James H. Willis, III
For 2020, we are doing a 12-month summary of my book. It is filled with unbelievable personal stories of conflict from family fights, divorces, and personal insecurities to living in a tree at 15, homeless. Later, the book recounts how the Lord’s guidance put me on the path of an overcomer! From being unloved, unwanted, and uncared for to healthy, happy, and whole.
CHAPTER 2: WHY LIVE IN A TREE?
I have to tell you something important. My hero was Tarzan, king of the jungle. My friends and I were the “adventurers of the wild.” We built forts and tree houses and made swings from the vines in the trees. We had encounters with every local animal in Florida. And yes, that includes alligators.
To understand my story and the title of this book, it is important to understand where I started from. Family-wise, my life was a mess, nothing but conflicts and fighting, from verbal abuse to physical beatings from my parents and an older sister who hated me. Academically, I didn’t do very well. At the age of ten, fifth grade, I was “held back.” It was devastating to my self-image. At age 13, my parents got a divorce. The violence escalated, and we lost everything overnight.
It was when I was fifteen that two things happened that forever changed my life. First, I grew 7” and my older sister couldn’t beat me up anymore. Second, that fateful “second glance” – and now we are back to the opening of my story when I was kicked out of the house, heading somewhere, anywhere, nowhere, and I ended up at “the tree.” For six months I lived in that tree – so alone. I didn’t tell anybody – I was too embarrassed. Was I worthless, no good, a nobody? But inside me, I wanted to be a somebody.It was up to me to get out of that tree!
MY LIFE NEEDED TO TAKE FOUR LARGER THAN LIFE STEPS
First, I had to get honest with myself. I was discouraged. That was an understatement!
Second, I needed to be determined and get rid of all my excuses.
Third, I needed to be disciplined. I had to figure out how to change my values.
Fourth, I needed to be a dreamer. I had to stop all the negative stuff and choose to be positive.
These articles contain an abbreviated version of my stories. The stories will continue next month!!!
Warning…Don’t read this book….
…if you want your life to stay the same!
HOW TO GET A BOOK:
Book Cost: $20.00 – Includes tax, shipping and is personally autographed by the author.
Go to JimWillisBooks.com to order your copy.
Also, Jim is available to speak to your church or small group of any kind.
These articles are funded by: The Willis Agency, “Strategies for Successful Retirement.”
“Guaranteed Income for Life” and Medicare Maze Master
Office: 813-948-9109 • email: Jim@thewillisagency.com