I believe in mankind, because you are me.   I don’t forget where I come from.  I used to see my mom collect food stamps each month and we’d “borrow” the grocery cart to deliver the goods to our home in Daytona Beach Halifax Projects.  But as she used to say,
it’s not so much what you’re raised in, but how you’re raised in it.  Qualities are instilled in you; understand that we are not perfect people, we’re all works in progress.

For example, I met a model who was afraid for me to come to his home, because of my status.   He positioned me as being better, and I explained to him that I am not better – you are me.   I told him material rewards are not always the answers of life.  He finally invited me over to meet his family, and I remember it was so cold. His mother had the oven running for heat because that’s all they had.  She was also cooking in the kitchen, and there were a few bugs on the counter.  The model was so embarrassed, he started sweating.  He didn’t want me to see it.  But when the mother said, “I’m cooking, Mr. Maddox, will you have some food?” 

I said yes – and ate heartily: roast beef, rice, corn and greens – two platefuls.  Both mother and son looked at me with joy. I recognized that I’d had this same life.  Today, this model is one of my best friends.  My acceptance of him enabled him to go on to achieve goals and realize that what he has is “A-OK” with me.  His success with modeling has allowed him to move forward, to take care of
his mom, and to afford a new apartment for himself.  Glory to God,
for giving me that moment.  This is why I help people … because
I haven’t forgotten where I came from, and stayed open to accepting help when it was offered in order to succeed. 

There are two things that I ask God for before I leave this earth:
First, I don’t want to die suddenly, as in a plane crash or car
accident, because I ask the good Lord to give me ten minutes of competency to praise Him: Five minutes to glorify Him and thank him for everything He’s done for me; and five minutes to thank Him for all those who have food on their table because of me.

 

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