This Inspirational Book is Food for the Soul! Because our imperfect world is inhabited with imperfect human beings- at one point in life we will all face a battle that is seemingly beyond our control. While the situations, places, names and faces change- we will often see a reoccurring theme of anxiety, depression, confusion and pain. Many writers of The Holy Bible experienced both depressing lows and joyous highs. Poet and Song Writer, King David wrote in Psalms 56:8 (English Standard Version): 8 You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your book? 9 Then my enemies will turn back in the day when I call. This I know, that God is for me. 10 In God, whose word I praise, in the LORD, whose word I praise, 11 in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me? Each experience is unique as we struggle in the vicissitudes of life: though it be cancer, heart failure, diseases of every nature, accidents, trauma, violence, broken promise, shattered dreams, financial and emotional bankruptcy and sometimes death. Sometimes we measure the catastrophic loss like a tornado or hurricane and some carry the hurt as a lifetime badge of honor as we share stories gauging whose tragedy seems to be the greatest. But no matter what the challenge- no matter the agony or turmoil- the final summation is that pain is pain- is pain- is pain. But thanks be to God it does not conclude there. There is rest for weary souls and hope that we can become better, not bitter because of the struggle. But- the old adage that "misery loves company" is not why this book was authored. This is an attempt to unashamedly bare my soul as I struggled to find resolution and solace and proactively confront conflicts of life. Indeed- A Book of Poems and Prayers for the Most Difficult Times in Life is more than a literary work! You will come to understand how I faced traumatic situations & troublesome times: survived 6 family deaths in 2009; addressed economic pressures of founding an inner city ministry mentoring at-risk youth in 150 year old dilapidated buildings, on an at-risk shoe-string budget & just challenging everyday hardships of life! This is indeed an inspirational work that spans 25 years of life, death, failures and successes. In 45 poetic cries and declarations, it was my intent to help even the most desperate individual begin the healing process, bringing resolve, enlightenment and hope. * Read it to comfort someone who is grieving, Hospitalized or has just experienced a loss. *Discuss it at a book club or support group to facilitate thought-provoking discourse. *Listen to it on CD for a morning devotion or afternoon tea. *Study it for love, loss, death and life! We pray that you will be inspired!
About the Author: R. Robert "Buster" Warren, Jr., MS Ed. began his life as a preacher's kid and the youngest of 7 children growing up just outside Poplar Bluff, MO in the Providence/ Morocco community. As a young boy he learned to drive on a tractor and graduated at Poplar Bluff High School with a perfect attendance- never missing a day of school during his K-12th grade years. He gained strong work ethics from his family of African American farmers, attending New Home Missionary Baptist Church, once pastored by Rev. Rayphell Warren, Sr. (mother- Mrs. Ruth A. Warren). In 1984, Pastor Warren attended Missouri Western State University with a unique combination of football and vocal music scholarships. After graduating with a bachelor's in Music Education, he married his wife, Kimberly (Foster) Warren in 1992. In 2000, he founded the Word of Faith Family Worship Center located on 20th & Messanie in St. Joseph, MO. Pastor Robert also taught vocal and instrumental music professionally and coached football for 10 years at public and private schools. After he and his wife graduated with their Masters in Education in 2001, they founded a community learning center, MidCity Excellence that serves youth, adults/seniors annually in the performing arts & dance center, computer training, leadership and family programs. The community mission, currently trains men and women in leadership, conflict resolution and spiritual development; providing direction, hope & purpose through mentoring ex-offenders and men in their "Man-Up" Initiative and also by reaching the youth in the life center. This non-profit 501(c)3 engages families in fitness activities, career development, praise dance/step teams ("Sons of Thunder" and "Inspirational Angels") and academic support/tutoring. Pastor Warren has served on the Allied Arts Council Board of Directors, loves to sing with the St. Joseph Community Chorus and was one of Colin Powell's AmeriCorps Promise Fellows. He hopes to pursue a Doctorate in Education Administration in the near future. Hobbies: Singing opera, bike riding, weightlifting, playing pool and studying religious and ancient history.