style-02″ quote_image=”263″ content_line_height=”2|em” space_between=”73|50|40|30|30″ testimonial_use_theme_font=”” values=”%5B%7B%22author_name%22%3A%22Gloria%20Willingham%22%2C%22author_job%22%3A%22It’s%20Time%20for%20Conserations%20with%20and%20Abut%20Our%20Young%20Black%20Men!%22%2C%22author_bio%22%3A%22November%2027%2C%202023%20By%20Gloria%20Willingham%5Cn5%20stars….IT’s%20Time%20For%20Conservations%20With%20and%20About%20Our%20Young%20Black%20Men!%5CnThis%20book%20is%20a%20much%20needed%20catalyst%20to%20critical%20conversations%20with%20and%20about%20our%20young%20Black%20Men!%5CnUnveiling%20the%20Power%20of%20Words!%20Dive%20into%20a%20journey%20of%20discovery%20with%20Alice%20Taylor’s%20groundbreaking%20book.%20Her%20heartfelt%2C%20passionate%20voice%20ignites%20the%20’necessary%20conversations’%20we%20all%20need%20to%20have.%20Don’t%20miss%20out%20on%20this%20transformative%20experience%20%E2%80%93%20join%20Alice%20Taylor%20on%20her%20inspiring%20book%20tour.%20Let’s%20open%20our%20doors%20and%20minds%20to%20these%20crucial%20discussions.%20The%20time%20is%20NOW!%20Be%20a%20part%20of%20the%20change.%22%2C%22user_rating%22%3A%225%22%7D%2C%7B%22author_name%22%3A%22Theressa%20G.%20Wesley%22%2C%22author_bio%22%3A%22October%2023%2C%202023%5CnAlice%20F.%20Taylor%20has%20written%20a%20thought%20provoking%2C%20spiritually%20enriching%2C%20and%20personally%20challenging%20book%20specifically%20aimed%20at%20young%20black%20men.%5Cn%5CnMama%20Alice%2C%20as%20she%20calls%20herself%2C%20appeals%20to%20the%20God-deemed%20greatness%20in%20young%20black%20men.%20%20She%20tells%20them%20that%20they%20were%20created%20in%20the%20image%20of%20Almighty%20God%20and%20that%20God%20has%20given%20each%20person%20unique%20gifts%20and%20talents.%20%20Most%20importantly%2C%20she%20tells%20them%20that%20God%20has%20promised%20to%20give%20them%20the%20strength%20and%20ability%20to%20develop%20their%20gifts.%20%20%5CnReviewed%20by%20%3A%20Theressa%20G.%20Wesley%22%2C%22user_rating%22%3A%225%22%7D%2C%7B%22author_name%22%3A%22Theressa%20Gunnels%20Wesley%2C%2010.18.2023%22%2C%22author_bio%22%3A%22%3Cb%3E%20A%20Plea%20to%20Our%20Sons%20from%20a%20Mother%20Who%20Cares%20%E2%80%A6%3C%2Fb%3E%5CnEncouraging%20Words%20for%20Young%20Black%20Men%20By%20%3Cb%3EAlice%20F.%20Taylor%3C%2Fb%3E%20Alice%20F.%20Taylor%20has%20written%20a%20thought%20provoking%2C%20spiritually%20enriching%2C%20and%20personally%20challenging%20book%20specifically%20aimed%20at%20young%20black%20men.%20Mama%20Alice%2C%20as%20she%20calls%20herself%2C%20appeals%20to%20the%20God-deemed%20greatness%20in%20young%20black%20men.%20%20She%20tells%20them%20that%20they%20were%20created%20in%20the%20image%20of%20Almighty%20God%20and%20that%20God%20has%20given%20each%20person%20unique%20gifts%20and%20talents.%20%20Most%20importantly%2C%20she%20tells%20them%20that%20God%20has%20promised%20to%20give%20them%20the%20strength%20and%20ability%20to%20develop%20their%20gifts.%5Cn%20%5CnMama%20Alice%20begins%20the%20book%20by%20telling%20young%20black%20men%20of%20her%20sincere%20love%20and%20concern%20for%20them.