It was cold, the floor was hard, and I could smell the foul stench in the floor where I had slept. My head was throbbing and I could see my shoes, they had no laces, Why? Did I think? Two long weeks had passed, and it was time for me to leave, and when I was walking out, freedom was embraced by the worst shame I have ever experienced. The walk to freedom gives you a defining sense of appreciation and also to reflect on your experience. I was also carrying a book with me when I was leaving, and this book would ultimately change the course of my life forever.

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As a result of this experience, I will only share what is relevant to “the book”, which is the bible. Before going to “that place”, metaphorically speaking. I just wanted to state that I was not religious, spiritual, or had any affiliation with any church group. I was on a path that led me here and I am glad this was the result.

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First, let me give you a brief insight into how I came across the bible. Not to be too descriptive, but during my stay, all I had was time. I would exercise, and more exercising, only to stumbled upon many books in the corner. So my curious nature, I ask around if the books belong to anyone. I was told they were used for pillows or scraps to write phone numbers on. So, without hesitation, I grab a book, and I didn’t care what book it was. Not to sound so cynical but I truly believe this was meant to be. You could call me weird but I divulged the entirety of the bible in 3 settings of 6 hours. I was glued to the content of the bible and it felt more like a life guide as opposed to what I heard about it. There were so many books and authors in the book. It had principles and teaching embedded in the book that I extracted through constant reading. Before leaving, I ask if I could take it? No one objected to the idea. So the book came with me.

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Not long after leaving, I became an avid reader, just reading what I could get my hands on. So I started hanging out at the library and this became my thing. I was reading history books on WW2, declaration of independence, Architectural digest and so many more. It was like an addiction, I was buying books, magazines, and I also bought journals. Journaling was the next thing that I came to. The lady at the library counter gave me a new journal and asked if I had ever journaled? I was like, “no”, why? She gave me a whole Ted

talk about the process of memory retention. So I took the blank book, used the ballpoint pen she gave me, and I spilled my brain onto the blank sheets. It was invigorating, my imagination just wondered for hours of writing. In present times, I carry 3 journals with me, my gratitude, daily devotional, and life. Never leave home without them.

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Before long, I had a family and life became present. All my reading and writing had to come into play. I learn about deliberate practice, learning how to work for my family and provide. Life is one thing that hits harder than anything that comes before you. I am glad to have read “the book” and experienced that shameful time in my youth because it made me a student of faith and belief. I was present in all areas of my life and the ability to use logical reasoning for critical times in my life. I am grateful for the profound interest in reading and writing which has given me great advantages in life challenges.

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To conclude, my literacy journey was that of an unconventional one. My life has come full circle and I do not regret one second of that waking moment in “that place”. That may have been the best thing that ever happened to me. The second best thing is knowing what reading and writing can do for you. Knowledge is only potential power but applied knowledge is very powerful indeed.

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