I'm Still Standing

By Matty Cole

In life, trials and tribulations are designed to destroy us. But with God, my challenges with abuse, drug addiction, hardship, betrayal, and loneliness could not break me. As I recount my life’s journey, His presence has been with me through it all. According to Romans 8:28 (AMP), “And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good.” Hope and trust in God always, and you, too, will find yourself still standing.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Page Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Jun 30, 2022
• ISBN: 9781662488115

Book preview

Chapter One

In the Beginning

I lived in the South with my dad, mom, and four siblings. My dad got in trouble, and as a result, it prompted us to relocate north to Michigan. My parents left us with relatives so they could find jobs and a place to live. My parents were successful, found jobs, and found a place for us. Approximately two months later, they came back, packed everything, and we relocated to a small town in Michigan where it appeared as though everybody knew each other. My parents rented a large house we shared with a couple who was renting the house, and we rented from them.

After residing there for a short period of time, my mom had her sixth child. One day, the couple told us they had to move which meant we had to move. My parents found a small, one-family house where the landlord lived in the back and we lived in the front. We had to share the kitchen and the bathroom. My parents eventually found a place that had been a large garage that was converted into a living space but didn’t have a bathroom. My dad built a bathroom without a door and put up curtains as a substitute for privacy.

My dad was the oldest of seven brothers, and they looked up to him. Needless to say, one by one they moved up north and stayed with us until they found their own place. I recall vividly, one day, I was sitting on the toilet. My uncle, who was the first to live with us, pulled the curtains back and came into the bathroom. He smiled and then molested me. What I don’t recall is where my parents or other family members were when this happened—I was only three years old. I didn’t share with anyone what happened to me until I became an adult. That uncle eventually moved out, and we moved to the projects and lived there for several years. It was there that my mom had her seventh and final child.

Chapter 2

Dysfunctional Family

Our family home was like a revolving door. Relatives moving in and out without compensation or consideration. Although I can’t say with any certainty, I believe the constant chaos was the reason my mom dedicated her life to Christ. The saints from my mom’s church began to have prayer meetings at our house once a week. The environment started to change. Even as a young child, I knew something different. I could feel the power of prayer.

My dad began having relationships with different women in the projects. I recall one of the women in particular who lived across the street. Her name was Susan; she was married. My dad maintained his relationship with her literally for years. I never understood her husband but recall thinking he has to know about their relationship. Eventually, the saints discontinued coming to our house for prayer meetings, and we were not attending church as frequently as