%20%20Although%20society%20is%20often%20unfair%2C%20demeaning%20and%20discouraging%3B%20she%20emphasizes%20her%20belief%20in%20their%20greatness%3A%20%5D%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%E2%80%9CYou%20are%20great%2C%20smart%2C%20intelligent%2C%20trustworthy%2C%20energetic%2C%20and%20capable%20of%20achieving%20your%20dreams.%20%20Be%20empowered%20by%20your%20greatness.%E2%80%9D%20%20She%20challenges%20them%20to%20do%20a%20personal%20introspection%E2%80%94to%20ask%20themselves%20who%20they%20really%20are%20and%20to%20love%20themselves%2C%20even%20if%20they%20are%20disillusioned%20with%20some%20flaws%20and%20imperfections.%20%20%5Cn%5CnShe%20tells%20them%20that%20only%20when%20they%20truly%20love%20themselves%20will%20they%20have%20the%20capacity%20to%20develop%20a%20healthy%20love%20for%20others.%20%20She%20tells%20them%20to%20analyze%20their%20pasts%E2%80%94%20their%20attributes%20as%20well%20as%20their%20pain%E2%80%A6the%20hurts%2C%20the%20disappointments%2C%20the%20feelings%20of%20inferiority%20and%20low%20self-esteem%2C%20the%20brutally%20painful%20childhoods%E2%80%A6the%20total%20spectrum%20of%20their%20beings.%20%20Once%20they%20accept%20every%20aspect%20of%20their%20pasts%20and%20develop%20a%20love%20for%20themselves%2C%20they%20will%20be%20empowered%20to%20be%20the%20amazing%20beings%20God%20created%20them%20to%20be.%20%20This%20self-realization%2C%20then%2C%20enables%20them%20to%20be%20passionate%20about%20achieving%20their%20dreams.%20Mama%20Alice%20tells%20them%20to%20realize%20that%20no%20matter%20what%20they%20have%20had%20to%20deal%20with%20in%20life%2C%20they%20are%20still%20special.%20%20%E2%80%9CIf%20you%20can%20dream%20it%2C%20you%20can%20become%20it%2C%E2%80%9D%20she%20says.%20Mama%20Alice%20tells%20them%20to%20pursue%20their%20dreams%20with%20vigor%20and%20persistence.%20%20She%20encourages%20them%20not%20to%20be%20dismayed%20or%20disillusioned%20by%20their%20mistakes.%20%20Everyone%20makes%20mistakes.%20%20Never%20give%20up%2C%20she%20reiterates%20throughout%20the%20book.%5Cn%5CnTo%20emphasize%20Mama%20Alice%E2%80%99s%20heartfelt%20advice%2C%20she%20shares%20the%20stories%20of%20several%20successful%20black%20men.%20%20Some%20of%20them%20had%20difficult%20childhoods%2C%20but%20they%20persisted%20and%20never%20gave%20up%20on%20their%20dreams.%20%20Today%2C%20they%20are%20tremendous%20role%20models.%20In%20the%20last%20chapter%20of%20the%20book%2C%20Mama%20Alice%20invites%20young%20black%20men%20to%20accept%20Jesus%20Christ%20as%20their%20personal%20Savior.%20%20With%20Christ%20in%20their%20lives%2C%20she%20assures%20them%20that%20they%20will%20be%20fully%20equipped%20to%20be%20the%20special%20beings%20God%20created%20them%20to%20be.%22%2C%22user_rating%22%3A%221%22%7D%2C%7B%22author_name%22%3A%22L%E2%80%99Homme%20Noir%20%20%22%2C%22author_job%22%3A%22Review%20of%20Alice%20F.%20Taylor’s%20new%20book%3A%20A%20Plea%20to%20Our%20Sons%2C%20from%20a%20Mother%20who%20cares%22%2C%22author_bio%22%3A%22Highly%20Inspirational%2C%20Life-Changing!%5CnI%20had%20the%20opportunity%20to%20read%20Alice%20Taylor%E2%80%99s%20new%20book%20A%20Plea%20to%20Our%20Sons%2C%20from%20a%20Mother%20who%20Cares.