The Hart of a Man

By Sherise Collins

The Hart of a Man is a memoir of the emotional and spiritual roller coaster that a young woman experiences after the passing of her uncle, who was the pastor of the church she grew up in. His influence on her life, as well as the lives of the entire congregation left a lasting impact well into her young adult life. As she struggles to understand Gods purpose for her uncles death, her fondest memories take her back to the days of her spiritual roots, where she felt safe and protected within the walls of Second Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church. It was her familys church; their life, their history, their legacy. It was a time when the church was the nurturing unit and foundation of the community; and that community helped to shape and mold the lives of the next generation to take over and carry on.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Sep 7, 2016
• ISBN: 9781512753417

Sherise Collins

Sherise Collins grew up in a traditional National Baptist Church where her father’s older brother was the pastor. As a child, her entire life revolved around her church family and its tight-knit community. Sherise has written many poems and short stories; and has directed her own plays for church venues. She is involved in women’s ministry, enjoys mentoring teen girls and teaching children’s church. The Hart of a Man is her first published book. Sherise lives with her husband and daughter in Southern California.

Book preview

Contents

Acknowledgements

Prologue

Chapter  1

Chapter  2

Chapter  3

Chapter  4

Chapter  5

Chapter  6

Chapter  7

Chapter  8

Chapter  9

Chapter  10

Chapter  11

Chapter  12

Chapter  13

Chapter  14

Chapter  15

Chapter  16

Chapter  17

Chapter  18

Chapter  19

Epilogue

DEDICATED

To my Mom, for her loving devotion to our family,

To my brother Doc who received constant encouragement

From our uncle as well as our Dad

To my cousin, our uncle’s baby girl, The Little Angel

– And –

To the precious memories of my uncle

And to his brother, my beloved father

Both have been greatly missed

Since they were called Home to Glory!

Based on a true story. The names have been changed.

Unless otherwise mentioned, all Bible references are from the King James Version.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

T HE HART OF A MAN could not have been completed without the encouragement of so many special people in my life. First, I want to thank my Mom, who is the most beautiful woman I know, inside and out. She has always believed in me and supported me throughout my life no matter what I was trying to accomplish. She always told me to believe in myself and to keep God first in everything. She is a living example of the Proverbs 31 woman, and I always wanted to grow up to be exactly like her. Initially, The Hart of a Man was never intended to be published. But, when my mother found it and read it, she began to proofread and edit my manually typed copy, initiating the road to publication. She was my first unofficial editor. I lost heart when Dad passed away and felt that there was no reason to move forward with this manuscript. But, Mom kept saying, You can’t give up. Don’t ever give up. You have to publish it no matter what. So, with renewed strength and courage, I moved forward. I love you, Mom. Thank you.

Next, I want to thank my brother, who is a precious gem in my life. He is one of the most loving, giving, and encouraging people I know. I have seen him persevere in the midst of adversity. His most triumphant accomplishment was graduating from medical school at the top of his class, becoming a doctor, and having his own private practice for more than 20 years now against all odds. He spent years trying to get me to publish my work. He has always been there for me through thick and thin; and has always loved me unconditionally. He kept pushing me to reach my goals even when I didn’t believe in myself. I love him so much, and I am so proud of him. It has been a pleasure and an honor to be his sister and to watch him grow up into the fine young man of God that he has become. My brother never stopped believing in me, and I am eternally grateful. Thank you.

Then, God ushered the most wonderful husband into my life and we have been married for twenty years. He is a man of God who is devoted to our marriage and our family. Every sacrifice he makes is for our daughter and me. He is my quiet fortress, and has offered extreme understanding and support while I have stressed over finishing this book, and crying out to God for a breakthrough. My husband has been my calm in the midst of the storm. When life became too demanding, was stressing me out, and testing my limits, he has stepped in as Mr. Mom and assumed the duties of both parents so that I could accomplish my dream come true. He too, encouraged me to finish even when I wanted to quit. I thank God for you. I love you and I want to thank you for loving me.

I want to thank our beautiful daughter, who is my joy, and more than my heart’s desire. God gave us one of His best. She is our angel on earth. She has continuously told me, Don’t give up, Mom. You can do it. I believe in you. She is so intelligent and extremely gifted, and all that she is comes from the Lord. I want her to always honor God, for He has created her for greatness. And, I want to encourage her, as she has encouraged me: Continue to pursue your dream of becoming a doctor, for you have already seen the mighty work of God in our own family. You know Philippians 4:13 first hand, I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. And I believe in you too. I love you.

God continued to bless me when my brother married the second most beautiful woman I know, my sister-in-law. She has always accepted me just as I am, and has also encouraged me to keep going, and keep trying. In her own daily walk with the Lord, she meets challenges head-on; but, she keeps moving forward and pushing her way through the road blocks. She is an inspiration to us all. She walks with grace and humility and blesses the lives of all of those that she comes in contact with. She is a wife, a mother, an entrepreneur and a writer. Her many accomplishments are an inspiration to me and have motivated me to try. Thank you for being my sister.

I would be amiss if I did not acknowledge the contributions of my best friend, whom I have known since I was eleven years old. Unbeknown to her, she has always been my cheerleader. She would always have a word from God that she would share with me or a praise report that would lift my spirit at just the right time. Ever since we were kids, she always told me that I was gifted and talented; and she has never given up on trying to get me to pursue my dreams. When I told her that I did not have time to re-type my manuscript into a WORD document, she told me to send it to her and she would do it for me; and she did. She was my second unofficial editor. Thank you for all your help.

My favorite cousin nurtured my dreams by assisting me with my writing. In her gentle manner, she has offered constructive criticism; and she did it all in love. Together, we brought the Gospel message to life through the children’s ministry, and Christmas and Easter plays that we co-directed at her father’s church. We also formed a Christian Club for children and we ministered to the kids through song, drama, scripture and prayer. She has always supported me in whatever I set out to do. She is our daughter’s godmother and she has helped us to raise her according to God’s Word. God has used my cousin to prepare me for this moment in time. Thank you for being a blessing in my life.

To my uncle’s baby girl, the little angel, thank you for encouraging me to share your father’s story that others might be influenced by his life, and inspired by his faith and courage. Though life took us in different directions, I am so glad that God allowed our paths to cross again, and we have had a chance to re-connect and reminisce. You have grown into a lovely young woman of God, with a husband and son of your own. Your father would be so proud. Continue to honor your father, and our heavenly Father, with your spirit-filled life!

I want to extend a special word of Thanks and gratitude to my daughter’s Grandma and Papa. Thank you for your constant, loving support and care of your granddaughter ever since she was born. You have always been there for us, whether it was taking her to school and picking her up, accommodating an unplanned sleepover or transporting her around town to her speaking engagements and events when I couldn’t be there. Thank you for the many times that you made meals for us or sent food home. Though you