Against the Tides: Trials, Tribulations, and Triumphs

By R.L. Franklin and Kyrah Harris

Against The Tides: Trials, Tribulations, and Triumphs is a testimonial of the unyielding human spirit forging ahead despite the opposition and refusing to be conquered, even when the waves are contrary.--Anne McDuffie, Professor of English, Los Angeles Southwest College
Against the Tides: Trials, Tribulations, and Triumphs invokes a sturdiness of spirit with far-reaching lessons. At the books heart is a wisdom derived from a deep faith that guides each generation. In these lives, obstacles are turned into opportunities, and are no match against a long inheritance of inspiration and hard work. In Against the Tides, it is impossible not to find enduring messages that enrich our own lives.--Gretchen Roberts-Shorter, Author of Cant Remember Playing
The reality of the stories in Against the Tides: Trials, Tribulations, and Triumphs will touch the mind, heart, and spirit of readers, allowing them to reflect on lifes journeys and the paths that lead to self-determination and victory over our struggles!--Wilmer Amina Carter, Former California Assembly Member Sixty-Second District
The stories provide a unique perspective that is insightful and refreshing and simultaneously familiar because many of us as individuals and families have faced similar experiences. Against The Tides: Trials, Tribulations, and Triumphs has the potential to connect Baby Boomers with Generation Xers and Millennials over shared family history.--Obadiah J.K. Simmons, Jr., Ph.D (Grambling State University) Ruston, Louisiana

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Apr 22, 2016
• ISBN: 9781524601423

Book preview

PROLOGUE

These short stories are true. They are part of a vision to encourage others and oneself by remembering things that happened along life’s journey and sharing them through a hindsight lens, a lens that has been illuminated by acknowledging God’s grace and divine providence.

The most amazing thing about this book is the great influence of two righteous people, Ralph and Lela Franklin, on the lives of each of the individuals who wrote a story in our book. Their honorable lives have had a multigenerational as well as a spiritual impact on our family. Moreover, Lela’s accomplishments in education and her love for writing have been a continual blessing on our entire family. God’s hand of love moved through our parents in a magnificent way, paving a clear path for later generations to emulate.

It is our hope that you not only enjoy the stories but feel inspired by them. They show what prayer can do. They show what having faith can do. They testify that God is a rewarder of hard work and diligence. They affirm that God’s grace and blessings are more than we can imagine.

We hope that these stories will entice you into recounting some of your own stories and sharing them with your family, extended family, and friends to highlight the many blessings that have occurred in your own lives. It is amazing how many of things we took for granted were actually blessings and miracles. Let us not minimize our blessings by overlooking them, or taking them for granted, or designating them as just luck.

We believe that telling or retelling family stories can illuminate family history for younger members and refresh the memory of others. Gathering together on holidays or at family functions and reminiscing about bygone years or current events often can bring cohesion and unity to a family. It may bring a sense of harmony that may result in a more positive outlook on life by individual family members.

May you continue to be blessed as you journey through the joys, trials, tribulations, and sorrows of life.

PARENTS’ LASTING IMPRINT

Sonia Lockert

My parents were rare jewels who raised a large family of eleven, including two sets of twins, in Detroit, Michigan. They were godly people who loved and served the Lord. They always took us to church, and they served in the church. They were loving parents who loved each other. My father was called to become a minister, and my mother was a Sunday school teacher and deaconess. They faithfully read and studied the Bible. They were well respected and loved in the church and in the community. They loved us and planted the seeds of faith and education early in our lives.

What I loved most about my folks was that they modeled the Christian life before us. It was reflected in their characters and lifestyle. They were humble, honest, hardworking, kindhearted, patient, prayerful, and loving. They encouraged all of their children to do well in school and to attend college even when some of our counselors tried to discourage us from attending college.

Our family shared so many wonderful times and meals around the table, and we shared lots of conversation also as a family. We had wonderful desserts, such as cakes and sweet potato pie. My father worked at a car manufacturer, but he often could be found in the kitchen helping my mother cook meals. He was good at making biscuits and pies and assisted my mother in making main course meals. My parents were team players. Love and laughter filled the atmosphere of our home. We played board games. One of our favorites was Monopoly, and later we became fond of playing Scrabble.

Shockingly, my father passed when I was twelve years old. My mother then had to support us. She had worked with the League of Women Voters for many years, but she needed full-time work. My mother was able to find work as a custodian for the school district. It was a hurtful time for my mother and the entire family. I remember my heart aching as I awakened in the night. I cried softly. I missed my father so much. Often I would see my mother praying on her knees; this left a huge impression on my heart. She was faithful in her prayer life, and in time we made it through this difficult period. Once not long after my dad passed I had a dream about him, and I saw his image. He impressed on my heart that he was at peace. This helped me to get through the grieving process. After a few years had passed, I remember seeing a gentleman who resembled my dad. That was very comforting, and it put a smile on my face.

My mother was always taking night classes while we were young. She was an avid reader, and in high school she had been one of the top students in her graduating class. She started taking us to the library early in our lives, and she helped us get library cards. We were trained to go to the library. As we became old enough to go to the local library on our own, we frequently would go and check out several books every two weeks. I knew at an early age I was going to attend college because of my parents’ imprint on my life. Most of our family did