I HAVE HAD HILLS TO CLIMB

Published by Shane K. Floyd, Ph.D.

To begin, I will say that in 2015, I was convicted and sentenced to an eighty-four-month sentence in a Federal Prison. It was during this time of incarceration that I was committed to my path to redemption. In my desire to not lose sight of my calling and drive to restoration, I established worship services, Bible studies, and taught G.E.D. courses to fellow inmates. Now, that I have your attention, allow me to introduce myself. I am a 70s child, the eldest of two boys, from Ohio. My parents provided a solid upbringing that was steeped in church involvement, where I was exceedingly active. It was in church that I began to develop leadership abilities, and being a part of youth groups and other organizations helped to shape and guide me. It was always my desire to attend an HBCU, and following high school, I entered Central State University, earning my Bachelor's degree with honors. Seminary followed thereafter, and while I had begun with Payne Theological Seminary, I finished with a Master of Divinity from United Theological Seminary. Upon graduation, I had my inauguration into Pastoring with the United Methodist Church, in Mid-West, Ohio, and after several years there I transferred to the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AMEC). Serving as an Associate Pastor for several years, until I was blessed with the opportunity to Pastor my first AMEC in Southern Ohio and remaining there for over five years. My second charge elevated me to higher grounds as Pastor of a larger congregation in Northern Ohio. Coincidentally, during this time, I, simultaneously, earned a Ph.D., from Miami University and entertained a professional vocation that would take me throughout my life to the present day. I have held positions from Program Directors at prestigious universities to Outreach Director of Education to increase access to high-quality education for minority and marginal students. In the Spring of 2014, I launched an internet radio talk show entitled “Reach The Masses” which engaged in a wide range of topics that were designed to impact the spiritual, emotional, physical, and mental well-being of its followers. Life was good, and I was enjoying it to the fullest until 2015 when my life took an unfortunate turn. Using my experience as a catalyst for change, I viewed it all as humbling, while understanding and embracing it as my life’s reboot. I am home now and view this experience as compared to the mythical creature known as the Phoenix. I credit my return to society as if rising from the ashes that held a life that once was and looking forward to life’s new beginning. Today, I serve as a Minister and Freelance Educational Consultant, assisting with the research and development of educational leaders. I am boldly the proud father of two sons and surrounded by loving and supportive family and friends. The Biblical words that I maintain as an anchor are found in Romans 12:2 “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” I am reminded of Warren Buffet who said "It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you'll do things differently." It is my greatest desire to do things differently, recognizing that I will take each phase of my new journey, beginning with one step at a time. Without question, I am committed to the process of rising FROM THE ASHES. View more posts