Collections of Reflections

By Dr. Eddie M. Connor, Jr

Self-expression is an essential component, that reveals the creative abilities within ourselves. The call for critical thinkers in a chaotic world rings loud and clear. Dr. Eddie Connor, critically examines the poignant issues and topics that pervade our communities, through poetry in Collections of Reflections.

Dr. Connor shares his inspiring journey, as a survivor of stage four cancer. The strength to transform trials into triumph, has equipped him with wisdom to empower your life.

Dr. Eddie Connor has composed and orchestrated symphonies of strength, which provides inspirational rhythm and rhyme in every line. This poetic treatise addresses issues pertaining to education, entertainment, psychology, spirituality, and social paradigms that pervade our world. The injection of hope and healing, provided in these symphonic collections, will strengthen and encourage you to pursue your purpose in a greater way.

DR. EDDIE M. CONNOR, JR. is a College Professor, International Speaker, and Founder of the literacy/mentoring program, Boys 2 Books. As a survivor of stage four cancer, he is a bestselling selling author of six books, including Unwrap The Gift In You and Heal Your Heart. Dr. Connor has been featured on BET, CBS, FOX News, NBC, The Steve Harvey TV Show, and many other media outlets. He speaks extensively on the subjects of education, leadership, overcoming obstacles, and maximizing your purpose. Dr. Connor grew up in Kingston, Jamaica and is a proud resident of Detroit, Michigan. For more information, visit: EddieConnor.com.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dr. Eddie M. Connor, Jr
• Release date: Dec 9, 2015
• ISBN: 9780997050424

Dr. Eddie M. Connor, Jr

Empowering people to overcome obstacles and walk in their unique purpose, is the real life message shared by Dr. Eddie M. Connor, Jr. who is a survivor of stage 4 cancer. Dr. Connor is a resident of Detroit, Michigan and grew up in Kingston, Jamaica. He is an Author, College Professor, International Speaker, Radio/TV Correspondent, and founder of Boys 2 Books. Dr. Eddie M. Connor, Jr. serves as Graduate Education Professor, at the prestigious Marygrove College. Dr. Connor is a bestselling author of 6 books and founder of Boys 2 Books, which provides mentorship to boys and young men via literacy, leadership, and life skills enrichment. Boys 2 Books has received national endorsements, from the U.S. Congress, National Black Law Student Association, and Black Male Engagement Initiative. While working alongside former Congressman Hansen Clarke, Dr. Connor’s efforts assisted in developing a Resolution in the U.S. Congress (H.Res. 721), to express that bolstering literacy amongst African-American and Hispanic males, is an urgent national priority. The Boys 2 Books program has been endorsed by the United States Congress and Dr. Connor’s development of the H.Res. 721 Resolution, was the impetus for President Barack Obama’s, My Brother's Keeper initiative. Dr. Connor has garnered prestigious honors, for his community activism and unique leadership ability, such as the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Award, The Black Male Engagement Leadership Award, The Spirit of Detroit Award, and named one of the top 100 leaders in Who’s Who in Black Detroit. Dr. Connor has been featured via ABC News, BET, CBS, FOX News, NBC, PBS, TCT, The Steve Harvey TV Show, The Tom Joyner Show, The Word Network, USA Today, and many other media outlets. Dr. Connor is a contributing writer for the Michigan Chronicle and was also featured in the acclaimed BET documentary, "It Takes A Village to Raise Detroit." Dr. Connor speaks extensively on the subjects of education, leadership, overcoming obstacles, and maximizing your purpose. As an international speaker, much of his work extends throughout Jamaica and South Africa. Dr. Connor empowers people in churches, community centers, and colleges, by inspiring and motivating others to overcome the odds. Visit: www.EddieConnor.com

Book preview

Collections

of Reflections

Volumes 1-3: Symphonies of Strength

Also by Dr. Eddie M. Connor, Jr.

Purposefully Prepared to Persevere

E.CON the ICON: from Pop Culture to

President Barack Obama

Unwrap The Gift In You

Heal Your Heart

My Brother’s Keeper

Collections

of Reflections

Volumes 1-3: Symphonies of Strength

Inspiration Through

Rhythm and Rhyme

Dr. Eddie M. Connor, Jr.

Collections Of Reflections. Copyright © 2008, 2015. All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America. 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 an information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the author. For information, address Norbrook Publishing, 29488 Woodward Ave. Suite 215, Royal Oak, MI 48073

Collections of Reflections and other books by Dr. Eddie M. Connor, Jr. may be purchased in bulk for educational, business, or sales promotional use. For information, please e-mail the Administrative and Markets Department at [e-mail].

First edition published in 2008

Second edition published in 2015 by Norbrook Publishing

All scripture references are from the King James Version, New King James Version, and New International Version Bible.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data has been applied for.

ISBN: 978-0-9970504-2-4

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2

In these following Symphonies of Strength, I would like to acknowledge my mother, Dr. Janice K. Connor (author of Propelling Faith).

Ever since I was a child, you instilled in me the importance of educating and expressing myself. I indeed thank YOU for channeling my gifts and challenging me, to expand the parameters of my mind, in order to enrich the world. Thank YOU for your love and wisdom, that you continue to pour into my life.

This book is dedicated to young people, men, and women of all ages, races, facets, and phases in life. To the readers of my first book, Purposefully Prepared to Persevere, I trust that you have been enlightened and encouraged to elevate your life and bask in the ebullience of life.

To the child abandoned by mother or father, there still is hope to cope with the pains of life (Psalm 27:10). To the young men and women seeking to navigate the avenues of acclimation, the paths of power, the highways of healing, and the streets of success.

To the diseased, distressed, depressed, and repressed human spirit, don’t give up. Keep the Faith, You shall not die, but live and declare the works of the Lord (Psalm 118:17).

To my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I Thank You, for your ever abounding love, gifts, and blessings that you have bestowed unto me.

To my family and friends, here I go unlocking my dreams again. I hope you enjoy the ride.

CONTENTS

Introduction: Rhyme and Reason

Volume I

Power Perfected Through Pain

The Depth of Reflection

No Breakdown, Breakthrough!

Thanks 2 U

The Cancer Answer

Thy Love

The Dangers