This book is a collection of thoughts provided through the eyes of Tommie ‘Ttop’ Rivers. Rivers takes the reader on an exploration of his life through his lessons learned and highlights thoughts he lives by. Learn what it is like to take a journey of changes and apply lessons in a world that at times does not provide forgiveness but struggle. Witness what true strength is from the mind of someone who has been there and who is giving the gift of being vulnerable to share.
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Table of Contents
Foreword.. 1
Introduction: Dreams and Aspirations 2
Part 1: The Gang Lifestyle 4
In Reflection 4
Short-Time Glamor 6
Wrongly Convicted 7
Accountability 9
Incarceration is Slavery 11
My Record 13
The Soil Beneath My Feet 15
Forgiveness 18
God’s Grace 19
Part 2: My Community 21
A Home Needs Two Parents 21
My Mother, My Queen 22
Part 3: My Faith 24
Struggles and Sacrifices on the Journey 24
Accountability and Glass Houses 26
Yesterday’s Mistakes are Today’s Lessons 27
Daily Struggles 29
Self-Determination to Build Solid Foundations 30
Part 4: The Change 33
The Conscious Mind 33
Surround Yourself with the Right People 34
Controlling the Narrative 35
Part 5: Finding Myself 37
My Ideology 37
Finding My Legacy 39
Evolving to Understand Destiny 40
The Race of Life 41
Everyone Has a Voice, and Every Voice Deserves to be Heard 43
Disruption to Be Heard 45
Part 6: Here and Now 47
I Can’t Believe I Am Here 47
Am I Heading in The Right Direction? 48
Part 7: Words for the Future Generations 49
Build Slowly 49
Generational Wealth 50
Yesterday’s Mistakes are Today’s Blessings 51
Lead with the Right Intentions 51
Never Give Up 52
What Does the Future Look Like 53
About the Author 55
About the Editors 56