Daddy, Where Are You?

By Anntwanique D. Edwards

Daddy, where are you?
She cried, Daddy, Where Are You? Trapped in a maze, trying to escape the feelings of a hurting girls bondage, a daughter constantly hits roadblocks. Her pain negatively impacts her identity and relationships. Could she be lost because of a father that left her alone? Maybe he didnt notice her stuck in a corner or understand her need for guidance. Either way, there is no cry like that of a daughter who is lost because her father is missing!
In a non-fiction portrayal of the search for her fathers love, Dr. Anntwanique Edwards candidly expresses how her quest could not be satisfied by man. She openly describes her disappointment with her biological and heavenly fathers for not attending to her needs. Her Life experiences are divulged to reveal the purpose of pain. This phenomenal speaker puts her words on a paper to establish Gods ability to release women from the catastrophic danger of dancing with versions of love created by this world. Hear her words, declare the affirmations she shares at the end of each chapter, and experience freedom as never before.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Jun 24, 2013
• ISBN: 9781481760935

Anntwanique D. Edwards

Dr. Anntwanique Edwards is native of Connecticut. She is the eldest of three girls born to Jeffrey and Beverly Edwards. After graduating high school, she moved to Gainesville, Florida and began studies at the University of Florida (UF). Dr. Edwards earned each of her degrees from UF, including a Bachelors of Arts in Sociology, Masters in Counselor Education, Education Specialist in Mental Health Counseling, second Masters in Educational Leadership, and PhD in Educational Leadership with an emphasis in elementary and secondary administration. She worked as a mental health counselor, as well as a middle and high school guidance counselor before serving in her current role as an assistant principal for the public school system. Furthermore, she is licensed by the Church of God in Christ (COGIC) as a missionary evangelist. Dr. Edwards is a member of Unity Tabernacle COGIC in Ocala, FL. She is faithful member of her church and jurisdiction. She has a passion for working with youth and serves as the Youth Department Chairlady for the Florida Central Second Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction. Also, she is the founder and former pastor of Generation COGIC. Divine Ministry, Inc. (www.divineministry.net), a non-profit organization that grants educational scholarships, financial literacy workshops, and provides resources to disadvantaged women and children, was founded by Dr. Edwards too. She serves as the president of the organization. The first book authored by Dr. Edwards was a non-fiction edition entitled, Daddy, Where Are You? Her writing afforded her the opportunity to preach in Botwswana, Africa and Jamaica. Dr. Edwards is committed to various other positions in ministry, the workplace and within her local community. Although she has been favored to receive many positions her desire is to be most recognized as a woman of God.

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© 2013 Anntwanique D. Edwards. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 06/20/2013

ISBN: 978-1-4817-6095-9 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4817-6094-2 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4817-6093-5 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2013910407

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Contents

Dedication

Special Thanks And Acknowledgements

Foreword

Introduction

Chapter 1 Drunk Again?

Chapter 2 Masquerade

Chapter 3 I Can’t Educate The Pain Away

Chapter 4 I’m Mad At You

Chapter 5 Start Over/Hangover

Chapter 6 Lost Love

Chapter 7 Quiet Visits

Chapter 8 Purposeful Pain

Chapter 9 New Birth

Conclusion

Prayer

After Thoughts

Reflections A Must Read For Males Too

Bibliography

About The Author

DEDICATION

This book is dedicated to the man who I gave my heart to and for all he has taught me. What started as friendship, wobbled into momentary hurt, and has now become the most profound learning experience I have ever had. You caused me to seek God in a deeper way. You helped me figure out that I was not as lonely as I thought. I honor you, whom I loved through my hurt. Our ordeal taught me to seek my father and how to accept the lessons of unconditional love. I found out where my father was because of you. In the presence of my natural father and heavenly father, I learned to forget, to forgive, and to love.

Also, I dedicate this book to my father for all you have given me. Daddy, thanks for letting me know where you were. Your presence has made me a great woman. Daddy, I love you! Finally, I dedicate this book to every woman who has ever asked, Daddy, where are you?

