From Darkness to Light: A Sinner’s Memoir
I never chose the life that I led, nor have I sought after it. I never asked to be chosen, but at a young age, they came for me, trained me in the ways of my ancestors and gave me a new name. My identity became what they made of me. Some claimed that I was a Shaman in the order of my great-grandfather, others, a warrior like in the legends of old. They claimed it was written in my name, and that his power ran through my veins. What they didn't tell me is that in the beginning, I was pre-destined. Before the foundations of the world were laid, I was set apart. When I was in the womb, I was anointed and when I was born, prophesied over. What has been known since the beginning, was concealed from my sight until the appointed time. Babylon had her plans for me, but the plans of the Most High God prevailed! My name is Charles Gates Jr, and I am an ex-occultist, born again believer in Jesus Christ, and an anointed vessel of the Most High God. From Darkness to Light: A Sinner's Memoir is the memoir of how the Lord reached his hand into the uttermost corners of darkness to pull me out of Satan's grip. I am the first of many in a rising army that carries an anointing to usher in one of the greatest prophetic movements in history. I was born for such a time as this! You were also born for such a time as this. I am fully convinced that my story is the beginning of many others; not only the continuation of my journey, but also the beginning of yours. Find out where it all began in the first installment of my prophetic journey: From Darkness to Light: A Sinner's Memoir.
ABOUT THE POET
Born in Lebanon, Pennsylvania on October 20, 1990, Charles had a rough upbringing, moving several times per year well into his late twenties. His perception of reality has always been different than his peers, often being misunderstood and bullied as he searched for his place in the world. During his teenage years, Charles began composing music. Although he wasn't skilled at first, he developed his style by filtering his hardships, failures and search of identity into a string of poems that articulated the untold story of his life. Music helped him find poetry, and poetry led him to hope. When he was twenty-one, Charles published his poems in his first book dubbed, 'Darkness before the Dawn,' which he released in the hopes of encouraging other "black sheep" like himself to pursue their dreams, no matter the mountains that stood in their way. He has been in newspapers, radio talk shows and in book fairs, sharing his story and speaking about the importance of following your dreams.