07/26/2026
I don’t often respond to opinions about the work we do because our mission speaks for itself. But I do want to share why AYSRC exists and why this work means so much to me.
People often ask why I invest so much time in our youth. The answer is simple… because I see them differently.
Behind every young person is a story most people never hear. That’s why AYSRC exists.
Yes, I house our youth and young adults. Yes, I use my space to give them somewhere safe to go, to hang out, to vent, to ask questions, to laugh, to cry, and to simply be kids and young adults.
You know… the ones society labels “at-risk.” dangerous, the ones y’all feel are a lost cause ?
See, I see them from a different perspective and through a different lens than most people do.
I don’t judge them.
I hear them out.
I listen to their stories.
I pick their brains while depositing the right things into their mindsets.
I help with conflict resolution because I want every young person to LIVE.
Not just survive.
I want them to thrive.
I want them to overcome everything that was sent to break them.
I want them to know that life will bring trials.
Life will bring trauma.
Life will bring heartbreak.
Life will bring disappointment.
Life will bring setbacks.
None of us are exempt from those things.
What matters is how we respond to them.
One of the biggest lessons I try to teach is this:
Your mind is one of the greatest battles you’ll ever fight.
As the saying goes, ‘An idle mind is the devil’s playground
When your mind isn’t focused on purpose, growth, healing, or God, it’s easier for fear, anger, bitterness, temptation, anxiety, and negative thoughts to take root. That’s why I encourage our youth to stay busy with purpose. Read. Learn. Pray. Work. Serve. Create. Dream. Set goals. Build healthy relationships. Invest in yourself. Guard your mind because everything you do begins with a thought.
Joyce Meyer says in Battlefield of the Mind, “You cannot have a positive life and a negative mind.”
She also reminds us that “Where the mind goes, the person follows.”
If we don’t intentionally take control of our thoughts, our thoughts will eventually take control of us.
Life is often a mental battle.
When you give people, places, situations, or circumstances control over your emotions, your thoughts, and your mind, that’s where you begin to lose yourself.
You have to strengthen your mind.
Strengthen your mindset.
Learn to regulate your emotions instead of allowing your emotions to regulate you.
When you can do that, a lot of the things you face become easier to navigate.
There is absolutely NOTHING in life that you cannot overcome.
Will it take discipline?
Absolutely.
Will it take courage?
Yes.
Will it take sacrifice?
Without a doubt.
Will it take consistency?
Every single day.
But first…
Strengthen your mind.
You can start over as many times as you need to.
Change your people.
Change your places.
Change your habits.
Change your environment.
Whatever it is you need to do to become the person God created you to be…
Do it.
Consistency is the key to everything.
Don’t give up on yourself.
You hold the key to your own life and your future.
You can fall a hundred times.
But the most important thing is…
GET BACK UP.
Try again.
Keep fighting.
Keep believing.
The hardest part about falling isn’t the fall.
It’s finding the strength to get back up without feeling defeated.
And I’ll be here every step of the way, encouraging you to keep going.
There is no perfect person.
There never has been.
Do everything with a clean heart.
A pure heart.
A renewed mind.
I choose to see our youth for who they are, not for the mistakes they’ve made.
Because mistakes don’t define people.
Growth does.
Healing does.
Character does.
Purpose does.
📖 “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” — Romans 12:2
📖 “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” — Proverbs 4:23
📖 “Finally, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable… think about such things.” — Philippians 4:8
📖 “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” — 2 Timothy 1:7
📖 “Be strong and courageous… for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” — Joshua 1:9
📖 “Though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again.” — Proverbs 24:16
To every young person who has trusted me…
Thank you.
Thank you for allowing me into your life.
Thank you for allowing me to advocate for you.
Thank you for trusting me with your stories.
Thank you for reminding me why this work matters.
Please know this…
You matter.
Your life matters.
Your voice matters.
I may not always have every answer.
But I will always make sure I’m connected to the right people, organizations, and resources that can help us navigate life together and find those answers.
And to everyone who keeps asking…
Yes, I’m still working to get OUR building.
A place where our youth can safely gather.
A place to learn.
A place to heal.
A place to dream.
A place to grow.
A place to belong.
And I won’t stop until it’s done.
This has never been about me.
It’s always been about US.
Thank you for trusting me.
Thank you for believing in the vision.
And thank you for allowing me to walk beside you.
No child left behind.
No family left behind.
Together, we’ll keep building.
One young life at a time. ❤️