%20This%20book%20offers%20advice%20and%20pep%20talks%20from%20Alice%20and%20from%20a%20variety%20of%20Black%20men%20on%20how%20young%20black%20men%20can%20find%20their%20way%20in%20an%20often%20confusing%20and%20hostile%20world%20with%20self-respect%20and%20wisdom.%20This%20would%20be%20a%20great%20gift%20idea%20to%20mature%20well%20thinking%20black%20men%20especially%20in%20the%20climate%20we%20find%20ourselves%20in%20today.%20%5Cn%5Cn%22%7D%2C%7B%22author_name%22%3A%22James%20A.%20Ryan%22%2C%22author_job%22%3A%22Major%20General%2C%20USA%2C%20Ret%22%2C%22author_bio%22%3A%22Johnny%20Taylor%2C%20like%20so%20many%20of%20us%2C%20grew%20up%20in%20the%20South%20in%20times%20that%20cannot%20be%20imagined%20today.%20But%20he%2C%20unlike%20most%20of%20us%20who%20experienced%20those%20times%2C%20has%20been%20able%20to%20put%20into%20words%20that%20can%20be%20understood%20by%20people%20of%20today%20who%20did%20not%20know%20the%20times%20that%20he%20lived%20through%2C%20survived%2C%20and%20prospered.%5Cn%5CnJohnny%20writes%20with%20a%20clarity%20that%20anyone%20can%20understand%20and%20lays%20the%20foundation%20of%20his%20life%20experiences%20quickly%20as%20he%20describes%20his%20early%20life.%20His%20life%20was%20shaped%20first%20by%20his%20family%20followed%20for%20a%20strong%20presence%20in%20his%20life%20by%20his%20church.%20He%20describes%20his%20youthful%20years%20so%20vividly%20that%20you%20feel%20as%20though%20you%20are%20there.%20He%20tells%20of%20things%20that%20he%20did%20and%20friends%20he%20had%20in%20such%20a%20manner%20that%20you%20almost%20feel%20like%20his%20friends%20are%20your%20friends%20also.%5Cn%5CnHis%20experiences%20in%20the%20Army%20parallel%20so%20many%20who%20were%20drafted%20to%20serve%20in%20the%20Viet%20Nam%20war.%20The%20difference%20begins%20to%20come%20as%20we%20see%20the%20faith%20in%20God%20that%20he%20has%20and%20how%20it%20affects%20him%20as%20he%20is%20very%20seriously%20wounded.%20His%20complete%20faith%20brings%20from%20near%20death%20back%20to%20health%20and%20eventually%20leads%20him%20to%20success%20and%20happiness.%5Cn%5CnIf%20there%20is%20one%20thing%20that%20has%20sustained%20Johnny%20all%20his%20life%2C%20it%20is%20his%20faith%20and%20belief%20in%20God.%20This%20overwhelming%20faith%20in%20God%20is%20a%20something%20that%20he%20tries%20hard%20to%20impart%20to%20his%20readers%20because%20he%20wishes%20others%20to%20get%20the%20same%20rewards%20from%20life%20that%20he%20knows%20awaits%20all%20people%20if%20they%20will%20just%20believe.%20He%20points%20out%20that%20life%20is%20not%20without%20it%E2%80%99s%20trials%20and%20tribulations.%20But%20faith%20in%20God%2C%20dedication%2C%20hard%20work%20and%20confidence%20that%20you%20can%20do%20what%20you%20want%20it%2C%20will%20allow%20you%20to%20live%20a%20fruitful%20and%20rewarding%20life.%5Cn%5CnHe%20concludes%20his%20book%20by%20giving%20us%20important%20points%20that%20apply%20to%20all%20of%20us.%20How%20important%20it%20is%20to%20be%20a%20family.%20Keeping%20bloodlines%20clear.%20How%20life%20in%20America%20has%20changed%20when%20prayer%20went%20out%20of%20our%20schools.