34 But Dealing With Eighteen: Every Young Man's Struggle

By Charles D Green Jr

Based on realistic circumstances, situations, and life's vicissitudes that may be experienced between the ages of eighteen and thirty-four, Charles Green's indispensable fictional story gently displays life's lessons of a young man and how they ultimately serve as the pathway to triumph. Charles's soliloquy is from the perspective that continuous growth is a result of mistakes, evaluation, course correction, and moving forward with faith in God. We understand that our past mistakes are not a direct reflection of our future or what may be possible for us. With the right amount of focus, optimism, and consistency, your latter days can be better than your former. Matthew 19:26 records, "With man this is impossible but with God all things are possible."

From inception to completion, each chapter enables the reader to identify with themselves: a son, a stepson, an adopted son, a nephew, a cousin, a brother, or a father that is searching for a path with less bruises. We come to find that each circumstance within this book is not a coincidence but a building block of self-evaluation, reflection, and becoming better. Some have said that self-evaluation is one of the most difficult tasks for a person, but without it, we bypass opportunities of becoming or acquiring the things of God. True growth is when there is an adamant critique for both sides of the coin.

This captivating book welcomes fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, uncles, aunts, cousins, friends, mentors, educators, coaches, spiritual leaders, or motivators to parenthetically park and consider life lessons as it may serve as a reminder that each young man has the opportunity to be great (Matthew 19:26).

• Language: English
• Publisher: Fulton Books, Inc.
• Release date: Jul 12, 2023
• ISBN: 9781639857487

Book preview

Table of Contents

Title

Copyright

Chapter 1: Early Life, the Beginning of the End

Chapter 2

Chapter 3: When You Know Better, You Do Worst. Do You Really Do Better?

Chapter 4: Reputation and Good Name (Your Reputation Will Follow You)

Chapter 5: Reckoning Day

(A Period of Self Reflection)

Chapter 6: A Peek at Responsibility

(False Alarm)

Chapter 7: Sugarcane

Life Is Sweet, Smooth, and Breaks

Chapter 8: Make the Most out of Where You Are (Perspective Wins)

Chapter 9: Two Steps Forward, Ten Steps Backward

(Make Good Decisions)

Chapter 10: Regret Weighs Tons, Discipline Weighs Ounces

Chapter 11: Triumph, Trial, Correction, and Succession

Chapter 12: Do We Manage Failure Far Better Than Managing Success?

Chapter 13: For I Know the Plans, I Have for You (Harvest Time)

Chapter 14: As God Increases, Be Careful about Who Gains Access

Chapter 15: 1 Peter 4:12–19, Beloved, Think It Not Strange #Keepmoving

Chapter 16: Growth Is Often a Derivative of a Breaking

Chapter 17: Romans 8:28, And We Know That All Things Work Together

About the Author

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34 But Dealing With Eighteen

Every Young Man's Struggle

Charles D Green Jr

Copyright © 2023 Charles D Green Jr

All rights reserved

First Edition

Fulton Books

Meadville, PA

Published by Fulton Books 2023

ISBN 978-1-63985-747-0 (paperback)

ISBN 978-1-63985-748-7 (digital)

Printed in the United States of America

Book Outline

Introduction. This quiet suburban neighborhood located on the southeast side of New Jersey was the ideal place to raise a family, especially for the Feathers, a family that practices great moral values, goes to church on Sundays and Bible study on Wednesdays, and often attends revivals. The Feathers currently live in a suburban neighborhood that was quiet and eclectic in ethnicity, which was very adamant about the safety of all homeowners.

Primary character. John Richard JR Feathers, much like his father, was a very hard worker, now entering his eleventh grade year of high school. JR is a multitalented kid. He plays basketball, football and participates in track while splitting his time with baseball. JR is currently being highly recruited by multiple division I and division II schools. John Richard is an honor roll student. However, JR, at the age of seventeen, is struggling to stay out of trouble, unable to follow the rules, a very sneaky individual with girls and places his parents and family in some very compromising situations. JR understands the difference between right and wrong, but the inner man (his flesh) is unable to keep him from making healthy decisions. So as a result, he struggles, and his kryptonite becomes his downfall. Many losses he suffers, but he is an extremely favored individual and continues to win.

