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Writer's pictureCherise Parker-Anderson

Faith Amidst Darkness: A Mother's Journey to Save Her Son

Take The Wheel Series

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As I sit here and try to put into words the tumultuous journey I've been through as a mother, I'm flooded with emotions. The weight of years past presses me, each moment etched with a mix of fear, determination, and unwavering faith. My son, Ryan, was just a tender-hearted boy when the shadows of gangs began to creep into our lives. I prayed endlessly, fervently asking for guidance, for protection, for the strength to steer him away from that perilous path. In essence I asked Jesus to Take The Wheel!


Ryan was thirteen when the first signs appeared. A young, impressionable age, vulnerable to the allure of power and quick gains. I noticed subtle changes in his demeanor, a shift in his choice of friends. And then came the day when he mentioned a new acquaintance. Someone older, who seemed to offer him a world of promises—power, influence, money. My heart clenched with fear as I sensed the danger lurking in these seductive whispers.

I remember that day vividly, when Ryan introduced me to Vic, the older boy from the neighborhood. He carried himself with an air of authority that made my heart sink. I overheard him talking to my son with words dripping with persuasion as he spoke of "brotherhood", of protection, of the false allure of easy money. I felt helpless, watching my tender-hearted son teeter on the edge of a precipice, tempted by the empty promises this Vic painted.


Whispering fervent prayers to Jesus to take the wheel


My anguish knew no bounds. I prayed ceaselessly, my tears a constant companion as I pleaded with God to guide Ryan, to shield him from the grip of darkness. I clung to my faith, whispering fervent prayers to Jesus to take the wheel, to steer my son away from this perilous path.


As weeks turned into months, the struggle intensified. Ryan was torn between the world I desperately wanted for him to have; one filled with love and success and the one that enticed him with its false promises; the one spiraling him to into hell. There were moments of hope when he seemed to pull away, his heart still yearning for the goodness I had instilled in him. But the tendrils of the gang's influence were persistent, wrapping around him tighter with each passing day.


I remember the night when it all came to a head. A heated argument erupted between Ryan and me. His frustration and confusion poured out; his vulnerability laid bare as he grappled with the choices before him. My heart shattered as he questioned his worth, his future, and the pull of the gang that seemed to offer an escape from his insecurities.


But in that moment of despair, something changed. I don't know if it was the desperation in my voice or the echoes of my prayers, but Ryan's eyes reflected a glimmer of realization. He looked at me, tears streaming down his face, and whispered, "Mom, I'm scared. I don't want gang life, but I don't know how to escape it."


The Turning Point


That night marked a turning point. With trembling hands and a heart heavy with both fear and determination, I reached out to the community for support. We sought guidance from mentors, counselors, and local organizations committed to steering youth away from the clutches of gangs. It was a battle waged not just by me but by a village united in the fight to save our children.


I watched Ryan struggle, wrestling with his inner demons and the external pressures that threatened to consume him. It was a grueling journey, filled with setbacks and moments of doubt. But through it all, I held onto hope, to the belief that God's word and my prayers would prevail. And slowly, I witnessed a transformation. Ryan found solace in positive influences, in mentors who offered guidance and a sense of belonging without the shackles of violence and crime. He discovered his own strength, his resilience shining through as he resisted the pull of the gang's false promises.


It wasn't an easy road. There were challenges, moments when I feared we might lose him to the streets forever. But with unwavering faith and the support of a dedicated community, we held on. Ryan fought his battles, emerging stronger with each victory over temptation.

Today, as I look at my son, I see a young man filled with hope and purpose. He's found his footing, pursuing his passions and dreams with a renewed vigor. Our journey isn't over, and the scars of that tumultuous time still linger. But there's a sense of triumph, a victory not just for my son but for every parent fighting to keep their children safe from the clutches of darkness.


I've learned that prayer isn't just about asking for miracles; it's about finding the strength to endure, to persevere, and to never lose hope. Jesus didn't just take the wheel; He guided us through the storm, empowering us to overcome the trials that threatened to tear us apart.

And as I reflect on this journey, I'm filled with gratitude—for the unwavering support of the community, for the resilience of my son, and for the grace that guided us through the darkest of times. Our victory against the grip of gangs is not just a triumph for us but a testament to the power of love, faith, and unwavering determination.


We invite you to share how Jesus took the wheel in one of your life events on this post or you can send your story to yourstory@alphatumblersandcups.com and we may use it in our blog!

*This blog will not be used to debate the existence of God or the power Jesus Christ.


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