%20How%20America%20was%20lead%20into%20a%20war%20that%20has%20no%20meaning.%20His%20keen%20realization%20that%20the%20next%20President%20must%20dig%20America%20out%20of%20a%20hole%20and%20get%20us%20back%20on%20solid%2C%20thoughtful%2C%20reasonable%20ground%20again.%5Cn%5CnHis%20Lessons%20Learned%20can%20be%20applied%20to%20everyday%20life%20of%20everyone%2C%20especially%20among%20the%20younger%20people%20of%20our%20America.%22%7D%2C%7B%22author_name%22%3A%22Rhonda%20Stewart%22%2C%22author_job%22%3A%22Arkansas%20Librarian%2C%20%E2%80%9CThe%20Butler%20Center%E2%80%9D%22%2C%22author_bio%22%3A%22I%20have%20read%20the%20book!!!%20%20I%20think%20every%20teen%20in%20the%20South%20should%20have%20to%20read%20it.%20I%20also%20think%20most%20adults%20can%20relate%20to%20the%20message%20of%20this%20book.%20It%20is%20a%20life%20story%20many%20have%20lived%20and%20didn%E2%80%99t%20know%20how%20to%20voice.%20It%20is%20the%20story%20I%20think%20a%20parent%20would%20like%20to%20share%20with%20a%20child%20and%20a%20child%20would%20appreciate%20hearing.%20The%20vision%20of%20the%20writer%20allows%20the%20reader%20to%20step%20back%20in%20time%20and%20experience%20(temporarily)%20that%20moment%20in%20time.%20Keep%20the%20voice%20flowing%20and%20know%20it%20floats%20to%20ears%20that%20need%20to%20be%20reminded%20that%20the%20purpose%20of%20life%20is%20to%20live%20and%20share%20life%E2%80%99s%20blessings%20with%20others.%20Thank%20you%20for%20the%20gift%20of%20knowledge.%22%7D%2C%7B%22author_name%22%3A%22Dr.%20Mark%20DeYmaz%22%2C%22author_job%22%3A%22Pastor%2C%20Mosaic%20Church%20of%20Central%20Arkansas%20%7C%20Author%2C%20Building%20a%20Healthy%20Multi-ethnic%20Church%22%2C%22author_bio%22%3A%22Growing%20Up%20in%20The%20South%3A%20Lessons%20Learned%3C%2Fem%3E%20provides%20honest%20insight%20into%20the%20life%2C%20mind%20and%20times%20of%20a%20young%20man%20coming%20of%20age%20in%20the%20American%20south.%20The%20simple%2C%20yet%20significant%20he%20lessons%20learned%20are%20interspersed%20like%20golden%20nuggets%20throughout%20the%20read.%20I%20trust%20you%20will%20enjoy%20first%20finding%20and%20then%20benefiting%20from%20these%20timeless%20truths.%22%7D%2C%7B%22author_name%22%3A%22Paula%22%2C%22author_bio%22%3A%22%E2%80%9CWhen%20you%20are%20truly%20called%2C%20God%20will%20assign%20angels%20to%20you%20to%20protect%20your%20spirit.%20Your%20body%20may%20take%20some%20heavy%20scars%2C%20but%20your%20spirit%20will%20go%20unharmed%20until%20the%20work%20is%20done.%20Your%20Godly%20spirit%20will%20give%20you%20the%20wisdom%20to%20fulfill%20your%20heart%E2%80%99s%20desires.%20Just%20remember%20that%20love%20will%20be%20the%20driving%20force%20to%20your%20success%E2%80%A6%E2%80%9D(p.31).%5Cn%5CnCongratulation%20to%20J.T.%20on%20the%20publication%20of%20this%20book%2C%20%3Cstrong%3E%3Cem%3EGrowing%20Up%20In%20The%20South%3A%20Lessons%20Learned%3C%2Fem%3E%3C%2Fstrong%3E.%20Of%20all%20the%20things%20written%20in%20J.T.’s%20book%2C%20it%20would%20be%20the%20quote%20above%20that%20touched%20me%20the%20most.%20Without%20love%2C%20as%20we%20know%2C%20anything%20and%20everything%20we%20do%20is%20nothing.