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    The Heart of a Man: The Time Is Now!
    The Heart of a Man: The Time Is Now!
    The Heart of a Man: The Time Is Now!
    Ebook98 pages1 hour

    The Heart of a Man: The Time Is Now!

    By Martin J. Boatwright

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    About this ebook

    The dashes between the numbers tell life stories of courage, honor, commitment, love, and even shame, but each and every one of them defines a part of who I am. For this, I am grateful. I pray that their light continues to shine on me through the heavenly Father above.

    Thank you again for allowing me to express myself and dig deep into my heart and, hopefully, touch a piece of yours. You have helped me ask, answer, and question my own inner soul and work through the trials and tribulations of life with a better understanding and acceptance of the future.

    It’s strange how people can communicate while not knowing much about one another. But the heart somehow has a way of bringing us together as if we have known one another for a lifetime. Therefore, my friend, always remember, the heart of a man is simply reaching out with unconditional love.
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherXlibris US
    Release dateSep 14, 2018
    ISBN9781984547293
    The Heart of a Man: The Time Is Now!

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      Book preview

      The Heart of a Man - Martin J. Boatwright

      Copyright © 2018 by Martin J. Boatwright.

      Library of Congress Control Number:              2018909704

      ISBN:                  Hardcover                     978-1-9845-4731-6

                                  Softcover                       978-1-9845-4730-9

                                 eBook                            978-1-9845-4729-3

      All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted

      in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system,

      without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

      Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models,

      and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

      Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

      Rev. date: 10/03/2018

      Xlibris

      1-888-795-4274

      www.Xlibris.com

      783137

      CONTENTS

      Acknowledgments

      Chapter 1:   Promises in the Land of Opportunity

      Chapter 2:   Those Who Have Lived and Died for Change

      Chapter 3:   To Our Families/Where Do We Go from Here?

      Chapter 4:   Education and the Community

      Chapter 5:   Tears of Our Future

      The Letters

      In Memory Of . . .

      ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

      I have nothing but love for those who have encouraged me in writing this book. I am truly thankful to God for giving me the knowledge and wisdom to be able to express myself and hopefully help others to do the same.

      I dedicate this book to all my former teachers; without them, I would not have the courage to pursue many of my goals in life. I want to thank Mrs. Curtis, the first teacher I’ve ever worked with. Her love for children defined the importance of being an educator. She allowed me to experience teaching her seventh-grade social studies class, which would be the beginning of many teaching and educational experiences for me. I want to thank all the students at Lincoln Middle School, McKinley Brighton, Lemoyne Elementary, and Frazer K-8 in Syracuse, New York. I will always believe that each child is the greatest gift on earth, and they should be given the opportunity to shine and be loved unconditionally.

      I want to thank my family for their total support in everything I have accomplished or failed short of trying. My mother, Carmelita Josephine Boatwright, is truly an angel from above. I admire and love her more than life itself. Thank you, Mom, for teaching me the true meaning of the struggle, especially in a time when money and power seem to be the means to the end.

      This book or anything else in my life could not be possible without pulling strength from my children: Nicole, Ealisa, Ashley, Martinesha, Martin Jr., Shamar, and Sheridyn. They are my inspiration and motivation. To Markel, my nephew, Rickeyta, my niece, and Mark and Michael, my two brothers—they will never have the opportunity to read what I have written. Their deaths remind me of how precious life is and how short it can be. Sometimes we never realize the gifts that we are given until the pain of losing them is felt.

      I want to thank my wife, Sharon; she is nothing less than godsent. She continues to stand by my side and have confidence in me when I don’t have it in myself.

      Finally—but not least by any measures—I want to thank God. Without a higher power in my life, the road that I’ve chosen or he has chosen for me would not have been possible to travel.

      I hope this book can allow you, the reader, to go beyond the surface of everyday life and find true meaning, purpose, and compassion in a world that we seem to know all so well.

      Neighborhood

      I’m from the hood just like you, so listen up close; it’s no joke. The hood—it’s fast, cool—and money rule. The corners are packed with me and others: my sisters and brothers. I have to get my props. I can’t be stopped. My turf, I rule. Don’t play me; I’ll take you to school, fool.

      Nightlife is what I live for; excitement is what I adore. There are pretty girls, fancy cars, street warriors, and superstars. I have all that I need in the streets. There’s a lot of action and satisfaction, and "it’s all good in the hood."

      Wait just a minute! Times have changed. There are drugs, alcohol, crime, and gangs. No one can be trusted, drug dealers getting busted.

      The streets have become a total lie. Last night, my best friend got shot in a drive-by. All I could do is cry and ask myself why. People hear of this, but I see it crisp and clear.

      They say education is the key. So I go to school and learn another golden rule: school is cool, and knowledge rule. It’s not always easy and most times hard, but I don’t have to be a superstar. No need to be fast—my education will always last. There’s no need for crime. Now I can use my mind! Thank God—no more wasted time. The truth has set me free. Education is the key; it’s my reality. Just like the streets, school is no joke but filled with positive dreams, goals, and hope!

      CHAPTER 1

      Promises in the Land of Opportunity

      The story I am about to tell is based on

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