Character number 1. David Lee Feathers is an extremely successful businessman as he was recently nominated as president of the HOA and on the verge of being promoted as CEO but currently serving as the vice president to SAC & Feathers. David Lee is an ex-NFL football player that worked early mornings and late nights to reach this point of success.

Character number 2. Much of the credit must go to his wife, Abigale Abby Feathers, who is David's and the family's biggest cheerleader. A wonderful mother to their son, John Richard JR Feathers and daughters Olivia Feathers and Ivory Feathers. Abigale is currently juggling being a wife, mother and currently the superintendent of New Jersey charter schools. After twenty years of marriage, three children, financially stable, and good health, the Feathers somewhat look like the ideal family.

Character number 3. Olivia is completely the opposite, into the arts and fashion and preparing for her first year at the big fashion institute in Chicago. Olivia is a great example to her little sister, Ivory. Olivia is currently in the twelfth grade. She is not your typical honor student (maybe A/B/C), but she scored very well in all tests and was within the top ten for ACT scores out of three hundred students. Olivia is well capable but sometimes fails to apply herself because she is interested in other activities outside school.

Character number 4. Ivory is a seventh grader that is outspoken and very ambitious. She never backed down from a fight and enjoyed playing football with the guys but got into everything little girls liked at the age of twelve. Ivory is adopted. David and Abigale wanted another child but was unable to conceive the normal way. She is nice and respectful, does well in school, and quietly wants to be like her big sister, Olivia.

Chapter 1

Early Life, the Beginning of the End

David. John Richard Feathers, Ms. Summers needs her yard cut, and the HOA is hounding her about cutting the grass before Saturday.

JR. But, Dad, it's Thursday evening.

David. Well, her son lives in Baltimore and daughter's children are across the bridge in New York. Can you cut it for her on Friday, JR?

JR. Like any other teen on a Friday night, spend time at a friend's house or attending a sporting event in the city.

David. Okay, JR, you will cut Ms. Summers's grass on Friday evening.

JR. Sure, Dad, who will be paying me, you or Ms. Summers?

David. This guy…who's paying me. Ms. Summers tried to give me the fifty dollars, but I told her that you would cut her grass at no charge. Son, you told Ms. Summers that you would mow her yard, whenever she needed it. You cannot offer a service and then withdraw your hand because it's not convenient for you. Let me know when you're finished and I will square you away. JR, do you have gas in your car, son?

JR. Umm, I don't think it has much but will likely need some.

David. So if there was an emergency, you would need to make a pit stop at the gas station to get gas.

JR. Yes, sir, I would.

David. JR, son, you have to keep gas in your truck. Do you have gas to mow Ms. Summers's yard?

JR. I will have to check the gas can.

David. Abigale, sweetheart, we have the gala tomorrow night, and the mayor has requested me to attend, but I have this huge end-of-month report that is due on Monday. Do you think he would be upset if I didn't attend?

Abigale. Well, Mr. Big Shot, if you were the mayor and your vice president said he couldn't make it because he had a paper due, is that your problem?

David. Got it. I'll go get my suit ready. Do you think there is a way we can attend and attend the gala later?

Abigale. David, if you postpone, what does that say about the advice you recently gave to John Richard? Staying committed to your commitment and keeping your word. You continue to tell JR to honor his word and be responsible. We have been an example, David.

Ivory. Mom, is it possible that I stay at Jennifer's house while you guys are at the gala? We are preparing for this gigantic project for science and math.

Abigale. Sure, Abigale. You know I will need to speak with Jennifer's parents before you can go, right?

Ivory. Yes, ma'am.

Abigale. Do you know if both parents will be present? I and your dad will only allow it if both parents are present.

Ivory. Yes, Mom, both parents will be present. Jennifer said that her parents would be home.

Abigale. I will give Jennifer's parents a call after dinner tonight.

(David always saw himself as the protector, provider, and first line of defense when it came to his family.)

Abigale. Good morning, sweetheart.

David. Good morning, Abigale. Babe, I will be leaving the office at 4:30 p.m. and will take Ivory to Jennifer's house. The gala starts at 7:30 p.m., so we'll have to get there on time. JR, I called Ms. Summers and informed her that you will be cutting her grass this evening.

JR. Loud and clear, Dad.

(Olivia enters the book.)

