The Journey for success takes a turn

“Fear not little flock for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom of Heaven.” Luke 12:32

In October 2012 I was a complete stranger in Ascension Parish. I was fresh out of college and had been favored by God to land in a place called Donaldsonville. Since that time, I’ve become the Editor of the parish’s only two print newspapers and not just that but I’ve served a community that quickly became my family.

Knowing the favor God has on my life, I submit this piece as my last as the Editor of your Ascension publications. Effectively tomorrow, I am resigning my position as the Editor of the Donaldsonville Chief and Gonzales Weekly Citizen newspapers.

There is some bitterness. Some sweetness, but I reflect that scripture from Luke where I know to fear not because the Lord who brought me here also blesses me to leave with a better opportunity for myself and soon family.

You’ve been great Ascension. Every square mile, each and every resident. You’ve been great. For that I thank you.

In my two and a half years of being here, I went from having absolutely no family and friends; having no one to talk to when lost on the road or in need of a quote to having leaving with family and friends who will continue to be a part of my life.

The thing about me being here is that I came here as a 22-year-old black man, and you wouldn’t believe the connections I’ve made with people two and three times my age and of different races. Some of you have taken me under your wings as a grandson, son and brother and that is what I will cherish forever.

I’ve learned so much about a parish that has so much culture, kinship, tradition and most of all love. You all stick together and I encourage that you continue to do so.

I first started in Donaldsonville and to my family and friends there, I love you. I can name specific individuals and you know exactly who you are as you have followed me every week and given me feedback on my growth and development not only as a writer and Editor but as a man, as a friend. I thank you.

Thanks to my time here in Ascension, I leave knowing exactly who I am. There are many people who go throughout life and never learn or discover exactly what their purpose is and what they are called to do. Thanks to Donaldsonville, thanks to Gonzales and the rest of Ascension I know why I’m here. I know why I came. I know why I’m leaving.

My fiancé coined a phrase for me back in 2012 that says I’m on my “journey for success” and I leave knowing what my journey is but most importantly I know what successes I will reach.

Ascension showed me that I’m a man of God. It showed me that I’m a leader. It showed me that I’m a servant. It showed me that I am of love. With those characteristics I know that all things will work together for my good.

So I bid this farewell thanking you for being a major road in my journey for success. This road felt long, had lots of curves but now that’s it’s soon gone I can only cherish in my heart and remember the things it taught me. Thank you for teaching me Ascension. Thank you for listening. Thank you for loving. For the last time, I write to you as always wishing many Blessings.

Blessings