SPECIAL THANKS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I give thanks to God, who urged me to write this book. In spite of my faults, God has helped me develop into a young woman of faith and integrity. Because of him I am able to extend special thanks and honor to the greatest mom of all time, Beverly Edwards. My "mommy" has been a phenomenal encourager and motivator. Without her as my angel, I am not sure what I would have done. I graciously recognize how she has been a continual inspiration for me. Also, I would be remiss to neglect my two little sisters, Anita Edwards and L’Tonya Edwards Johnson, who had to bear the burden of seeking solace in life without our dad as well. I am very appreciative for the twins and their sisterly love.

Additionally, I would like to thank my God-given mentor, Lorenzo Savage I, who has provided me with spiritual support and love. He accepted me as a daughter and showed me light in the midst of some very dark days. In fact, his family has given me unparalleled help over the years. His daughter, Sonya, a spiritual sister to me, listened to my frustrations and the questions I dared to place before God. Her patience and listening ear are always a welcomed blessing. His son and my best friend, Lorenzo Savage II, took time to write the foreword of this book. He has shared timeless sacrifices for my ministry and stood by me every step of the way.

I am blessed to have people in my life who immediately are willing to share their time and support my vision. Some special individuals took time to review this book and provide After Thoughts, Bishop Edward Robinson, Sr., Lynn Luxama George, and Vivian Oliver. I believe their profound statements add beneficial substance to the text. Through their life experiences, they were able to see through other lenses and add value for the reader.

When I completed the first edition of this book, I was the pastor of Generation, Church of God in Christ. I was surrounded with an unbelievably great congregation. Together we soared and the members most definitely heightened the wind beneath my wings. I praise God for their support, prayers, and endeavors in ministry. I glorify God for the help Iana Williams gave in ministry and praises she released for this project. Similarly, my extended church family included spiritual overseers who quickly supported my God-given purpose in ministry and walk as a female pastor: Bishop Edward Robinson, Sr., Jurisdictional Prelate for the Florida Central Second Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of the COGIC; his sweet wife, First Lady Cynthia Robinson; Mother Mildred Eason, Jurisdictional Supervisor of Women; Superintendent Elton Oliver, Sr., of Unity Tabernacle, COGIC and Ocala District; and his wife, District Missionary Vivian Oliver. Others cannot imagine how much I value their belief in my ability and the leadership they have provided over the years. It has been so easy to follow them as they have followed Christ.

I am so happy to have been placed on a path that allowed the work of the Lord to flourish. I have been able to find people on this road who were happy to take the journey with me. Thus, I share my gratitude for a few other encouraging and helpful people in this process for their timeless effort and assistance: First, Garrick Gibson, graphic designer for the book cover; Secondly, my niece, Tiana Johnson, who served as the model for the front cover design. She took lots of photos in order to help her aunt; Next, I appreciate the efforts of Lisa Jerry who first edited this book, Dr. Beverly Edwards who further reviewed the second edition, and Suzanne Woodard who photographed me for the author’s photo on the back cover. Many others gave support through verbal expressions and prayer. I will forever appreciate your kindness.

Last but not least, I thank those who attempted to catapult me into the valley of the shadow of death because you challenged me to stand as the woman of God I was called to be and walk in the anointing and authority that governs my life.

FOREWORD

Elder Lorenzo Savage II

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When we ponder what love is, where it comes from, and all the dynamics of life that are affected by it, we journey down a road that many philosophers, psychologists, poets, and countless others have traveled time and again. Throughout history, men have sought to understand love, to define it, and to know why it is such an integral part of our lives. We know that love can be something as an intense as a burning passion for a lover or something as simple as a warm feeling of affection or attachment to a close friend. But no matter how we may choose to define it or in what ways we may have experienced it, one thing is certain—people need love.

Most people, at some point in their lives, need to be accepted by others and experience the feeling of belonging that only a loving relationship can bring. We long for someone else to find value in us and to validate our existence and worth by loving us. Psychologist Abraham Maslow even theorized that before a person can reach a stage of self-actualization where their human potential is maximized, love is one of the basic needs that must be met.

Because of this need, we all are motivated to seek out love.