Olivia. Mom, Dad, graduation is scheduled for next Friday at the Piedmont Auditorium. I recently heard that tickets are selling quickly. We have to tell all family members to hurry before there is nothing left.

David. Wait, you have to have tickets to get into your child's graduation? When did they start selling tickets for graduation?

Olivia. Well, they're not for sale, Dad, but you can't get in without a ticket.

David. Gotcha. Olivia, did you mail those financial records to the Art Institute in Chicago?

Olivia. Yes, Dad, I spoke with the administrative office yesterday and informed them that records should be arriving at approximately 1:30 p.m., CST, next Wednesday. Dad, if it's on time, it's late, and if it arrives before time, then it's on time.

(Olivia was mocking her father as David took multiple business calls from his home office and was a big stickler for ensuring that people understand punctuality. David chuckled as he knew that his daughter was always watching and listening to his every step. It was important that everything seen from him and Abigale was a direct model or example their children could use or reference as a point of reference.

Ivory. Everybody, I'm heading to school.

JR. Ivory, you can ride with me if you're not interested in riding the bus.

Abigale. JR, please be careful with your sister. No loud music, and please do stop completely at red light. No rolling stops. Do you hear me, JR?

JR. I got it, Mom. See you guys later.

Abigale. Ivory, wear your seat belt, sweetheart.

(Abigale, just like David, was a concerned parent. Often the young men are requested to look out for the small ones. I wonder if this is true around the world.)

JR. Good morning, Dad, I no longer need money from you. Ms. Summers gave me sixty dollars for cutting her grass and made me chocolate chip cookies.

David. That is great. Where are the cookies?

JR. Well, some friends were driving by and decided to help with the cookies, so they are no longer with us. God bless those cookies, Dad.

Abigale. David, are you ready to go to go?

David. JR, do you plan on going out?

JR. No, sir, I should be here at the house. Victoria may come over, but I will most likely be here at the house.

David. JR, you know the rules when having women over. Olivia should be home at any moment now. If you guys go out, please lock the door and hit the alarm. Don't forget to take out Buckingham before leaving.

(Buckingham, a medium-sized French bulldog at the age of three has been with the family since birth.)

Abigale. David, the women's dresses are very nice, and everyone looks so stunning.

David. How much do you think was paid for to reserve this place? It had to be a fortune.

Abigale. Hun, I'm not sure about the cost of it, but it's paid for by the city. The food options are not that promising.

David. Well, if the food is not palatable, I suggest that they swing by IHOP after the gala.

Abigale. Oh yeah, as if we are coming back from prom.

Mayor. David Lee, so glad you could make it. We are really looking forward to the recreation park and really appreciate your financial contribution.

David. Well, we are glad that we could be of some assistance.

Mayor. How are the children?

David. The children are fine. JR is still active in sports and doing better with grades, our little Ivory is enjoying life, and Olivia is preparing for college in Chicago.

Mayor. Mrs. Feathers, the glue and keeping everything together. How are you, ma'am?

David. I'm doing well.

Mayor. I must level with you, this recreation park must pan out or we'll face some angry politics. I have people upset with me because I chose the park over the additional building to the charter school.

David. Oh, ye of little faith, it will all work out. We have done our homework, created cost benefit analysis, and environmentalists have been consistently communicating with the entire office. We should be in a good position for at least two years.

Mayor. David Lee, you are always optimistic, and that is why I enjoy your company, sir. David Lee, however it turns out, we've seen worse, so I'm not worried about it at all.

(David smiles, and the two gentlemen depart.)

Abigale. David, JR texted me and said that the police had been called to the house.

David. The police? What's going on?

Abigale. Olivia told me that Emmitt showed up unexpectedly with another young lady, only stayed for ten minutes and they left but they walked across the street to Victoria's house. Of course, Gloria and Barry are not home. Barry shows up and sees Emmitt, whom he does not know, calls the police, and then spots JR, after calling the police. JR and Victoria were in her room. Emmitt and his girlfriend were in the living room.

David. Okay, is JR at home?

Abigale. JR texted and said that he and Emmitt are at the house right now.

(David drops his head with disgust.)

David. These teenagers are everything they should not be. Let's enjoy the remainder of the night, and we'll get home soon. I need to have a word with the mayor before we leave. (To Barry.) Barry, I apologize about JR and Emmitt. I can't imagine how upset you are.

