Up from the Ashes

by Percell Maynard
In my life was described in four words, those words would be "Up from the Ashes". A three word description would be "Black on Gold" two words "Born Again". Life for me began as an adopted child, into a family that in (modern terms) would be considered Dysfunctional.
This is some how justified through being raised in New York City, during the late 1930's early 1940's. The experience was compounded by the discovery that the women I called mother was not y parent of origin. Although these facts clouded and confused my thinking, many of the values held close and true in my present life, are a direct result of the wonderful teaching and caring I received under the care of a women I grew to respect as Mother.
Through her guidance, I was exposed to music and most of all Bible instruction regarding Christian ethics: that I could see modeled in her actions. Up to the age of fifteen, I was as attentive to her wishes as a child could be, I learned to play the Violin, study voice culture, and bring acceptable grades home from school. All this while living in a home that also housed 3 alcoholic males. At fifteen my use of alcoholic beverages escalated to problem proportion. The dysfunction I was surrounded by came to rest in my character like a storm. My once obedient life-style turned to absenteeism in school, running with a street crowd, disrespecting authority, and living below the standard that promoted self-esteem and self-worth.
Blinded by the euphoria and false sense of well being that comes from addiction to a chemical substance, my addiction to alcohol/drugs lead me away from home to a place where others like myself gravitate too. In my early 20's I found myself living on the Bowery in New York City. This place is the equivalent of Skid row Los Angeles. From the Bowery, I found myself on a Migrant Bus going to Florida, to pick fruit; this was an experience that lasted long enough fro me to realize that my God, given gifts and talents were being wasted. One day desperate for change I walked out of the Orange grove, onto the local Highway and began to hitchhike making my way back to New York City; after hours of walking, I was picked up by a Semi-truck and traveled some 45-50 miles before being told I would have to find another form of transportation. Determined to return home I began to walk; by night fall I came upon a police station which was a one room cell, going inside I requested shelter for the night and was granted a wooden bench where I spent the night. The next morning I began my track for home. This time with the most repentant spirit I had ever had. My prayer to God was like no other prayer ever; my partition for grace and forgiveness was answered when a vehicle came along side of me carrying an elderly African American male two had just two questions for me. Looking from his drivers seat he asked son what are you doing out here? Responding I said, making my way back to New York City, his first surprise of seeing me was replaced with greater surprise at my response; he asked, "Do you have whiskey in your pocket"? No sir I replied, "Do you have a Gun in your pocket"? No sir I replied, "Get in the car he said.
As God, would have it this man was a Methodist deacon. It was Sunday morning, and he was on his way to church. The events that followed were as pregnant with grace as the arrival of this man after my prayer of repentance. The small congregation (25-30) was addressed by this man stating; "we all have children who, may find themselves far from home needing help, this young man needs our help to get back to New York City". Passing a basket this small congregation gave me a collection of $58. And change enough to get a bus ticket and food for the ride home. Returning to New York City, I went straight to counselor's office requesting admission into a Rehab program. 11months later I had renewed spirit toward a Christian life-style. As a result of my nightly study of the Bible, building a vocabulary, and searching a Psychology made simple book, I was accepted at one of the better Universities on Long Island New York. God has since blessed me to establish a non-profit organization that reaches out to those caught in the stronghold of Alcoholism/Drug dependence. I have been blessed to now be an influence to others instead of an insult. The lessons of my youth have been molded into a Man who is not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God, for Salvation.