%20God%20actually%20does%20give%20His%20angels%20charge%20over%20us!%5Cn%5CnI%20felt%20J.T.%E2%80%99s%20book%20was%20not%20a%20%E2%80%9Cvictim%20of%20the%20South%E2%80%9D%20kind%20of%20book.%20He%20told%20about%20his%20experiences%20and%20did%20not%20in%20any%20way%20caused%20me%20to%20feel%20guilty%20that%20I%20am%20Caucasian.%20Of%20course%2C%20when%20someone%20does%20write%20as%20a%20victim%20they%20should%20be%20admired%20and%20heard.%20J.%20T.%20wrote%20with%20confidence%20in%20who%20he%20is%20and%20what%20he%20has%20become.%20He%20writes%20with%20heart%20and%20conviction%20regarding%20his%20life.%20His%20%E2%80%9Cdown%20to%20earthiness%E2%80%9D%20is%20palpable%20and%20enviable.%20He%20is%20opinionated%2C%20but%20not%20offensive.%5Cn%5CnI%20related%20to%20many%20of%20the%20themes%20he%20wrote%20about.%20J.T.%20was%20not%20judgmental%20in%20this%20book%2C%20nor%20did%20I%20see%20a%20%E2%80%9Cpreachiness.%E2%80%9D%20he%20told%20about%20his%20accomplishments%2C%20and%20although%20I%20did%20sense%20pride%20it%20was%20not%20in%20a%20superfluous%20manner.%5Cn%5CnHis%20comments%20a%20bout%20%5C%22the%20new%20liberated%20woman%5C%22%20(p.69-70)%20are%20bold%20and%20courageous%20statements.%20We%20need%20more%20men%20who%20will%20speak%20up%20about%20their%20thoughts%20on%20women%20in%20the%20home%2C%20military%20and%20other%20places.%20Today%2C%20many%20men%20seem%20to%20be%20afraid%20to%20speak.%20Not%20J.T.%20He%20was%20not%20cruel%20or%20mean%E2%80%94%20just%20spoke%20his%20mind.%20It%20probably%20won%E2%80%9Dt%20win%20him%20the%20feminist%20vote%2C%20but%20at%20least%20he%20is%20honest!%5Cn%5CnHis%20folksy%20and%20laid-back%20style%20would%20perhaps%20offend%20some%20literary%20types%2C%20but%20I%20thought%20it%20was%20refreshing.%20A%20man%20just%20putting%20his%20thoughts%20down%20without%20trying%20to%20be%20highfalutin%20and%20way%20above%20your%20head!%20This%20is%20a%20story%20and%20reads%20like%20a%20story.%20However%2C%20some%20of%20the%20structure%20and%20sequence%20threw%20me%20off%20a%20timeor%20two%2C%20but%20then%20I%20would%20make%20the%20connection.%20It%20was%20not%20like%20I%20was%20totally%20confused.%20Many%20writers%20switch%20back%20and%20forth%20between%20adult%20and%20childhood%20experiences.%20It%20is%20a%20delicate%20and%20difficult%20balance%20to%20achieve.%5Cn%5CnOverall%2C%20the%20book%20is%20touching.%20You%20finish%20the%20book%20feeling%20you%20really%20know%20this%20guy.%22%7D%2C%7B%22author_name%22%3A%22Joyce%20A.%20Neal%22%2C%22author_job%22%3A%22Retired%20Administrative%20Secretary%2C%20Saginaw%20County%22%2C%22author_bio%22%3A%22Growing%20up%20in%20the%20South%3A%20Lessons%20Learned%3C%2Fem%3E%20is%20an%20excellent%20book%20to%20read%20whether%20you%20grew%20up%20in%20the%20south%20or%20not.%20It%20is%20filled%20with%20lessons%20on%20family%20values%20and%20how%20to%20become%20a%20responsible%20person.%20It%20also%20reminds%20me%20of%20how%20important%20family%20values%20are%20today%20and%20how%20they%20should%20still%20be%20treasured.