Barry. Well, David, I was really upset when I saw Emmitt. I thought maybe he was an unwanted man in my house. I didn't know what to think. Then I see JR and Victoria coming down the stairs. Both of the guys were in the house. Victoria's friend Kelsi was here, and they were heading to home base when I walked in, but their clothes were on, so there was nothing to worry about.

David. Wait, JR was in your house while you were away?

Barry. Afraid so, David. I was more disappointed in JR, but the other kid I don't know so well. I expected more out of JR because I know who you are and my respect for you is through the roof.

David, pushing his shoulder back. Barry, I apologize, and you will never have to worry about this again. How is your daughter?

Barry. Victoria is fine as well as Kelsi.

David. Thank you, sir, and please have a great night. Are you still feeling like golfing on Sunday after church?

Barry. Sure, we can get together on Sunday afternoon.

(David walks in bitter rage across the street.)

David. Abigale, can I see you in the room for a second, hun? Abigale, I'm completely furious, and I need to calm down so that I can talk to our stupid teenage son respectfully.

Abigale. What are you thinking?

David. I'm not sure, but I need to calm down. We need to have a family conversation. JR, Oliva, Ivory, I need everybody to come downstairs at this very minute. Obviously, I have not been very clear about what's permissible or acceptable. WEEE, JR, do not go to another man's house while he is not home, a home that he works hard for, a home where he raises his family. Olivia, I don't care if you left your glass slipper, under no circumstances do you enter another man's house or another woman's house when they are not home.

Olivia. Wait a minute, I was at home.

David. I know, but you need to hear this as well. Barry is extremely upset, and I'm sure he will not have this situation again because this situation will never happen again. JR, we need to step in the backyard and have a talk. Olivia and Ivory, you guys can continue doing what you were doing.

JR, I need you to explain to me why you felt it necessary to enter Barry's house with Emmitt?

JR. Dad, Emmitt and Kelsi just recently began talking, and Victoria is best friends with Kelsi, who likes me, according to Emmitt. I had reservations but decided to go.

David. JR, do you know the danger in entering a man's house when he's not home? If someone enters my home when I'm not here, they are assumed as intruders, and you know how I feel about intruders. JR, what do we do to intruders?

JR. We remove them from the house because, as men, we are responsible for our family.

David. JR, please do not allow a woman to place you in a position where she cannot answer on your behalf. Nor should you put a woman in a position where you are not able to remain responsible. In the morning, you will march across the street and apologize to Barry and his entire family for disrespecting his home. Please give me your keys. You have the privilege of riding with Oliva to school for the next two weeks. The gas that you put in your truck will be available for you in two weeks.

* * * * *

David. Gooood Sunday morning, $100 bet for the first round? It's Sunday, Barry. Well, I paid my tithe and offering and have $100 left over. Barry, come on.

Barry. David, your son came to the house this morning and apologized for the other night. You know, these kids will do things that are unexplainable.

David. Barry, were we ever that stupid growing up?

Barry. David, I'm pretty sure that our mistakes were much worse, but I try to instill great character and morals into my children so they can get through life without so much opposition.

David. Barry, I think it's also important that we do not shield our children so much to the point that they use this little New Jersey box as a reference of how the world works. I hope they will use it as a reference so that the world doesn't change what they believe to be true about right and wrong.

Barry. I try not to give Victoria everything because I worked so very hard for what I have and fear that she feels entitled to everything life has to offer without the hard work.

David. Barry, after we raise our children and give them the tools for life's survival, we must trust that the information will serve as a template. JR is a great kid and rarely gets into any major trouble. He does not have a problem with alcohol, drugs, or any of the mischievous activities that can ruin it all. I do, however, think about JR's ability to make good decisions when it comes to women.

Barry. David, in my opinion, I think every father has that concern about them. From fifteen to nineteen, young men will talk to a snake if it's open to appeasing the conversation. Teenagers get confidence from mere conversations, and for young men, women can sometimes have influence more so than parents.

David. Barry, I'm sure we are doing a great job and just want the best for our children.

(Continued buildup.)

Chapter 2

David. Abigale, how do you feel about Olivia taking her car to Chicago for the first semester?

