RESTORATION MENTORING COUNSELING SERVICES

It was the fall semester of 1988 when I heard a knock at my front door; it was my mother and uncle.  They had driven from Baton Rouge to pick me up.  On the way home they told me that my dad had been shot and killed at a local motel.  Of course, all the hurt and pain began.  I asked my mother what was he doing and the answer was, “your daddy was on drugs and never wanted you to know.”  All kinds of thoughts ran through my mind, and until this day, I still remember hearing the drug called crack cocaine was the center of all the madness.

I was a sophomore at Grambling State University and almost flunked school because of the anger and hurt I had.  I thought to myself that this man had an NFL offer and worked at one of the country’s largest oil refineries for years.  He later owned a prosperous up-and-coming fast food restaurant in the neighborhood.  How in the world did he go from that to drugs and lose it all?  I knew South Baton Rouge was saturated with drugs, but I just didn’t think my dad would be a victim in the drug game.
 
I had dreams that I would someday help my neighborhood after I retired from the NFL, but I was in for a rude awakening.  I said to myself, “as soon as I get my chance to put on the football uniform, I’m going to make them know that I’m the man.”  Well, that opportunity never came.  After turning down other scholarship offers to universities, training extremely hard, and getting 4 interceptions in one game, I knew I was on my way to starting for a top university.  I could not accept the fact that my football days were over.  In my mind I knew I was on my way to the NFL.  I believe the Lord said “no” because I’m suppose to be in the trenches helping to educate our youth and tell about the dangers of drugs and crime. Further, expose the devil and his evil tricks to rob us of our future, freedom, and ultimately your life.  I do believe the Lord was telling me to take the same passion and work ethic I had for football, and go win souls for the Kingdom of God.
 
The battle is on and Restoration is aggressive in steering our young people from a life of drugs and crime.  Pulling individuals out the mud of despair and getting them back in the game of life.  Please join in with us by volunteering your time, talents, and/or monetary donations to make our city, state, and nation a better place.
 
God bless