%22%7D%2C%7B%22author_name%22%3A%22Jean%20Cazort%22%2C%22author_job%22%3A%22Words%20Worth%20Books%20%26amp%3B%20Company%22%2C%22author_bio%22%3A%22%3Cem%3E%3Cstrong%3EGrowing%20Up%20in%20The%20South%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3C%2Fem%3E%20is%20a%20wonderful%20book%E2%80%94%20something%20of%20a%20page-turner%E2%80%94%20one%20you%20don%E2%80%99t%20want%20to%20put%20down%20and%20are%20eager%20to%20get%20back%20to%20it.%20The%20author%20has%20an%20interest%20life.%20I%20found%20his%20experience%20in%20Vietnam%20particularly%20eyeopening%20and%20revealing.%20One%20reason%20I%20like%20it%20so%20much%20is%20that%20Mr.%20Taylor%20is%20not%20shy%20in%20offering%20his%20political%20and%20philosophical%20views%2C%20all%20of%20which%20have%20been%20developed%20from%20a%20lifetime%20of%20experience%20and%20%E2%80%9Clessons%20learned.%E2%80%9D%20It%E2%80%99s%20a%20great%20read.%22%7D%2C%7B%22author_name%22%3A%22Gene%22%2C%22author_job%22%3A%22A%20Veteran%22%2C%22author_bio%22%3A%22%3Cem%3E%3Cstrong%3EGrowing%20Up%20in%20The%20South%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3C%2Fem%3E%20was%20a%20good%20read.%20His%20Vietnam%20experience%20was%20really%20something.%20I%20was%20stationed%20at%20the%20same%20place%20where%20he%20was%2C%20Cu%20Chi%20South%20Vietnam.%20I%20was%20most%20impressed%20by%20his%20statement%20that%20he%20had%20made%20peace%20with%20God%20prior%20to%20his%20going%20there.%20Me%20in%20my%20craziness%20had%20always%20thought%20that%20my%20education%20and%20my%20smarts%20would%20get%20me%20through.%20I%20realized%20after%20I%20came%20to%20know%20Christ%20as%20my%20Lord%20and%20Savior%20that%20it%20was%20His%20grace%20that%20allowed%20me%20through%20such%20a%20dangerous%20part%20of%20my%20life.%5Cn%5CnThe%20theme%20in%20this%20book%20for%20me%20was%20faith%20and%20hard%20work%20are%20the%20key%20ingredients%20for%20success.%20Thanks%20for%20sharing.%22%7D%5D” nav=”on” nav_position=”nav-center” nav_hover_style=”nav-hover-bg” nav_hover_scheme=”hover-light” autoplay=”on” el_class=”” content_typography=”Libre Baskerville|italic|400|italic”][gsf_space desktop=”172″ […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-39","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"post_mailing_queue_ids":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/zerototen.net\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/39","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/zerototen.net\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/zerototen.net\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zerototen.net\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zerototen.net\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=39"}],"version-history":[{"count":17,"href":"https:\/\/zerototen.net\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/39\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":291,"href":"https:\/\/zerototen.net\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/39\/revisions\/291"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/zerototen.net\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=39"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}