Abigale. Chicago is extremely busy, and car accidents are quite pervasive. Chicago provides many options for public transportation that are affordable and safe. David, I think we give Oliva an opportunity to get acclimated to the city and learn the area before giving her the responsibility of a car. I'm not so much worried about Olivia's judgment, I'm concerned about others who have bad driving habits which won't stop after her first semester, but at least her navigation systems will be up to par.

David. I think you are right, sweetheart. Should we have the talk with Olivia together, or would you like to break the news?

Abigale. We can both speak with her after returning from the family vacation. Have you spoken with Barry since the golf game?

David. No, I haven't spoken with Barry. We briefly conversed about the situation, and he is just as frustrated with Victoria as I am with JR.

Abigale. Did JR seem remorseful when you guys had the conversation in the backyard?

David. I'm not sure about, Abi. I'm positive that he understood where I stand on entering someone else's house.

Abigale. JR came to me and feels that you think less of him for doing what he did. I don't have much like for the action, but I love JR more than life itself. David, I think he's a little emotional from the conversation.

David. Abigale, I'm sure he will be fine. This is a great age for him to take responsibility and get past his emotions because the world will not consider his emotions. They will likely judge him based upon the ability to deal with his emotions.

Abigale. David, I must say that you have a point. We have Ivory's basketball game tonight, and she is very excited about starting at point guard.

David. I thought Ivory wanted to join the cheerleading squad instead.

Abigale. Well, David, she enjoys both, and she worked out a deal with the coach that he can cheer during the boys' basketball game and then suit for the junior varsity girls' game. She is indeed a busybody. Can you blame her, David? I think she gets it honestly from her parents.

David. Sweetheart, Ivory is an extremely talented kid. I think we should get her into AAU Basketball so that she can develop her skills. I wish AAU existed when I was younger. Do you know if she will participate in track and field?

Abigale. She said that she is somewhat apprehensive about track and field.

David. I'm sure she will select softball instead. Do you think she's interested in spring basketball?

Abigale. We can run it by her. I think it's important that we don't force this on Ivory. She has to choose. It cannot be a result of pressure from her parents.

David. Honey, this will prepare and develop her skills for fall basketball.

Abigale. David, we've had this discussion before. It's important that we allow them to choose when it comes to sports. We can encourage, but the worst thing we can do is make her do it. It may not be what God has in store for her. Just because she is talented in basketball doesn't mean that it is her gift.

David. Hey, I'm for whatever she is for. Maybe, I can purchase a basketball and just drop it in her room.

Abigale. David.

David. Just kidding, Abigale.

Abigale. David, are you all packed for the vacation?

David. Yes, I am completely packed and prepared for this weeklong vacation.

Abigale. Do you know if Oliva and JR have their bags packed?

David. Yes, those guys are completely packed.

Abigale. David, could you make sure that Barry knows when we are leaving and returning? I want to make sure that he watches the house while we are gone.

David. Yeah, I'm sure Barry will be thrilled to watch the house after our son was caught in his while he was gone. I hope he doesn't have a house party like it is 1990.

Abigale. Sweetheart, our flight was delayed for an hour. Do you think we should have departed from JFK International?

David. Well, Abi, the tickets to France were less expensive to leave out of Liberty International, and it's less convoluted. Don't be concerned about the delays, we will be fine. It's Friday morning at 7:00 a.m. EST. Our flight leaves in forty minutes, eight-hour flight. We should arrive around 10:00 p.m. GMT, France. Oliva, JR, Ivory, do you guys have your passport? Abigale, did you confirm our reservations at the hotel?

Abigale. Yes, David.

David. Is this the same hotel that Mayor O'Neal is staying at?

Abigale. No, O'Neal will be staying maybe four blocks from our hotel. Now, David, you promised me that you would only give twenty-four hours to this conference and the rest of the time would be myself and children.

David. Abigale, you have my world, sweetheart. Mayor O'Neal has the agenda and my schedule, so he understands how my time will be allotted over the course of the week. Hey, Abigale, after boarding the plane, I would like to speak with JR for the first four hours. Could he grab your seat for the first four hours?

Abigale. Sure, are you going to get on him again?

David. Naw, I would like to speak with him.

Captain. Good morning, this is your captain speaking. My name is Matthew Johnson. On behalf of Tribute Airlines and my excellent crew, I would like to welcome you onboard to flight 4675LB, to Charles De Gaulle Airport. Our expected flight time today is eight hours and cruising at about